# What is the mentality of people who use disposable toilet seat covers? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 30, 2009, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663 "2009-01-30T02:14:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![One\_And\_Only\_Wanderers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/838e76/32.png) [@One\_And\_Only\_Wanderers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/One_And_Only_Wanderers)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/41 "2009-01-30T16:15:42Z")
I was at a hotel in Cuijk, and after you had performed your business and stood up, a sensor activated and the entire toilet seat rotatred round under some kind of disinfectant doohickey. Surprised the hell out of me the first time. ---
**Author:** ![kushiel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbce88/32.png) [@kushiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kushiel)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/42 "2009-01-30T16:31:48Z")
I never saw a seat cover in my life until I went on vacation in the States. Took me a while to figure out what the box in every single bathroom had in it…didn’t use them though. Never occurred to me to use them because I don’t use them here, and I figure American bums can’t be any more dirty than Canadian ones. ---
**Author:** ![Nzinga\_Seated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5ac83/32.png) [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/43 "2009-01-30T17:22:40Z")
Go into a bathroom. Look at the seat. See some droplets of pee. Takes tissue and wipe it off droplets. Sit down and Pee. Wash hands. Done. Easy. I love how everyone does the whole toilet cover ritual. Then they come back to work and touch, touch, touch everything. One supervisor I know has these ridiculous long nails, and I am always watching her lean all over everyone’s desk, typing on their keyboards, shaking hands, grabbing pens and computer mice, and I am always thinking, ‘The same woman that is spreading her microscopic fecal matter all over the damn place is the same type to carefully cover the sterile urine droplets with a toilet cover.’ ---
**Author:** ![Nzinga\_Seated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5ac83/32.png) [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/44 "2009-01-30T17:31:55Z")
Missed edit window. Meant to say; ETA: I usually read Jack Batty’s posts better than that. On preview, I guess he already said what I just said. ETA: part 2. Dammit, I see lots of folks have already said what I said. Sorry guys. I’m at work, not paying proper attention. ---
**Author:** ![shijinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@shijinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shijinn)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/45 "2009-01-30T17:39:06Z")
> [@Meyer6](#): > > Sure, but the reason to wash your hands is so that you don’t transfer the germies on to food/into your mouth/onto other people. If you are doing any of those things with your butt, well…I’m not sure if I’m disgusted or impressed. nope. have you seen how some people ‘wash’ their hands like it’s magic water (that works under 3 seconds) and be all freaked out about the door knob? for most people hygiene is not about logic. \* while we’re talking about logic, i don’t quite see the point of having toilet seats, as opposed to squat toilets, in public. with all the yuck factor why would you want to share the seat with everyone else? why have seats in the first place? how long do you intend to stew in a public toilet? (questions not intended for the disabled etc) if you go the way nature designed you to, there’ll be less fuss all around. * * * - because if it is, you’ll end up like Hannelore and freak out at the thought of sex. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/46 "2009-01-30T18:11:28Z")
> [@Marlitharn](#): > > A place I used to work had had little disinfectant dispensers on the stall walls, and clearly printed instructions to squirt some on a wad of toilet paper and use it to wipe off the seat before sitting down, if you were so inclined. It dried instantly and you could put your ass down on a sparkling clean and germ-free surface. Man, I loved those things; I wish every bathroom had them, much more efficient and easy to deal with than those stupid paper ass-gaskets. in a word, kitchen cleaning wipes … take a few out of the cannister, zip into a zippy baggie, toss in the purse. Wipe the seat down, quick dry it with a bit of toilet paper, and sparkly clean toilet seat. In my office there is at least one stand and sprinkler that I know of directly … thankfully I telecommute and only go into the office once or at most twice a month, and I now use the handicapped bathroom [a separate little bathroom of its own, has a keyfob door button thingy so it is used by handicapped and not just anybody who may not need it. Nothing like a nongimp using the gimp bathroom when a gimp really _really_ needs to GO NOW. [sometimes it can take a bit for me to actually gimp my way to a bathroom …] ---
**Author:** ![Dripping](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d2c977/32.png) [@Dripping](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dripping)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/47 "2009-01-30T19:14:08Z")
Way back before I joined, I vaguely recall reading a thread here (like maybe 2 years ago) on the whole “hovering” subject. Or maybe it was a thread about filthy bathrooms at work. 😕 Anyway, there was a woman who posted about teaching her daughters to hover as well and defending the practice…I wish I could find the thread, she said some really weird shit. Anyone recall that? p.s. sorry about my username :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/48 "2009-01-30T19:17:25Z")
Sounds familiar. I do believe the phrase “prehensile rectum” had been bandied about at one point. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/49 "2009-01-30T19:26:14Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > Sounds familiar. > > I do believe the phrase “prehensile rectum” had been bandied about at one point. Ohh, that WAS a good thread. Some prisoner actually had one IIRC. Though I dont think he could actually peel bannanas with it or anything. ---
