People Washing Hands in Public Bathrooms

[DDNatureLover]

I don't have a diagnosis of OCD and don't feel that I actually have it, but there are some things that really bother me. One of those is that it seems despite all of the stories in the news about germs, diseases, and the importance of hand washing, I see more and more people skipping hand washing after using public toilets. These people aren't stepping outside of the room and then pulling hand sanitizer from their purses and using that, they're just flat out not washing their hands, then touching shopping carts, items, the pads we all touch when we pay at the cash register, etc. What I find particularly disturbing is when I've seen grandparent-aged people hurrying children along that want to wash their hands, and the grandparents tell them to skip it. I don't know what prompts this behavior, but I find it disturbing, especially the fact that they're discouraging the children from washing up. I know there are people who think the emphasis on cleanliness goes overboard, but I think in this case, it's warranted.

 

[fuzyon]

I tend to care too much about this then I would like to admit, whenever I go to a bathroom I carry a hand towel just to open and close the door. I don't obsess over germs too much and my OCD is pretty mild but it's a thing that I can't help but do. Especially at restaurants, I can't just touch a handle full of germs then go and eat my food. I don't think this is too out of bounds.

 

[Alex]

It's not a pleasant sight to see people who don't wash their hands. If there are only hand driers, I use my sleeve or gloves to open the door to leave. but I always carry wet wipes with me in case of this and use them after exiting. It's not extreme in my book, but prevention of germs and keeping yourself healthy.

 

[HappyKoi]

I always try to wash my hands after I use the toilet.  I also try to wash my hands before I eat at restaurants, especially if I'm sharing a dish with someone.  I taught my child to wash his hands after using the bathroom.  I heard of someone who was in the men's bathroom in an airport, and saw a guy do his business and not wash his hands.  He told the guy that he should probably wash his hands twice, but the guy ignored him.  So the first person followed the guy who didn't wash his hands out into the airport and yelled, "This man didn't wash his hands after using the bathroom!  Do not shake hands with this man!" I thought it was kind of funny.

 

[Choochoo]

Thoughts like this have actually made me more and more hesitant to eat at restaurants because I can't be totally sure that the people preparing and serving my food really are washing their hands thoroughly throughout the day. Most days I can still get over it or not even think about it, thankfully, but from time to time I can't help but squirm especially when the restaurant doesn't seem too modern and tidy which makes me assume the standards might not be as enforced or checked. 

 

[pwarbi]

When it comes to people washing their hands after going to the bathroom, especially for us males, I do think that this is a problem that's been around for a long time and sadly always will be in the future. Here in the UK, growing up as a man I never really bothered washing my hands after the bathroom when I was younger when I was out and about, simply because none of my friends did and I can't imagine what one of us would have said if we caught somebody doing that.


These days I do think that hygiene is taken more seriously though, and people are more aware these days of the diseases and germs they could be spreading by not washing their hands. Having said that though, even now that I'm a bit older and so DO wash my hands in public bathrooms, I still see a lot of people that don't.

 

[WorkAtHomeGal]

I do find it annoying more than anything to watch someone come out of the stall and just leave and not wash their hands. But then I think, "Well it's not like that person is going to be touching me with their dirty hands." or something or other. I try to do this type of thinking for I don't get to upset over it. I always wash my hands, especially after working at a corner store for a year and handling cash and food and such.

 

[Ania]

 I suffered from a really bad ''bout'' of OCD from ages 18 til 26.  I was completely obsessed and scared to even touch most surfaces, at home and outdoors. I avoided using public bathrooms, and never touched my face or hair util I got home and I could take a shower.  I'm doing much better now, but I still can't help but to wash my hands way to often, specially when I am not home.   I find door knobs so repulsive, I can't help but to wash my hands every time I touch one, even at home.


 So yeah... for me this is a big deal! Sadly I recently found out my soon-to-be husband rarely washes his hands... I have told him so many times to do it, but I am not so sure if he does.  I rather not think about it, it's so gross.  Hence I never let him handle my food or anything like that.  I think more than OCD... this is a matter of basic hygiene.  I have strong feelings when it comes to this... those who don't wash their hands after using the toilet are just gross!!! I stopped eating at a restaurant i liked because we caught one of the cooks not washing her hands after using the toilet.  We saw it with our own eyes. So of course I had to stop eating there!

 

[misszerable]

It's basic hygiene that should be taught at home. I do more than wash my hands restrooms, I'd also wash the faucet's handle while I'm washing my hands so the germs would not find their way back to my hands. I am teaching my son to do that though he would always report that many males don't bother at all. And yeah, the door is not spared from the spread of microbes and it's just great that in most cases, it's left open by the caretaker. I know that I have been washing my hands too frequently to the point of OCD but I'd rather do it than get sick or spread a disease,

 

[jy76]

The thought that people are not washing their hands could be incredibly creepy in regards to fast food.  Also, we have to remember they're often not getting paid very well, so how can we be sure if a few of them are taking out frustration on customers.  On the other hand, bad employees could possibly be neglecting hand washing no matter what pay they're given.