How to Find Clean Public Restrooms While Traveling
Published: April 18, 2025
Finding a clean public restroom when you're on the road can be challenging. Here are proven strategies to locate the cleanest bathrooms wherever your travels take you:
Hotels Over Gas Stations
Upscale hotel lobbies typically have the cleanest public restrooms. Simply walk in confidently, and head to the lobby bathroom. Most hotels don't question visitors using their lobby facilities.
Look for Newer Establishments
Newer chain restaurants, coffee shops, and gas stations generally maintain cleaner bathrooms than older establishments. Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Buc-ee's are consistently ranked high for bathroom cleanliness.
Use the Restroom Finder App
Our app shows cleanliness ratings from real users, helping you find bathrooms that others have verified as clean. The filter options let you sort by cleanliness rating in any location.
Hospital Lobbies
Hospital public areas maintain extremely high sanitation standards. The main floor or lobby bathrooms are typically accessible to visitors and are regularly cleaned.
Tourist Information Centers
Official visitor centers along highways and in tourist areas are reliable options for clean restrooms, especially in remote areas.
Pro Tip: Bathroom Emergency Kit
Carry a small emergency kit with travel-sized toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and disposable toilet seat covers for situations when you encounter a less-than-ideal bathroom.
Finding Accessible Bathrooms While Traveling
Published: April 15, 2025
Finding accessible bathrooms can be one of the biggest challenges for travelers with disabilities. Here are some tips to make your journey easier:
Plan Ahead
Before embarking on your trip, research accessible facilities at your destination. Many major tourist attractions, airports, and shopping centers list their accessibility features online.
Use the Restroom Finder App
Our app allows you to filter for accessible facilities, showing you specifically which restrooms have wheelchair access and other accommodations.
Know Your Rights
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public accommodations to provide accessible restrooms. Don't hesitate to ask staff for assistance or directions to the accessible facilities.
Community Knowledge
The disabled community often shares valuable information about accessibility. Check forums, social media groups, and websites dedicated to accessible travel for firsthand accounts.
How to Rate and Review Public Bathrooms
Published: April 10, 2025
Contributing bathroom ratings and reviews helps everyone in the community. Here's how to provide useful feedback:
Be Specific
When rating a bathroom, include specific details about cleanliness, accessibility features, and amenities. Mention if there are changing tables, adequate supplies, or privacy concerns.
Be Fair
Consider the context when rating. A clean gas station bathroom might deserve a higher rating than a slightly dirty bathroom in a luxury hotel, because expectations differ.
Update When Necessary
Bathroom conditions change over time. If you revisit a location and notice improvements or deterioration, update your review to keep the information current.
Include Photos (When Appropriate)
While maintaining privacy and etiquette, photos of the facilities can be incredibly helpful. Focus on accessibility features, cleanliness of sinks and common areas, and available amenities.