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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

The man I’m dating doesn’t wash his hands after using the toilet

161 replies

michaelsnores · 01/09/2025 08:55

The man I've been seeing for the past few months has started staying at my house more often lately. My house isn't big, and the bathroom is right next to my bedroom, so you can hear the tap running. He was over this weekend, and I noticed a few times that he didn't wash his hands after using the toilet. I brought it up to him, thinking he just didn't realise, but he insisted he didn't need to and that it's different for men. I told him, "You're still touching the toilet seat etc," and even showed him a screenshot from Google.

He was pretty firm about not needing to wash his hands, so I just said, "Please do it while you're at my house since you're touching me and my stuff afterwards," and he agreed to that. I know he won’t be doing it whilst he’s at home or out and about though.

I’m not sure if it’s dump worthy, but it is a little grim, yes? He genuinely doesn’t think he needs to.

OP posts:
TheFormidableMrsC · 01/09/2025 15:49

Absolutely not. Hideous.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 01/09/2025 15:50

Disgusting but normal. So don’t expect to easily find a cleaner man if you dump him
at least he has agreed to do it in your home -/ when touching you

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 01/09/2025 15:50

The bar is so low it’s in hades

CalzoneOnLegs · 01/09/2025 17:34

@michaelsnores

i got this off AI OP …..interesting

Men should wash their hands before sex to prevent the transfer of bacteria and other microorganisms, which can cause infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs), and to avoid irritating or causing allergic reactions in their partner's genitals. Washing hands also removes residual chemicals from lotions and promotes overall hygiene, contributing to a more comfortable and intimate experience for both partners.

Why it's important:

Prevents infections:
Hands can carry a significant number of bacteria from various surfaces and the body, which can be transferred to genitals during sexual activity, increasing the risk of infections for both partners.
Reduces irritation and allergies:
Residues from soaps, lotions, or other cosmetics on hands can contain fragrances or chemicals that might cause irritation, redness, or burning sensations in sensitive genital areas.
Minimizes the risk of UTIs:
Dirty hands can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, raising the likelihood of developing a urinary tract infection.
Enhances intimacy:
Good hygiene practices foster comfort and cleanliness, which can improve the overall quality of the sexual experience and enhance intimacy.
Avoids cross-contamination:
Clean hands prevent the transfer of substances from other parts of the body or other surfaces that could be harmful to the genital area.
How to wash hands effectively:

Use soap and warm water.
Wash thoroughly, including under and around the fingernails.
Considerations:

If washing isn't an option, using latex or polyurethane gloves with lubricant can be a good alternative to protect against germ transfer.
If a partner is unwilling to wash their hands, it may be a good idea to hold off on sexual activity until you are both committed to safer sex practices.

Google Search

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=85427b9423f451d4&hl=en-gb&cs=0&q=urinary+tract+infections+%28UTIs%29&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi6j-3a_rePAxUoU0EAHewnPDgQxccNegQIAhAC&mstk=AUtExfDaXo14uzhltt_huT7Rv8Q_1YV5ASg_BYB3w4rLmY2V0rDc1t1W11menCqOK0fFR1bM33EBSW0HTFgjNa-vVLZeEit42FSsbk9tNTTA_H6bLcNSYKAgeq7_KS6_f3IBG9g&csui=3

Butteredtoast55 · 01/09/2025 17:37

Bin him off, it's stomach churningly foul.

EmeraldDreams73 · 01/09/2025 17:49

Revolting. And in a new relationship, too - definitely the thin end of the wedge. I couldn't get past that.

user1471538283 · 01/09/2025 17:57

No. That's horrible and he wouldn't be touching me or my things ever again.

Apparently at work many men don't wash their hands but I've seen women not do it either. Even after a global pandemic!

I wash my hands each time and each time I come home. I'm convinced it keeps most things at bay.

Although judging from the lack of hand wash during the pandemic a lot of people didn't buy it before.

BlackCoffeeAndSugar · 01/09/2025 18:07

Well he wouldn't be touching my vagina with those hands!

TheStroppyFeminist · 01/09/2025 18:10

TorroFerney · 01/09/2025 10:00

That’s not changed then since years ago when patients treated by male doctors had a higher rate of death through infection than women in childbirth , only difference being that midwives washed their hands. The doctors liked the look of being covered in guts and gore from their last patient apparently, more manly. Perhaps the same is true if urine, but like make animals marking their spot!

There's a whole book about that, I can't remember what it's called though. It changed maternal mortality overnight, doctors washing their hands.

Mygosh · 01/09/2025 18:15

Urgghh, you have reminded me of someone I once dated. He went for a no2, definitely didn't wash his hands, still using his phone. Then he plunged him hand into a shared bag of crisps. I haven't dated since 😂😂

Gingernessy · 01/09/2025 18:18

Sharealike · 01/09/2025 08:58

I think most men don’t wash their hands after using the toilet.

