How to use a western toilet

You learn how to use the toilet at a young age, but depending on your region, you might only have access to a squat toilet. Having to learn how to use a Western commode can, understandably, be difficult if you’ve never used one before. But thanks to Harpic, you can learn exactly how to use a Western toilet as well as the benefits it may bring.

The differences of a western style toilet and a squat toilet

There are a few differences between a Western toilet and a squat toilet. The western toilet is more of a seat or a chair, which you sit on and do not squat on. These types of toilets are not designed to be stood or squatted on and are known to break if you do.

A Western toilet has a toilet tank attached directly to the toilet bowl, which is full of water and then, when flushed, removes any human waste. Attached to the bowl is the toilet seat and the lid.

Another noticeable difference is that Western toilets should have toilet paper near-by, either on the wall or on a toilet roll holder on the floor.

Toilet paper is used to get rid of any excess waste left over. When you’re finished, the toilet paper needs to be thrown in the dustbin and not in the toilet bowl to avoid blocking.

It can be hard to adjust to a new toilet, so follow this step-by-step guide for easy and comfortable use:

1. Sit directly onto the toilet seat – do not stand or squat on it.
2. Use the toilet paper provided to wipe away excess waste and throw it in the dustbin.
3. Flush the toilet with your hand to remove waste from the toilet. If the flush does not work, speak to the toilet attendant when in a public place.
4. Use the sink to wash only your hands. Apply soap and wash your hands for 20 seconds.

Public toilet etiquette

Now that you know how to safely use a western toilet, here are some equally important rules for when we use public toilets (such as the ones in an office or a restaurant):

1. Always leave the toilet cubicle clean and tidy for the next person who uses it.
2. Lock the toilet door properly when you are inside.
3. If you think someone is in the toilet, wait until they are finished. Do not peer under the or over the door.
4. If you make a mess on the toilet seat, wipe it up with toilet paper and throw the paper in the dustbin.
5. Do not leave the tap running after you have washed your hands – it wastes water.
6. Dry your hands with paper towels and put them in the dustbin once you’re finished.
7. Seek assistance from the toilet attendant if the toilet is dirty.

Using the toilet properly improves hygiene quality in your home, but it can take a while to get used to. Knowing how to properly and safely use both a Western toilet and a squat toilet can come in handy when you’re faced with a situation where you have access to only one