What Is the Number 1 When Using the Bathroom? Understanding Toilet Etiquette and Design

When someone asks what number 1 is when using the bathroom, they’re not talking about a product label or a serial code. They’re asking about the most common reason people sit down on the toilet - and it’s not what you might think. In everyday language, number 1 means urinating. It’s the quiet, daily ritual most of us do multiple times a day without a second thought. But behind that simple phrase lies a whole world of hygiene, design, and cultural norms that shape how we use our bathrooms.

Why We Say 'Number 1' and 'Number 2'

The terms "number 1" and "number 2" aren’t official medical terms. They’re slang - the kind that started in households to talk about bodily functions without being crude. Parents used them with kids. Roommates used them to avoid awkwardness. Even in workplaces, you’ll hear someone say, "I need to take a number 1" when they’re heading to the restroom.

It’s a linguistic shortcut. Instead of saying "I need to pee," you say "number 1." It’s polite. It’s vague. It’s human. And it’s universal. You’ll hear it in New Zealand, the U.S., the U.K., Australia - places where direct talk about bodily functions is often softened by humor or euphemism.

But here’s the thing: while we use the terms casually, the actual act of urination is far from simple. It’s tied to health, comfort, and even bathroom design.

What Happens When You Do Number 1?

Your body produces about 1 to 2 liters of urine every day. That’s roughly four to eight standard cups. The kidneys filter waste from your blood, and your bladder stores it until you’re ready to go. When you urinate, you’re not just releasing water - you’re getting rid of urea, salts, toxins, and excess chemicals your body doesn’t need.

For most people, number 1 is quick. It takes 8 to 10 seconds. But for others - especially men with prostate issues or women with urinary tract infections - it can be slow, painful, or frequent. That’s why bathroom accessories like toilet seat covers, footstools, and even smart toilets with bidet functions have become more than luxuries. They’re tools for comfort and health.

In New Zealand, where homes often have older plumbing and smaller bathrooms, people pay attention to what works. A toilet that flushes cleanly on the first try? That’s a win. A seat that doesn’t feel icy cold in winter? That’s a game-changer.

How Bathroom Design Affects Number 1

Think about your toilet. Is it high or low? Is the seat soft or hard? Is there enough space to stand comfortably? These things matter more than you realize.

Studies show that squatting - the natural position for elimination - helps empty the bladder and bowels more completely. But most Western toilets are designed for sitting. That’s why some people use small footstools (called "squatty potties") to mimic the squat position. It reduces strain, improves flow, and can even help prevent urinary retention.

Then there’s the flush. A weak flush means you’re left with stains or odors. A loud flush? It’s embarrassing if you’re in a shared bathroom. Modern toilets now come with dual-flush systems - one button for number 1 (using less water), another for number 2. In New Zealand, water conservation is a big deal. Many households have installed low-flow toilets that use just 4.5 liters per flush for liquid waste.

And let’s not forget the seat. A heated seat? Nice, but not essential. A cushioned seat? Helpful if you’re sitting for longer than you’d like. A self-closing lid? That’s the quiet hero of any shared bathroom. It keeps germs from floating into the air when you flush.

Hygiene and Number 1: The Hidden Rules

You wouldn’t think about it, but there are unspoken rules around number 1. Men often stand to pee. Women sit. But what about after? Do you flush immediately? Do you wipe before or after? Do you wash your hands?

The World Health Organization says handwashing after using the toilet - whether for number 1 or number 2 - is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. Yet surveys show nearly 1 in 4 people don’t wash their hands after urinating. That’s a problem.

That’s why bathroom accessories like touchless soap dispensers, sensor-activated faucets, and automatic paper towel dispensers are gaining popularity. They reduce contact. They’re cleaner. And they make the whole experience feel more hygienic - even if you’re just doing number 1.

In shared bathrooms - at work, in dorms, in Airbnb rentals - people notice. A clean toilet. A fresh scent. A roll of toilet paper that doesn’t run out halfway through. These aren’t luxuries. They’re basic expectations.

Cultural Differences in Bathroom Habits

In Japan, toilets are high-tech. Some have built-in bidets, air dryers, and even music to mask sounds. In India, squat toilets are still common. In parts of Europe, you’ll find bidets next to the toilet for cleaning after number 2 - but many people use them after number 1 too.

In New Zealand, we’re somewhere in the middle. We value practicality. Cleanliness. Quiet. We don’t need fancy gadgets - but we do need reliability. A toilet that works every time. A flush that doesn’t clog. A seat that doesn’t break.

And while we don’t talk about number 1 much in public, we notice when things go wrong. A slow-flushing toilet in the office. A broken seat in the gym. A bathroom that smells like it hasn’t been cleaned in days. These things stick with you.

What to Look for in Bathroom Accessories for Better Number 1 Experiences

If you want to make your number 1 routine easier, cleaner, and more comfortable, here’s what actually works:

• Soft-close toilet seat - no slamming, no noise, no frustration.
• Footstool - helps mimic squatting for better flow and less strain.
• Dual-flush toilet - saves water and reduces odor by using less for liquid waste.
• Automatic air freshener - keeps the air neutral, not overpowering.
• Touchless soap and paper towel dispensers - reduces germ spread without extra effort.
• High-quality toilet paper - thick enough to be effective, soft enough not to irritate.

You don’t need to spend a fortune. A good seat cover and a small footstool can make a bigger difference than you’d expect. And if you’re renting? Most of these are easy to install and remove.

Number 1 Isn’t Just About Function - It’s About Dignity

We don’t talk about it much, but the bathroom is one of the most private spaces in our homes. What happens there affects our daily comfort, confidence, and even mental health.

A bad bathroom experience - a clogged toilet, a sticky seat, a lack of paper - can ruin your morning. A good one? It just fades into the background. That’s what you want: reliability, cleanliness, quiet efficiency.

Number 1 might seem like the simplest thing. But when you look closer, it’s tied to everything: health, design, hygiene, culture. And the little things - a soft seat, a quiet flush, a clean towel - make all the difference.

If you’ve ever rushed to the bathroom and wished it was just a little better, you’re not alone. The right accessories don’t just fix problems. They make everyday moments easier, calmer, and more human.