How To: Six Things You're Definitely Doing Wrong in the Restroom—As Proven by Science

Let's take a minute and talk about something you're doing wrong — using the restroom. Many view the subject as improper or even taboo, but why?

Thanks to your upbringing, you've assumed you know the basics... But you don't. Avoiding discussion on the subject has led many of us to unwittingly interact incorrectly during our private time with our old friend, Jon.

Fortunately our nation's best and brightest college students have been looking into our sanitary habits. Now, they've come away with the surprising conclusion that most of us have been doing it wrong our entire lives.

1. You're Not Pooping Properly

Think your porcelain throne is comfy? Or do you take your dumps squatting down outside like an animal? If you prefer to shit in the woods, then you've got it right! Our routine pooping practices are all wrong here in America, and it may actually be affecting your health.

According to a Stanford study this is how to poop properly.

2. That Flap Actually Does Something

If you have been ripping out that flap on your toilet cover, then you're missing out. The correct placement requires leaving the flap and placing the connected portion to the front end of the bowl, where it is less likely to sink and more likely to prevent genitalia-to-bowl contact. It also ensures that after a flush, the water will pull the cover down automatically, no touching required.

3. Toilet Paper Is Just for Dingleberries

The dry-wipe method is the most prevalent method in America and the number one way to have an itchy, dirty butt. Using paper, in general, has the least success of removing all of the bacteria left behind in your behind, but if you have to, make sure you wipe from front to back to avoid any feces making contact with your genitalia.

Washing your ass is the most sanitary practice. There are countless butt-washing mechanisms used all over the world, but the most well-known is a bidet. Bidets are not only more sanitary but better for the welfare of our environment and could be the new trend moving forward. But not everyone has a bidet or bucket of water handy, so take a look at this portable and discrete Anus Rinse tool that efficiently does exactly what its name implies.

4. Your Plunger Is Not for Toilets

Everyone has seen the prototypical plunger. It's red with a wooden handle and is the cheapest one you can get. But, this flat-bottomed plunger isn't for heavy loads—it's designed for unclogging sinks.

To unclog a toilet, you will need a flange plunger. The design of the plunger effectively seals the hole at the bottom of a toilet bowl, unlike a standard cup shaped plunger used for sinks.

5. Think Your Handwashing Is Good Enough?

You took a poop and washed your hands, you're so much better than most people. No, you're not. According to the CDC , the proper way requires scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. If you feel dirty, you should. In a study conducted at UT Tyler, students were asked to rub germ glow on their hands, wash them like they normally would, then observed their hands under a UV light afterwards. Students were shocked with their results as it seemed like they never washed their hands at all. Another study at the University of Michigan concluded, after observing over 3,000 people in public restrooms, 95% of them didn't wash their hands nearly long enough to remove the germs and bacteria.

Hand washing is one of our first lines of defense when it comes to sickness and disease, so it looks like most of us could use a refresher course.

6. Air Dry for More Bacteria

You might as well not even wash your hands. Those air dryers you love are helping the environment, but they're not doing anything for your hands. Studys by the Mayo Clinic have shown that paper towels reduce the amount of bacteria on the hands while air dryers increased the amount of bacteria.

Chances are you've been doing most of these things incorrectly. But fret not. From now on, you can step into the restroom with the confidence of a (wo)man with science on your side.