Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Better Life

How to pick the cleanest stall in a public toilet

Is the first or last stall the cleanest? - by Laura Barry
  • 29 Apr 2019
How to pick the cleanest stall in a public toilet

If we’re going to be honest, no one particularly enjoys having to use a public bathroom. They’re often unkempt, dirty and have a less-than-pleasant odour. However, new research has revealed that there is one stall in every public bathroom that is cleaner than the rest.

Dr. Mehmet Oz wrote on healthcare website Sharecare that ‘experts theorize people tend to skip the first stall in favour of stalls farther back into the restroom to get a little more privacy’.

A recent study also discovered that people tend to choose the middle stalls in a restroom due to a phenomenon scientists call ‘centrality preference’. The theory found that when presented with a range of options, people tend to choose something in the middle, be it a middle stall or a selection of objects.

public toilet
Getty

Therefore, the middle and last stalls in a public bathroom are pretty much guaranteed to be the dirtiest, while the stall closest to the door usually contains less bacteria.

If you’re really trying to avoid germs, remember to wet and wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, and do not put your purse or belongings on the floor.

You might also like:

This is the best public toilet in Australia 

Why you should never put toilet paper on a public toilet seat 

This is the right way to hang toilet paper 

  • Health
  • Better Life
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

The key to happiness is simpler than you think

The key to happiness is simpler than you think

Study finds working overtime can increase your risk of stroke

Study finds working overtime can increase your risk of stroke

Science says you aren’t an adult until you’re 30

Science says you aren’t an adult until you’re 30

How to tell the difference between a cold and the flu

How to tell the difference between a cold and the flu

{headline}

{headline}

The best diets of 2020 have been named

The best diets of 2020 have been named

Living by the water makes you healthier, happier and calmer

Living by the water makes you healthier, happier and calmer

Research reveals 30-year-olds get the worst hangovers

Research reveals 30-year-olds get the worst hangovers

{headline}

{headline}

Urgent food recall: Coles, Woolworths, IGA Sriracha Chilli sauce

Urgent food recall: Coles, Woolworths, IGA Sriracha Chilli sauce

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

The 4 most common Christmas injuries

The 4 most common Christmas injuries

Women sleep better with their dog beside them

Women sleep better with their dog beside them

Poisoning by essential oils is on the rise

Poisoning by essential oils is on the rise

Dangerous superbugs found in makeup and popular makeup sponge

Dangerous superbugs found in makeup and popular makeup sponge

Study finds SA residents swear more than any other Australian

Study finds SA residents swear more than any other Australian

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription