Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To dislike male cleaners in female public toilets?

230 replies

GarliceGran · 04/12/2025 12:46

I travel a lot with work, mostly via train. For some bizarre reason, a huge amount of train stations have male cleaners for the female toilets. Worse yet, these men are often doing non-urgent cleaning, such as washing mirrors etc.

This makes me very uncomfortable. If I’m not desperate, I’ll often just walk out.

AIBU?

OP posts:
Beautifulhaiku · 04/12/2025 13:26

The answers here are so interesting compared with the many responses I've seen on Mumsnet previously around protecting 'female-only spaces' for the protection of women.

Ablondiebutagoody · 04/12/2025 13:25

Maybe total segregation of the sexes would work for you? Chaperones? Burkas?

hulahoopbbq · 04/12/2025 13:20

I used to clean train station toilets (female) all co workers were male they hated cleaning the female toilets because of so many women moaning about it but they have to do it, they put signs up etc to say male cleaner. In the 5 years I was there only one man moaned at me cleaning the mens.

ErrolTheDragon · 04/12/2025 13:18

GarliceGran · 04/12/2025 13:10

Well 20% of people agree with me according to the poll yet none of them has stated why!

Show quote history

Well…you’re not being unreasonable to personally dislike something and act accordingly, which is what your question was. That’s entirely your choice.
you're BU to think it’s bizarre for train stations etc to have a male cleaner.

ErrolTheDragon · 04/12/2025 13:14

It’s fine, as others have said. It’s better when they have a - what’s the name for the yellow plastic things they stand up? - warning that there’s male staff present when they’re actually there rather than one just stuck somewhere on the wall saying that male or female cleaners might be present.
same obviously goes for plumbers and other male workmen.

Original poster
GarliceGran · 04/12/2025 13:10

MrsSkylerWhite · 04/12/2025 13:06

Any thoughts on the responses, OP?

Well 20% of people agree with me according to the poll yet none of them has stated why!

OP posts:
Original poster
GarliceGran · 04/12/2025 13:10

MrsSkylerWhite · 04/12/2025 13:06

Any thoughts on the responses, OP?

Well 20% of people agree with me according to the poll yet none of them has stated why!

OP posts:
MrsSkylerWhite · 04/12/2025 13:06

Any thoughts on the responses, OP?

Drainame · 04/12/2025 13:05

I'm not bothered. All the private stuff I need to do is in the cubicle. If he sees me washing my hands, that's no big deal.

CheeseCakeSunflowers · 04/12/2025 13:00

I'm fine with a man being in there when there is an obvious reason for him being there. I don't know the reason, but I would guess that in lots of places it makes sense to have one person that cleans both male and female toilets. With urinals in the men's it probably makes more sense for that person to be male.

purplecorkheart · 04/12/2025 12:59

I don't mind it and much prefer it than they closing off the toilets while they are being cleaned and I need the toilet badly.

LadyKenya · 04/12/2025 12:57

Badslipperluck · 04/12/2025 12:56

I'm not bothered unless there's no warning. They need to put the signs up

They do, ime.

WinterBerry40 · 04/12/2025 12:57

They are not going to see anything except me going into a cubicle and having a pee .
I'm sure they've heard that before and I'm unlikely ever to socialise or see them again .

Negroany · 04/12/2025 12:57

Most cleaning work isn't urgent, it's mainly routine stuff, like cleaning mirrors.

It doesn't bother me if it's a man, but to be honest I use station loos and haven't noticed this trend.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 04/12/2025 12:56

It’s never bothered me. I’m just glad someone is cleaning them - it’s not a job I’d ever want to have to do!

Badslipperluck · 04/12/2025 12:56

I'm not bothered unless there's no warning. They need to put the signs up

MrsSkylerWhite · 04/12/2025 12:56

ToKittyornottoKitty · 04/12/2025 12:55

I just want clean toilets, and there is always a sign warning somewhere if the cleaner may be the opposite sex. The guy cleaning the mirror in the toilet isn’t after you OP, they are just doing a job to get by.

This. Some people are determined to find outrage everywhere.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 04/12/2025 12:55

I just want clean toilets, and there is always a sign warning somewhere if the cleaner may be the opposite sex. The guy cleaning the mirror in the toilet isn’t after you OP, they are just doing a job to get by.

SparkleSpriteDust · 04/12/2025 12:55

Men doing non-urgent cleaning?!

How very dare they? 😂

rwalker · 04/12/2025 12:55

It’s not great for men ether stood at urinal with penis out and cleaner walk straight in mopping floor

Hiptothisjive · 04/12/2025 12:55

Do you dislike male nurses or doctors who treat you as well? What about male tradesmen who come into your home? Male taxi drivers?

Brefugee · 04/12/2025 12:54

Bambamhoohoo · 04/12/2025 12:47

Not really, I quite like to see a man doing the low paid dirty work rather than it being the preserve of women

agree.

I want a clean toilet, and that includes the "non urgent" mirrors being clean.

I have no issues with men doing the low paid work - more of it - and as long as there is a sign out, i don't think it's much of an issue.

LVhandbagsatdawn · 04/12/2025 12:53

It doesn't bother me. Its nonsensical and overkill for a place to employ both a male and a female cleaner just to clean each loo.

MrsSkylerWhite · 04/12/2025 12:53

Can’t say it’s ever bothered me. Just grateful that someone’s willing to do it.

JudgeBread · 04/12/2025 12:52

Nah doesn't bother me. I wouldn't expect anywhere to hire a man for the men's and a woman for the ladies.

Swipe left for the next trending thread