In today's modern world, the commonness of toilets equipped with a toilet seat, also known as a WC seat, is far from surprising. You can find these in a variety of public places including hotels, shopping malls, airports, and more, providing convenience and comfort for visitors.
However, for individuals accustomed to squat toilets, the transition to using a toilet seat may pose a bit of a challenge. It's a sentiment I can relate to, having felt more at ease using a squat toilet rather than a seated one. With time and familiarity, though, any initial discomfort gradually subsided.
Now, if you're among those still grappling with the shift to a toilet seat, allow me to guide you on its proper usage. Many people misuse these facilities, leading not only to their own discomfort, but also to rapid deterioration and potential harm to themselves and other users. Here are some steps to ensure you're using it correctly:
Begin by lifting the toilet lid. Beneath the lid, you will typically find another layer, the toilet seat. If you find it comfortable, there's no need to lift the seat.
On the other hand, if you find the seat a bit cramped for comfort, simply lift the seat as well and utilize the toilet without it. Essentially, you should adjust it based on your comfort when sitting.
Next, proceed to sit on the toilet for whatever purpose it serves you, be it for defecation or urination. It's vital to remember that you should only sit on the toilet seat; squatting, standing, or assuming any other precarious positions could risk your safety.
If you find the toilet seat unclean, don't hesitate to clean it first using water and tissue before sitting. If you're still unsure about its cleanliness, you can create a protective layer by placing toilet paper, usually provided nearby, on the seat.
Once you've finished, it's essential to flush the toilet by activating the flush button. These buttons can come in various forms, depending on the toilet model. Here's a brief overview of some of the different types of flush buttons:
The single flush button is the most common and typically found on the toilet tank. To operate, simply press the button once, allowing water to flow. Then, let go and wait for the water to stop flushing on its own.
This button type, also situated on the toilet tank, is divided into two parts: a small and a larger button. The smaller one is for flushing lighter waste or liquids, while the larger one is for flushing denser waste.
To conserve water, use the buttons according to their designated functions. The smaller button uses about three liters of water, while the larger one uses approximately six liters. Therefore, if you've only urinated, use the smaller button.
Some toilets, especially on trains or planes where space is a premium, have the flush buttons mounted on the wall instead of the tank. These can be either a single button or two, and their operation is identical to the tank-mounted flush buttons.
Instead of buttons, some toilets feature a lever to trigger the flushing mechanism. This lever is usually positioned next to the water tank for easy access. To use it, pull the lever down until water flushes from the tank, then release and wait for the water to stop.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure not only your own comfort and safety but also the longevity of these public facilities. After all, knowing how to properly use a toilet seat is a basic yet crucial life skill that benefits everyone.
Following the use of a toilet, it's imperative to maintain hygiene by cleaning your body and genital area. In many places, such as Indonesia, toilets are commonly fitted with a jet shower or bidet sprayer, eliminating the need to rely solely on toilet paper for cleanliness.
The jet shower is typically mounted at the side of the toilet for easy reach. Here's a simple guide on how to use it:
Jet showers are known for their high water pressure. Therefore, secure your grip to prevent the water from splashing around. Furthermore, gradually apply pressure to the trigger to modulate the water strength according to your preference.
In instances where a jet shower isn't available, some toilets (especially ones in Asia) provide a bidet as an alternative. A bidet is a plumbing fixture that sprays water upwards from beneath the toilet seat, targeting your anus or genital area. Here's how to use it:
It's worth noting that bidets come with varied control mechanisms ranging from rotary knobs to simple push buttons. However, the rotary knob model is most commonly used, as mentioned above.
After using the toilet, ensure you return it to its original state. Dispose of any waste materials like used tissues or sanitary napkins in the bin provided. Remember, refraining from flushing any solid waste in the toilet prevents potential blockages.
Mastering the use of a toilet seat isn't rocket science! This guide aims to assist those who might be unfamiliar with its use, particularly when navigating public facilities such as hotels, shopping malls, or other public spaces.
The basic rule of thumb is to maintain cleanliness, prioritize hygiene, and respect the next user by leaving the facility in the same state, or better, than you found it.
