Why do German toilets have a shelf?

Advantages: Energy costs in Germany are much higher than in the United States, which includes the cost of water. Therefore, the shelf toilets were designed to use much less water than their American counterparts - hence the shelf.

What is the purpose of a shelf toilet?

Well, we can thank the Germans. The purpose of the shelf is inspection. You're meant to look at the consistency, shape, color, abnormalities, etc. before flushing, and then hope that the rush of water cleans the shelf enough – otherwise, that's what the brush is for.

What is the shelf on a German toilet called?

German toilets are therefore different and are called 'shelf toilets' or 'shelf shitter', and if you look inside the bowl the reason for this name will be self-explicative.

Why do Dutch toilets have the hole in the front?

Dutch engineers have designed the bowl itself to contain a plateau set well above the normal water level. To say the least, one must be very comfortable with themselves and all their excrements on the display shelf. Why the Dutch would have such a perverse desire to examine or witness their waste remains a mystery.

Why do toilets in Germany have a flat bottom?

Reasons for this design: the water is less able to splash, the feces can be inspected for parasites or samples easily from the toilet, the drain is less likely to plug because the waste does not all head for the exit at the same time.

The German 'shelf' toilet

Do Germans use toilet paper?

Unlike Americans, lo and behold, 60 % of Germans use toilet paper to wipe their noses. They also learned that 8% use TP to remove make up, 3% to clean children's faces and hands, and 7% to clean mirrors.

Why do toilets in Italy have no seats?

Most Italian public toilets don't have a toilet seat.

This has to do with maintenance. Since public toilets are often less than spotless, people often climb with their shoes on top of them, not to sit on a potentially dirty seat.

Why do American toilets have a gap in the seat?

The gap in the seat is designed to “allow women to wipe the perineal area after using the toilet without contacting the seat,” she tells Slate. Simick notes that the design also benefits men.

Why do American toilets have no doors?

The gap provides visibility in case a person inside is in some kind of distress. It also helps first responders, who could pull the occupant out without having to break down the door.

Why do American toilets have no privacy?

Originally Answered: Why do American toilet cubicles have so little privacy? Habit is part of it, but the more important parts are: Ease of cleaning. The less walls and partitions there are touching the floor, the less there is to get in the way of someone mopping, and the less corners there are to trap grime.

Do Germans use toilet paper or water?

Unlike Americans, lo and behold, 60 % of Germans use toilet paper to wipe their noses. They also learned that 8% use TP to remove make up, 3% to clean children's faces and hands, and 7% to clean mirrors.

Why do German toilets have two buttons?

To further facilitate saving water, there are usually two buttons to start the flow – one smaller embedded button for less water for number one and a larger push button for more water for number two.

Why are toilets different in Germany?

Energy costs in Germany are much higher than in the United States, which includes the cost of water. Therefore, the shelf toilets were designed to use much less water than their American counterparts - hence the shelf.

How do you dispose of toilet paper in Germany?

Toilet paper belongs into the toilet unless your sitting in an automobile caravan. Never throw tampons, sanitary towels or similar materials in the toilet but use the pedal bin.

What is up with German toilets?

This shelf toilet, known in Germany as Flachspüler (flat flusher) has a ledge where the American design, Tiefspüler (deep flusher) has standing water. The shelf toilet will prominently present your #1 or #2 before you flush them, which will take some getting used to when you first encounter this toilet style.

Do Germans use bidet?

The Germans are progressive - but not in everything. Bidets are (still) rare in German bathrooms.

Why are black toilets a thing?

In the 1920s, black toilets were inspired by art deco; in the 1980s, they had a resurgence because of the popularity of Italian modern design and black lacquer.

Why do public toilets smell?

Bacteria Contamination

When the toilet is flushed, small droplets of water are released that contain pathogens and bacteria. These become airborne and settle onto different surfaces. Think of surfaces such as the walls of stalls and the floor, which then create unwelcome odors.

What is a ghost toilet?

Ghost flushing, also known as phantom flushing, occurs when the toilet tank flapper is no longer creating a watertight seal with the flush valve, causing water to unnecessarily leak into the toilet bowl.

Why are American public toilets don't reach the floor?

Cleaning public restrooms is made easier by gaps at the bottom. "Second, it makes cleaning much easier. Because public restrooms are frequently used, they must be cleaned several times throughout the day, and having the space under the door makes this much easier," MattypStories stated.

Why are American and European toilets different?

American partitions offer a good deal of privacy, but the exposed feet and top, combined with the sight lines between the door and frame, may make some occupants a bit uncomfortable. European toilets offer exceptional privacy because instead of a thin partition, it's actually an enclosed stall.

Why is French toilet paper pink?

It is said that pink was the regional preference at the time; how they came to this conclusion, is a mystery! It is thought that this colour was selected to compliment the bathroom décor – pink bathroom anyone? Of course, white toilet paper is available in France (it's also cheaper), it's just much less common.

Do you dry off after using a bidet?

Pat dry with toilet paper

Since you're already clean from your bidet, you won't need much toilet paper to do so–just enough to remove any excess water. Use a gentle pat-dry motion instead of a wipe to avoid any irritation. That's all there is to it.

Why are toilets in Japan on the floor?

In the thirteenth century the Japanese, who were largely a farming people, began to use the waste taken out of these toilets as fertilizer. Traditional Japanese toilets consist of a hole or basin in the floor and are not made to sit on but to squat over.