Buzz
According to Pew Research, almost a third of U.S. adults live with an additional adult in the same household. Whether it’s a partner, family member, close friend, aging parent, or a roommate from Craigslist, many people are sharing living spaces. This often includes sharing a bathroom, a space dedicated to personal hygiene and grooming. While it can feel awkward to share such an intimate area, there are ways to do so with mutual respect.
Do: Clean up after yourself and keep things tidy
It’s common courtesy to put the toilet seat down, but considerate bathroom sharers will also clean the seat if needed. Additionally, wipe toothpaste splatters off the mirror, dry any water spills on the floor, close the shower curtain to prevent mold and mildew buildup, and neatly hang towels and robes. Limited space? Install plenty of hooks to keep things organized.
Do: Keep your sink area clean and organized
If you share a sink with a roommate or little ones, it’s crucial to clear your mess from the sink’s edge. Leaving razors, medicine bottles, or cleaning supplies near toothbrushes is both unsafe and unsightly. Utilize drawers, cabinets, baskets, or shelves to create a cleaner and safer environment.
If you’re lucky enough to have a double vanity, congratulations! However, don’t forget to store your belongings properly. Research shows that clutter raises cortisol levels and harms cognitive performance.
Do: Always replace the toilet paper
We’ve all experienced the frustration of reaching for toilet paper only to find a tiny scrap left. If the roll runs out while you’re using it, take the initiative to replace it—even if you did it last time or the new roll is far away. Remember, there’s a correct way to hang it: with the paper over the roll, as recommended by the inventor and to minimize bacterial contamination.
Do: Manage your hair properly
While stray hairs are inevitable in a bathroom, considerate roommates avoid leaving large clumps in one spot. If you shave at the sink, rinse away all trimmed hairs and wipe down the countertop.
As someone with long hair, I must address this: while it’s great to collect shed hairs during a shower to prevent drain clogs, leaving them stuck to the wall or shower floor is unacceptable. Dispose of them immediately after each shower. And don’t forget to clean out the hair trapped in your brushes.
Don’t: Leave the bathroom door open
Closing the door during use is a given, but there’s more to it. If your roommate has just finished a hot shower and is enjoying the steamy warmth, don’t burst in, start your routine, and leave the door open, letting the cold air rush in. That cozy atmosphere was hard-earned through scalding water and steam—respect it.
Don’t: Use your roommate’s towel
Towels may seem soft and inviting, but they harbor a surprising amount of bacteria and dead skin cells. Sharing towels not only risks cross-contamination but also leaves someone else stranded with a cold, damp towel after their shower. Even if you forget your towel mid-shower, a good roommate will brave the trip to the linen closet for a fresh one—or at least replace the borrowed towel immediately.
Don’t: Leave a mess and act like it’s no big deal
Everyone has bodily functions, and that’s perfectly natural. However, leaving a strong odor behind without taking steps to mitigate it is inconsiderate. Use the window, turn on the fan, light a match, or spray some Poo-pourri. If there are doors to nearby rooms (or even the kitchen), close them. It’s everyone’s responsibility to protect others from unpleasant experiences.
Don’t: Hog the bathroom
Bathroom monopolizers are universally disliked. In households where multiple people share a single bathroom, creating a schedule with assigned times for each person and posting it on the door can help. For tasks that don’t require the bathroom, like dressing, applying makeup, drying hair, trimming nails, or moisturizing, set up a separate area with a mirror to free up the bathroom for essential use.
And seriously, put the toilet seat down. No one wants an unexpected plunge.
