Is there an easy way?

[starfishdog]

So I'm going to an event tomorrow that only offers porta potty's for freshening up. I hate these things and normally I would avoid them at all costs. But, we will be there for 8 hours at least, so theres really no way I can wait. And we're not allowed to bring our car (bussed in) so it's not like I can just get in the car and head to the nearest Dunkin Donuts.

So here's my question...whats the easiest way to use a porta potty without gagging and carrying on? I'm not looking for innapropriate details. Just some sisterly advice on how to use these darn things.

[kedzieb]

Other than bringing a pack of tissues in case they run out of TP, I'd just get in, get out and move on.

[diam124]

Some websites sell these "cone" things that are cardboard and allow you to pee while standing. I bought them just in case for one of our trips (and didn't end up using them). Not sure if you can buy them in any stores though.

[PinkMartini]

I just breathe through my mouth and do my business. Make sure to put something on the toilet before you sit and don't look in!

[salysaturn]

Handiwipes in case the sinks are out of order.

I am guessing no bathrooms on the bus, not that they are tons better.

[Scooter]

I'd bring a purse-sized bottle of purell for after you exit.

[hockeybrat]

Really simple.

Just in and out.

No fussing around.

[Pine Tree]

Vicks vapor rub under the nose - kills the smell (forensics people will use this when working on decomposing material).

[Adaya]

Well, if it's a nice event, it may not be those construction site porta potties. My best friend got married in her backyard and her home has 1 bathroom, so she got these pretty fancied-up porta potties that had 2 or 3 stalls and vanities w/ mirrors. Besides the wedding and great food, the guests were talking about them and how they'd never seen porta potties like that.

Just a thought in the somewhat hopeful direction. ;)

If it's the other kind, breathe through your mouth, bring your own tissue and make it quick. And it's better if you wear a dress or skirt b/c then you don't run the risk of your pants legs dragging when you pull them down or the back of your pants touching the toilet bowl. Yuck....that's my all-time biggest pet peeve.

[tenofcups]

Along the lines of the Vics vaporub... a cough drop with menthol or a piece of gum. Besides that, like the others said, in and out as quickly as possible!

[Kimberland30]

Yeah, port-a-potties are gross no matter what. I've never seen one like Adaya mentioned, that would be pretty sweet!

I just go in, wipe the seat down with TP & water (if they have water, it's usually a foot pump thing), and hurry the hell up and get out.

[am_81]

Definitely seconding the bring a backup stash of TP and some anti-bacterial stuff recs. Also, the tip to wear a skirt if possible is a good one. The floors of those porta potties are always so nasty and I gag just thinking about my pant legs dragging through that stuff.

[littlebear]

As a veteran of some nasty porta potties (the infield at Preakness being a good example), here's my advice. Get in, hover and do your business, and get out. Skirts or shorts are far better than pants, but not long skirts. Bring hand sanitizer and some kind of tissue. Touch as little as possible.

[diam124]

a veteran of some nasty porta potties (the infield at Preakness being a good example), here's my advice. Get in, hover and do your business, and get out. Skirts or shorts are far better than pants, but not long skirts. Bring hand sanitizer and some kind of tissue. Touch as little as possible.

Haha - I was wondering if maybe the OP was attending Preakness this weekend.

[Sazoo]

Well, if it's a nice event, it may not be those construction site porta potties. My best friend got married in her backyard and her home has 1 bathroom, so she got these pretty fancied-up porta potties that had 2 or 3 stalls and vanities w/ mirrors. Besides the wedding and great food, the guests were talking about them and how they'd never seen porta potties like that.I attended a backyard wedding once that had one of those, too! I was pretty impressed.

You've got some good suggestions here on porta-potty strategies, starfishdog. The only thing I can think to add is to try not to drink too much so that you can limit the # of times you have to visit the nasty thing in the first place.

Good luck! :)