**Author:** ![Dripping](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d2c977/32.png) [@Dripping](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dripping)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/50 "2009-01-30T19:27:08Z")
Found it! [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=408156&highlight=daughters+hover](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=408156&highlight=daughters+hover) Quote: \* " I would never sit on a public toilet seat and the thought of letting my little girl put her tushy on something that strangers with unknown hygiene habits have planted their’s makes me shudder. I don’t care if it has been cleaned within two hours. During that time, who knows who has sat on that seat. That being said, I **try** to be aware to wipe off any urine ending up on the seat when I am balancing over the bowl. "\* Bolding mine. “try to be aware”?? :rolleyes: So this is an example of a woman who does hover and spray piss all over. Hmm. I feel sorry for this woman’s child, she’ll end up just as prissy and anal (lol) as her silly mother. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/51 "2009-01-30T19:27:42Z")
An oldy but goody: If you can’t tinkle without a sprinkle, SIT YOUR ASS DOWN! 🙂 It works for both sexes too. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/52 "2009-01-30T21:10:50Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > then go give the hot-girl in receiving a big smooch behind the warehouse. > > And we all know how dirty a smooch there can be. Wait, what is “the warehouse” a euphemism for? ---
**Author:** ![Small\_Hen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ad7895/32.png) [@Small\_Hen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_Hen)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/53 "2009-01-30T21:27:24Z")
> [@shijinn](#): > > nope. have you seen how some people ‘wash’ their hands like it’s magic water (that works under 3 seconds) and be all freaked out about the door knob? for most people hygiene is not about logic. \* > > while we’re talking about logic, i don’t quite see the point of having toilet seats, as opposed to squat toilets, in public. with all the yuck factor why would you want to share the seat with everyone else? why have seats in the first place? how long do you intend to stew in a public toilet? (questions not intended for the disabled etc) if you go the way nature designed you to, there’ll be less fuss all around. > > * * * > > - because if it is, you’ll end up like Hannelore and freak out at the thought of sex. Because we’ve been sitting down to urinate/deficate for centuries now (I assume. I’m not up on the history of toilets) and it’s cultural. Besides, I’ve heard that you get similar problems in cultures with squat toilets, such as a big turd right where you’re supposed to plant your feet. Out of curiosity, how do the disabled use the bathroom in a squat toilet culture? Do they have special seats or something? ---
**Author:** ![Meyer6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@Meyer6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meyer6)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/54 "2009-01-30T21:30:06Z")
> [@shijinn](#): > > nope. have you seen how some people ‘wash’ their hands like it’s magic water (that works under 3 seconds) and be all freaked out about the door knob? for most people hygiene is not about logic. While I agree with you that the average persons handwashing practice is probably woefully inadequate (myself likely included), I’m not sure why you say ‘nope’. Whether or not people do it properly, the purpose of washing your hands is still to avoid germ transfer into your mouth or onto other people. My butt doesn’t transfer anything, so I’m not worried about giving it scrub after every trip to the john. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/55 "2009-01-30T21:33:44Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > Wait, what is “the warehouse” a euphemism for? It’s a big building where they store things, but that isn’t important right now. Jeez, your mind is in the gutter. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dazzling_White_Diamonds)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/56 "2009-01-30T22:36:49Z")
My mother was _ **forever** _ trying to teach me how to hover piss. That’s one lesson that I’m proud to say never stuck. ETA: That means I sit my big ol’ booty down on the seat to do my business. **Not** that I piss all over the place. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/57 "2009-01-30T23:26:25Z")
This just seems odd. It’s my butt. It isn’t exactly pristine to begin with, and shortly after I sit down it is going to even less so. As long as there aren’t visible poo chunks, I don’t see the need. Of course, I am a pointer rather than a setter, so maybe that is the distinction. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![levdrakon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/58 "2009-01-30T23:44:49Z")
Is this “hover piss” an actual term/technique parents teach their daughters? As a guy, “hover piss” is meaningless. There have been a few times in my life where I found myself in a porta-potty outdoors and no way was I gonna actually sit on the filth all over the place, so had to “hover poo” although I wasn’t ever taught the term or anything. In the army we were issued what was called an entrenching tool (a small shovel), but it wasn’t used for digging trenches. It was mainly for digging a hole in the ground to poop in when you were in the field. Even in the Army we didn’t have a term for squatting and doing your business, other than basically “squatting.” ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2009, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/59 "2009-01-30T23:48:11Z")
> [@Rigamarole](#): > > What is the mentality of people who DON’T use disposable toilet seat covers? Ick. They’re impractical, uncomfortable and unnecessary. Your sweaty ass is probably more germ-laden than a piece of plastic after it has been wiped. What surprises me most of all is how all these germophobes manage to function with the ‘ick’ of _their own bodies_. ---
**Author:** ![Dripping](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d2c977/32.png) [@Dripping](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dripping)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2009, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663/60 "2009-01-31T00:23:19Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > They’re impractical, uncomfortable and unnecessary. Not to mention expensive, toilet-clogging and idiotic. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mentality-of-people-who-use-disposable-toilet-seat-covers/483663.md?page=4)