Toilets
It may seem petty or even insulting to give information on something so basic as toilet facilities. However, the different expectations of different cultures can lead to so many difficulties that it has been decided to include this.
1. Cleanliness
You can offend others using the toilet and those who have to clean it if the toilet is not left in the condition they expect.
- In Britain people expect to find a toilet almost as clean as if it were new: clean, dry seat; flushed; bowl clean; nothing on the floor. Very often, brushes are kept at the side of the toilet. It is expected that individuals will clean the bowl after use if necessary.
- Drains are efficient. Used toilet paper can and must be flushed away, not deposited in bins or on the floor.
- Paper towels must not be put in the toilet bowl; they block the pipes and cause mess.
- When you have used a toilet, you should ensure that the toilet is flushed, the seat is clean and dry and the bowl left as clean as possible. This is out of consideration to others who have to use the facilities and also out of respect to those who must clean them. In Britain, people who leave a messy toilet are sometimes judged as being dirty themselves.
- It is not the responsibility of cleaning staff to deal with other peoples’ personal waste.
2. Muslim Ablutions
Many Muslims regard the use of toilet paper as insufficient and wash after using the toilet. Facilities for this are generally not adequate in Britain so individuals should provide their own.
- You can buy wipes which are designed to use on the skin and to flush down the toilet. These are sold in supermarkets near toilet paper.
- You can carry a bottle for water for washing. Get water from the wash basin taps.
You must leave the seat and floor clean and dry for the next person.
3. Sanitary Waste (Women)
- In general, sanitary waste should not be flushed down any toilet in the University or University-owned accommodation. Special rectangular bins are provided in women’s toilets and used sanitary towels/tampons must be placed in these.
- People are offended if other people’s sanitary waste is left where it can be seen or must be moved.
- It is not the responsibility of cleaning staff to deal with other peoples’ sanitary waste.