Definately doesn't just apply to men - my female colleagues don't either.

Gingernessy · 01/09/2025 18:20

michaelsnores · 01/09/2025 08:55

The man I've been seeing for the past few months has started staying at my house more often lately. My house isn't big, and the bathroom is right next to my bedroom, so you can hear the tap running. He was over this weekend, and I noticed a few times that he didn't wash his hands after using the toilet. I brought it up to him, thinking he just didn't realise, but he insisted he didn't need to and that it's different for men. I told him, "You're still touching the toilet seat etc," and even showed him a screenshot from Google.

He was pretty firm about not needing to wash his hands, so I just said, "Please do it while you're at my house since you're touching me and my stuff afterwards," and he agreed to that. I know he won’t be doing it whilst he’s at home or out and about though.

I’m not sure if it’s dump worthy, but it is a little grim, yes? He genuinely doesn’t think he needs to.

Grim yes - but have you researched how many germs are on your taps, towels etc. There's a reason we have sensor taps and hand dryers in public loo's

SuPollardsPolkaDotFrock · 01/09/2025 18:22

Sharealike · 01/09/2025 08:58

I think most men don’t wash their hands after using the toilet.

And I think you’re making sweeping generalisations.

SuPollardsPolkaDotFrock · 01/09/2025 18:22

To many men just having a wee is different. If they wash themselves every day and are clean then what germs and diseases do you actually think they are going to catch from themselves and give to other people? And if your loo seat is that filthy then that’s a you problem.

AncientBallerina · 01/09/2025 18:26

Not all men are gross 😁. My DH is really clean and god do i appreciate it. I realize it’s one of the reasons I stayed with him having had a grubby boyfriend before him.

taxguru · 01/09/2025 18:28

I'd probably be dumping him if he doesn't change and improve his personal hygiene. It's gross. At the very least, there'd be no way he'd be touching me until I'd seen him wash his hands, which he'd probably not take kindly to! I'd also regard his response as a warning sign as even though you've mentioned it, he doesn't seem to have taken it on board seriously as a genuine concern, which is a red flag.

Slightly similarly, a previous boyfriend had bad breath and I told him that he'd have to brush his teeth more often if he wanted to kiss me - he only needed telling once - never had the same problem with him again - they learn quickly when you make it clear they're not getting what they want if they don't!

SingtotheCat · 01/09/2025 18:32

He will give you cystitis with his filthy habits!

Jumpingthruhoops · 01/09/2025 18:47

Sorry this would be an absolute dealbreaker. That really is gross - and even worse that he tried to dismiss it after you brought it up.

Nope not for me.

toddlermom1 · 01/09/2025 18:55

Eww i’d definitely be getting rid!

WalmartWitney · 01/09/2025 19:13

Grim. Show him the door....but don't let him touch the handle 😂

Crudd99 · 01/09/2025 21:46

MaggieBsBoat · 01/09/2025 09:04

I was once in the bath and my ex came in sat in the toilet (didn’t ask, just waltzed in), did a poo, pulled pants up and walked out.

I didn’t have sex within again. We split up a few months later. Gross.

Reminds me of a Father Ted episode.

Checkard · 01/09/2025 22:15

Well1mBack · 01/09/2025 09:06

My only contribution to this is that men are gross. My DH tells me that it's basically about 90% of men when he's in public bathrooms who pee, shake off wipe on their trousers 😱then walk out. It's grim. He's really a big stickler for cleanliness (thank god!!!!) and will eyeball them as he is carefully washing his hands at the sink. The worst though are men who he witnesses coming out of a cubicle leaving a v bad smell (so obvious it was a no.2) and also walk out the bathroom without washing their hands. Boak. COVID times opened his eyes to how bad it was as you could see some men using hand sanitiser but reluctantly. It's all reverted back to them not doing it 90% of the time though. I absolutely hammer it into both my wee boys about washing hands. And cleaning the seat!!!

Ditto.
My husband once said he total judged colleagues who didn't wash their hands.
Its disgusting, but sadly lots of men are.

Diydanny · 01/09/2025 22:27

NellieJean · 01/09/2025 09:54

I read somewhere that analysis of those bowls of nuts you used to see on top of bars showed about twenty different sources of urine. I thought it was an urban myth but maybe not.

A friend told me a similar tale about restaurant/cafe menus. I never handle a menu without remembering that now. So out comes the hand sanitizer or a visit to the loo to wash hands. Urghh,!!!

B1anche · 01/09/2025 22:46

SuPollardsPolkaDotFrock · 01/09/2025 18:22

To many men just having a wee is different. If they wash themselves every day and are clean then what germs and diseases do you actually think they are going to catch from themselves and give to other people? And if your loo seat is that filthy then that’s a you problem.

WTF? Is this for real?

Tink3rbell30 · 01/09/2025 23:05

That's how nasty stomach bacterial infections like H.pylori are spread.. get rid. What a massive ick.