Humidity is one of the greatest enemies of the modern bathroom.
During warm weather, a significant number of bathrooms experience a rapid increase in moisture, which leads to the growth of unsightly and dangerous mold.
This is because we are used to closing the doors of our bathrooms even when we are not using them. As a result, many people have ended up asking themselves so many questions concerning their bathrooms.
One of the questions that many people ask themselves is….
Should You Keep The Bathroom Door Open Or Closed When Not In Use?
There seems to be serious debate on whether a bathroom door should be closed or left open when not in use. The answer to be this question depends on factors such as the location of the bathroom, weather conditions and situation.
In this article, you will get two perspectives:
- the first one on why you should open your bathroom
- and the second one why you should close your bathroom when you are not using it.
Why Should You Open Your Bathroom Door When No One Is Using It? 5 Reasons
1. To Indicate Availability
One of the main reasons why you should open the door is for you to easily know when the bathroom is available for you to use it. In case the door is closed, it can be difficult to tell if there is someone inside.
- As a result, you may be forced to knock or call out before you enter inside.
- Alternatively, you might be in the bathroom and someone tries to open the door. Both experiences can be unpleasant.
However, not all people may like the idea of knocking the bathroom door to find out if someone else is inside.
2. “Social Distancing”
Additionally, it might sound more awkward for people inside to have someone knock the door, while still using it.
Thus, if you have a policy of leaving the bathroom door open when not in use you can prevent such incidents.
This is because one will be accustomed that if the door is closed, then someone is using the bathroom and if it is open, then no one is inside.
Another idea is to have a door that opens inward so that you have extra level of protection from such events.
Take an example where you visit your friend’s house for a party and you happen to see the bathroom door closed.
In such a case, you will assume that there is someone else who is using it. Other people may also have the same views.
As a result, if you wanted to use the bathroom, you may be forced to wait for some time as you wait for someone to come out.
Therefore, if the bathroom door is left open, such a situation can be avoided.
3. Mold And Mildew
It is better always close your bathroom door, especially if it does not have enough ventilation.
Remember, if you like closing your bathroom doors when you are not using, you may trap the moisture-laden stream which is produced by hot showers in your bathroom.
The moisture can then attach itself on plumbing fixtures, walls and floor. This can enable mildew or mold to form.
This is because bathrooms tend to be small and unless they are used, they tend to be completely dark.
As a result, the combination of darkness and moisture can make your bathroom the major target for mildew and mold.
4. Medical Emergencies
If someone was using a bathroom and he/she happened to have fainted or had a health complication that lead to unconsciousness, it can take longer to get assistance.
This is because it can be difficult for one to know if someone else is inside. In many cases, many people have collapsed or fainted while inside the bathroom.
However, such an issue can be minimized by leaving some space just above the floor ground, especially in public toilets.
As a result, it can be easier for any first responder to slip through the gap and unlock the door to save someone before the condition gets worse.
5. Ventilation
If you have a bathroom door, you should leave it open after you step out to allow your fan to circulate air.
This can enable your entire bathroom space including floor, walls, ceiling and shower door to dry faster.
Also, it will be easier for any odors to escape out such that you find your bathroom pleasing to use.
Imagine a case where your bathroom is not ventilated well and you close its door throughout even when you are not using it. In such a case, it can be uncomfortable to use it.
In case your bathroom does not have a fan, you can take advantage of your windows and door to allow steam to escape.
If the weather conditions of your area permits, you can leave your bathroom open after you exit.
Additionally, if you have a well-decorated bathroom, you can leave it open to attract your visitors, especially if it is situated where visitors can see it.
As a result, the bathroom should not be closed as it can indicate that we are ashamed of having this facility in our houses.
Related: Can You Wash Dishes In The Bathroom?
Why Should Your Door Be CLOSED WHEN NOT IN USE? 5 Reasons
1. Winter
It can be better to always close the bathroom door, especially during winter season. This is because if you open the door even when you are not using it can make your house colder.
As a result, you may be forced to use air conditioning equipment to make your house warmer.
Usually, many bathrooms have windows which allow natural light to enter, especially during daytime.
In case your bathroom window can open safely, you can consider opening it as a ventilation device when you are not using it.
However, if your window cannot open fully due to blockage by an object, or is small, you can consider closing it when not in use. However, in this case, you must do the following.
2. Use Exhaust Fans
Installing a high- quality exhaust fan can assist in removing large amounts of humid and warm air out of your bathroom.
Fans can also get rid off unpleasant odors such as cleaning supplies.
This can assist you and your family to breath high-quality air when indoors. They can also assist in removing harmful bacteria and contaminants from air.
3. Bacteria And Bugs
If you leave your bathroom door open, bacteria or germs can enter in your entire rooms.
As a result, they may contact your food or cause illness. This is because, even if you clean your toilet regularly, you cannot eliminate bacteria and germs from your bathroom.
Additionally, mosquitoes can get into your room if you leave the bathroom door open. You can imagine how disturbing it can be to see some mosquitoes and other insects hovering all over your house.
4. Toddlers
If you have toddlers, it is better that you close the bathroom door even if you are not using it.
This is because children especially the preschool one, may tamper with many of the things that you have in the house.
Many of them may end playing or dirtying the toilet, thinking that it is a playground.
In some cases, children might tamper with the bathroom facilities such as taps or sinks. Unless you are around so that you can warn them.
5. Pets
Additionally, if you have pets, they might enter into your bathroom. Sometimes they might make some accidents such as urinating inside your bathroom.
Therefore, if you wish to avoid such issues, you should close your bathroom door.
If you are alone in a well ventilated, you can close the door of your bathroom.
This is because once you wish to use the bathroom, you will be sure that nobody else is inside. Even if you are with your partner, you will be sure when the bathroom is not in use.
Bathroom Etiquette To Svoid Embarrassment
When you are in a public bathroom, you should avoid pushing the door. This is because someone might miss the latch or the door lock might not be working.
It might be better if you knock the door to confirm if someone is inside. In case there is someone else, you can go and wait for some time.
As a result, you may avoid embarrassing the person inside. Just imagine a situation where you open the door and you find someone almost naked. In such a case, it might be awkward.
It is crucial to close the door when you are using the bathroom. This can prevent someone from accidentally walking it while you are inside.
Conclusion
Finally, a bathroom is an essential facility.
In case you do not have a fan or bathroom window and you are not ready to invest in them, the best option is to leave your bathroom door closed when you are not using it.
If you have a window and fan in your bathroom, you can take advantage of them to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
The best option can be to keep the door open even if you use your fan.