Frustration Grows Over Lack of Public Bathroom Etiquette in Singapore

A Singaporean man took to social media to express his frustration over poor restroom etiquette, specifically urging public toilet users to refrain from “flicking water on others” after washing their hands. The post, shared on the r/askSingapore forum, detailed an unpleasant encounter at a popular shopping mall restroom, where the individual witnessed another user flicking water onto the floor and onto his leg after washing his hands.

In his post, the man wrote: “Some guy was hogging one of the sinks, honking away with his nose, squeezing, spitting, and making all kinds of awful noises. When he finished, he gave his hands a perfunctory wash, and then flicked the water onto the floor and my leg despite the fact that I was standing two sinks away. I really hate it when people flick their disgusting water onto their surroundings. Truly a cleaned city not a clean city.”

He then asked his fellow Singaporeans, “What’s your public toilet pet peeve?” The post quickly sparked a conversation about bathroom habits, with many sharing their own frustrations.

One user responded, acknowledging the challenge of cleanliness around the world. “Honestly, if you travel around the world, you’ll find that yes, it’s too much to ask for. As bad as it gets sometimes, I’m glad that at least in SG the toilets are pretty clean in general – even if they are cleanED and not clean in general due to good civic manners.”

Other Redditors also voiced their bathroom complaints. One user highlighted the annoyance of people missing the toilet bowl, causing urine or feces to splatter on the seat and floor. Another common gripe involved individuals failing to flush, with some people disregarding basic restroom etiquette despite its importance for communal consideration.

Several users also complained about smokers using restroom cubicles, which they felt posed health risks to others. Additionally, improper waste disposal—such as throwing trash into urinals or washbasins—was another shared frustration that made it difficult for cleaning staff to maintain a hygienic environment.

A final grievance highlighted was people occupying sinks simply to use the mirror or wait for others, blocking others from washing their hands. “People who stand in front of the sink only to use the mirror. Doing makeup or something and refusing to move even when there are people waiting to wash their hands. MOVE! I need to wash my hands,” one user quipped.

In light of these discussions, a few users suggested tips for better bathroom etiquette. According to etiquette expert Sharon Schweitzer, one should avoid using the next stall to maintain privacy and not occupy the handicapped stall unless necessary, as it denies access to those who truly need it.