How to Use a Squat Toilet

Using a squat toilet can be an entirely new experience for most Westerners. Those who live outside areas where this type of toilet is common are often unfamiliar with its shape, design, and unique usage. Before you encounter a squat toilet, it's helpful to understand how to use it properly and avoid any potential issues or mishaps.

Handle Your Clothing First Before sitting down, squatting, and using the squat toilet, you need to manage your clothes. Just like when using a Western-style toilet, you need to remove your clothing before you can go. However, squat toilets might be tricky for beginners still wearing pants.

• If you're new to squat toilets, it's best to remove both your pants and underwear.
• If you feel comfortable with the squatting position, you can try leaving your pants on and just pull them down to your ankles.

Stand over the toilet bowl. Once you've adjusted your clothing in the way that feels most comfortable, you need to position yourself correctly on the toilet. Stand over the squat toilet and place your feet on either side. This way, you'll be able to determine your position accurately as you get ready to squat.

• Face the right direction, looking forward toward the lid of the toilet if there is one.
• If possible, try positioning yourself closer to the lid.
• Avoid squatting directly over the hole to prevent any water splashing back while using it.

Squat down onto the toilet. After positioning yourself correctly, you can squat down. Bend your knees and gently lower your body into the squatting position. Your knees should face upward, and your bottom should be directly over the toilet bowl.

• Squat down, aligning your bottom level with your ankles and close to the toilet.
• If squatting is difficult, try hugging your knees to help stabilize the position.

Go to the bathroom. While squatting, this is your time to relax and let nature take its course. Although the process is not much different from using a Western-style toilet, squatting has been shown to be more beneficial for the body during bowel movements. Simply relax and do what you need to do.

Clean yourself up. Once you've finished using the toilet, it's important to clean yourself properly. In many places that use squat toilets, toilet paper is not provided, and you must rely on your hand, a bidet, or a water basin. Look around the restroom to identify the available cleaning options.

• Most water basins have a small scoop. Use the scoop to pour water as you clean the area with your hand.
• You can use a bidet for the same purpose as the water basin and scoop. Spray water and use your hand to clean the area.
• It’s possible to bring your own toilet paper, but many toilets cannot handle paper, which can clog the pipes.

Dispose of used toilet paper properly. If you use toilet paper to clean up after using the toilet, it’s important to dispose of it correctly. Not all plumbing systems are designed to handle toilet paper, and improper disposal can cause serious damage to the system. Always make sure to dispose of toilet paper in the designated spot after use.

• If there’s a trash bin near the squat toilet, it is likely intended for used toilet paper.

Flush the squat toilet. Some places may have a lever for flushing, similar to Western toilets. However, many toilets may not have this mechanism, and you’ll need to flush manually and clean up after yourself. Always ensure the toilet is clean for the next person.

• Use a backup bucket of water to make sure all waste is flushed down the toilet.
• You can also use a foot pedal to flush the squat toilet.
• It’s a good idea to use a nearby brush to scrub any foot marks on the sides of the toilet.