Many Western tourists who go to India or other Asian countries feel confused when entering a traditional Indian bathroom. The absence of a toilet seat at first made it difficult for them when they wanted to have a big/small bowel. This makes it even more difficult in case of an emergency, or if they can't find toilet paper or hand soap. To avoid this kind of problem, learn how to use a squat toilet first.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Right Toilet
Step 1. Know that most bathrooms in India use squat toilets
You may have to look for a toilet seat if you are a person with a disability. Disability is receiving less attention in India and its population uses squat toilets all their lives. This can be a challenge for people who have difficulty squatting, such as pregnant women, the elderly, or people with disabilities. Until 2016, India had not been very accommodating to the needs of these groups. So, try to figure out how to minimize this problem before deciding to visit there.
- Do an internet search for toilet seats and toilets with ramps, handrails, and signs written in Braille. Check with hotel staff and city guides to find accommodation.
- Choose a place near a public space such as a railroad track. The Government of India indicated they would improve access for persons with disabilities in these locations.
- In 2016, the Inida government approved the installation of 47 new smart, handicapped-accessible toilets in public places in New Delhi. Look for the whereabouts of this toilet after construction is done.
- Children can use the same toilet as adults.
Step 2. Check the water in the bathroom
Squat toilets in India do not use toilet paper to clean themselves, but use water. Since toilet paper is not available, a spray tube or a bucket of water are the only means of cleaning oneself. Sometimes, other users use water without notice and refill the bucket.
Bathrooms are usually equipped with a spray hose for self-cleaning or a bucket of water with a dipper. If there is no water, find another toilet
Step 3. Look for soap
Hygiene standards in India are minimal. Indians use their left hand to clean themselves after defecating. If you are forced to use your hands, then you should find a toilet that provides soap for washing your hands.
Bring wet wipes, soap, or hand sanitizer in case you can't find soap. That way, in case of an emergency, you don't have to look for another bathroom
Step 4. Spray some water on the toilet floor
This step is optional, but spraying a little water before you finish will prevent your shoes from sticking to the floor and make it easier for you to flush the dirt.
Dip the dipper in the bucket or use a spray hose. To wet the floor, spray water only as needed. Don't make the floor slippery. Leave some water to clean yourself after you're done defecating
Step 5. Find a place to hang the pants
Beginners will feel more comfortable by removing the pants. Some bathrooms provide hooks for clothes, others don't. You can use pipes and other surfaces to keep clothes and other items safe.
Part 2 of 3: Using the Toilet
Step 1. Lower the pants
The safest way to prevent pants and underwear from getting wet or soiled is to take them off. Some bathrooms have hooks or places to hang clothes. If you don't have one, try to find a creative way to wrap it around a pipe or doorknob.
- You can use the squat toilet without removing your pants. Lower the pants to the knees, don't forget to roll up the bottom of the pants.
- If you're wearing a skirt, you can lift it up and hold it with your right hand.
Step 2. Position yourself directly on top of the toilet
The toilet is shaped like the letter U with a hole in the back. The correct position is the same as when you use the toilet seat. Back against the wall. Align the buttocks with the holes.
Step 3. Make sure your footing is solid
There may be a footrest on the side of the toilet. While standing, place your feet on each side of the toilet opening. If there is no footing, place your feet on each side of the toilet shoulder-width apart.
Step 4. Squat over the toilet opening
The function of the toilet is the same as the toilet seat, but there is no seat. To get into a comfortable position, bend your knees and lower your buttocks as if you were balancing your weight on your shoulders until you reach a semi-sitting position.
You may feel most comfortable with your thighs pressed together and your arms resting on your knees
Step 5. Get your business done
It helps a lot if you lower your buttocks as low as possible. Try to position your buttocks directly above the hole to avoid splashing as much as possible.
Part 3 of 3: Finishing the Need
Step 1. Wash the private area with available water
You will need about 1 liter of water for this purpose. Use a spray hose to rinse or use a scoop in the bucket. Use your right hand to splash water on the dirty area.
In India, people usually use their left hand to clean themselves. If you're using your right hand to splash the water, extend your left hand between your legs. Cup your left hand to collect water and use it to clean yourself.
Step 2. Dispose of the toilet paper in the trash
If you find toilet paper or bring your own, don't throw it down the toilet bowl. The plumbing system is not designed to handle tissue and you could clog the toilet. Some bathrooms provide trash cans and you can throw tissues there.
If there is no trash can and you use toilet paper, keep it in a plastic bag until you find a trash can to throw it away. Bring a plastic bag for this purpose if necessary
Step 3. Flush the toilet
If the toilet has a water tank, all you have to do is pull the handle. Other squat toilets have a sprinkler attached to a chain. While other toilets do not have a flushing system at all and you have to use a spray hose or a dipper and flush the dirt.
Step 4. Dry yourself
If you have towels or toilet paper, use them to dry your private parts. Do not throw the tissue in the hole because it can clog the toilet. Dispose of soiled tissue in the trash.
It helps to carry towels or tissues in a bag and a plastic bag to hold the dirty tissues until you find a trash can to throw them away
Step 5. Wash your hands with soap
Some bathrooms may provide soap. Rub hands with water. If you can't find soap, there's not much you can do. You should wash your hands with soap elsewhere.
Tips
- Wear shoes or flip-flops. Many people who used the toilet before you should not step on the toilet barefoot.
- Flush the toilet with water before using it. Wetting the surface will make it easier for you to flush the dirt off once you've finished.
- Flush the bathroom floor so that no dirt is left behind.
- Toilet paper is rarely provided in the bathroom. If you need it, carry a tissue in your bag. Available in small packaging that is practical to carry around.
- If you've never used a squat toilet, you may need to take off your pants until you get used to it. This will prevent soiling of your clothes and help you get into the right position more easily.
- You may feel awkward the first time you use the squat toilet. If you feel uncomfortable, take a deep breath and try to relax.
- Do not throw dirty tissue in the toilet hole. Throw the tissue in the trash.
