Download Article
Download Article
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 53 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time.
wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 12 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.
This article has been viewed 1,274,390 times.
Learn more...
Using a squat toilet can be a new experience for most westerners. The unfamiliar shape, style and method of use are largely unknown to those who live outside areas where these toilets are the preferred style. Before you encounter a squat toilet it can help to learn exactly how to properly use it, allowing you to avoid any issues or problems.
Steps
-
Decide what to do with your pants. Before you can make use of a squat toilet you will need to deal with your clothes. Similar to using a western toilet which is sat on, you have to get your clothes out of the way before you can get to business. Squat toilets can be difficult for a beginner who is still wearing their pants.[1]
- If you are new to squat toilets, it can be a good idea to fully remove your pants and underwear.
- If you are comfortable with squatting, you can try to leave your pants on, simply lowering them to your ankles.
-
Stand over the squat toilet. Once you have dealt with your pants in a way that you are most comfortable with, you will need to get into position over the toilet. Stand over the toilet with one foot on each side. Positioning yourself over the toilet in this way will allow you to be properly lined up when you begin to squat.[2]
- Face the right way, looking towards the hood of the squat toilet if it is present.
- Try to position yourself closer to the hood if possible.
- Avoiding squatting directly over the hole as this can splash water back up when using the toilet.
Advertisement -
Squat down. After having lined yourself up directly over the toilet you can squat down. Bend at the knees and gently lower yourself down into a deep squat. Your knees will be pointing straight up and your bottom should be directly over the toilet.[3]
- Squat all the way down, positioning your bottom at about ankle level, close to the toilet.
- If the squat is a difficult position for you, try hugging your knees for support.
-
Do your business. Once in the squat position it's time to relax and let nature take its course. Although this step isn't very different from using a western toilet, it has been demonstrated that squatting during a bowel movement can make it easier on the body. Just relax and do what you need to do.
-
Clean up. Once you are all done using the squat toilet it is time to clean up. Many places that use squat toilets may not use toilet paper, using instead a sprayer or a pot of water and your hand. Look around the squat toilet to find which method has been made available to you.
- Most pots of water will have a small ladle. Splash water using the ladle while wiping the area with your hand.
- Using a sprayer is the same idea as the water pot and ladle. Spray water and wipe the area clean with your other hand.
- You can bring toilet paper with you. However, many toilets may be unable to flush paper without clogging.
-
Dispose of waste paper properly. If you used toilet paper to clean up after using the squat toilet, you will need to properly dispose of it. Not all plumbing systems are equipped to deal with flushing toilet paper and it can cause serious damage to those systems. Always properly dispose of your toilet paper once you are done using a squat toilet.[4]
- If there is a trash bin near the squat toilet, chances are it is intended for used toilet paper.
-
Flush the squat toilet. Some squat toilets will have a handle and will flush like a western style toilet. However, many may not have this feature and you are still required to flush and clean up after you have used the toilet. Always leave the squat toilet looking clean for the next person.[5]
- Use the water bucket provided to make sure any waste is flushed down the toilet.
- There may be a foot pedal that can be used to flush the squat toilet.
- If there is a brush nearby use it to wipe away any footprints you may have left on the sides of the toilet.
Community Q&A
-
QuestionPublic restrooms with squat toilets sometimes don't give a lot of privacy because they are wide open to other people in the restroom. That's not a problem if I need to pee, but what if I need to poop?
Community AnswerGo quickly and be discreet. I always bring a sweater to place over my crotch area to cover my private parts while going. Understand that this is a normal part of life. Everyone looks the same going, so don’t be embarrassed. -
QuestionWhat do I use to dry myself after using the spray or bucket?
Community AnswerIf you brought some, toilet paper. You can also bring a small towel that you use just for drying and keep it in a large Ziploc bag in your backpack, purse, etc. -
QuestionWhat if I fall in that hole?
Community AnswerYou cannot fall in the hole, as it is usually too small to fall down. Just be careful not to fall in your own waste.
Tips
-
Bring some toilet paper with you as you travel. Not all toilets have publicly available toilet paper and some charge money for it. It can be helpful to carry wet-wipes (like baby wipes) as you may only need one. Whether using toilet paper or wet-wipes, be sure to fold them so that all waste is enclosed before discarding them in a bin.Thanks
-
Look for a waste-bin before flushing toilet paper. Not all plumbing can flush toilet paper and sometimes it is thrown away in the waster bin instead.Thanks
-
Hug your knees for extra support when squatting.Thanks
Tips from our Readers 
- If new to squat toilets, practice squatting naked in the shower at home to get a feel for the position.
- It's a good idea to keep your shoes on for stability and hygiene when using a squat toilet.
- Rest on your heels when squatting rather than balancing on your toes for stability.
- If necessary for balance, hold onto the hood of the squat toilet.
References
About This Article
To use a squat toilet, first decide whether you want to remove your pants or lower them to your ankles. If you’re new to squat toilets, it might be easier to take them off completely so they don’t get in the way. Once you’re ready, stand over the toilet with one foot on each side. Try not to squat directly over the hole since water could splash back up when you pee. Instead, position yourself closer to the hood of the toilet if possible. When you’re lined up, bend your knees and lower yourself down into a deep squat. You can also hug your knees if it’s difficult for you to stay in this position. After you’re in a squat, just relax and do your business. Don’t forget to clean up when you’re done, using whatever is available like a pot and ladle, sprayer, or flush. For more help, including where to face when using a squat toilet, scroll down!
Reader Success Stories
-
"We travelled to Pakistan. We don't know how to use those toilets. The floor's too filled with water. Then a person who helped me said to remove the underwear outside the door and I removed my shirts too, to avoid the mess. I am a bit scared because I am completely naked. After doing my job peacefully. It's very comfortable after 3 days. Initially little trouble on bending knees. After it's easy. That person also helped me to wash my bum. It's beautiful country with beautiful people."..." more
