Annoying bathroom habits revealed in shocking new survey

A study showed that Americans are very particular with their toilet habits.

We all have to go sometime. To the bathroom, that is. And when we do, we often bring along a lifetime's supply of acquired habits, some good, some bad and some just plain odd.

Here is some of the more unique lavatory behavior that respondents shared in a nationwide survey of 1,000 adults by Abcotechbrand.com, makers of a wireless waterproof Bluetooth-enabled shower speaker.

"I usually flush the toilet first, even if it's empty, just to make sure it works, I guess. I also don't like to wear shoes in the bathroom. It grosses me out to have dirty shoe soles on the floor. "

"I like to open the mail and clip coupons."

"I can't go without a cell phone."

"I cover the auto-flush sensor so it doesn't flush and splatter all over me before I'm finished."

"I need to have the bathroom light off when I use the commode. It makes it more peaceful and relaxing for me."

"I must do No. 2 naked!"

Of course, there are those people who love to sing in the shower. In another Abcotech survey of 1,000 Americans, more than a third said they croon a tune while washing up either always or sometimes, and those who do regularly perform in the bathroom between one to three times a week

Peeing was the No. 1 activity to do in the shower.

Why do they like to warble as they lather? Most found it relaxing. The second biggest reason: They have a certain song stuck in their head that they can't get out. No. 3 was the emotional release that singing provides. In fourth place: It is a way to let loose in song without anyone else hearing. The fifth most-mentioned reason? It makes me happy in the morning.

Among the more popular go-to shower songs: Amazing Grace, Let It Go from the animated film Frozen, Beyonce hits, Singin' in the Rain and Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.

"The bathroom is one of the few sanctuaries in your home where you can let your hair down, release the tensions of the day and just be yourself," says Yossi Fisch, founder of Abcotech. "People cling to certain habits whether while using the toilet or bathing, and music is often part of that routine."

Consider the choices involved just with toilet paper use. Do you neatly fold it before wiping or just wad it up in a ball? Half of the respondents preferred to fold. Nearly 30 percent would rather wad it up. And 22 percent tend to vary between the two options.

Do you wipe back to front or front to back? Front to back - usually the way that most doctors advise - was picked by 60 percent of survey takers. Back to front? About 20 percent went against the grain. Then again, 18 percent go both ways.

Of course, one of the more debated mysteries since the dawn of porcelain thrones: Which is the proper way for a roll of toilet paper to hang from a holder? A decisive 60 percent went with over the top and in the front. Just 13 percent say under and in the back. And 24 percent are fine with the paper dangling from either direction.

There is also a distinct difference between how we conduct ourselves in our private sanctuaries vs. what we do in public lavatories. When in the comfort of our own loo, curiosity often gets the better of us. About 43 percent admit to checking the contents of the bowl before flushing. The second-most popular habit while taking care of business at home? Looking at what is on the toilet paper after wiping, done by 37 percent.

About 32 percent are thoughtful enough to either spraying air freshener or lighting a match after they are done; and 17 percent like to flush more than once to make sure everything is gone. Others admit to some quirkier tendencies. Close to 20 percent use the same amount of toilet paper each time while 17 percent stand up to wipe themselves.

Many use potty time to engage in other activities as well. Reading a book or a magazine was No. 1 multi-tasking choice, followed by talking on the phone and looking at emails. Others hold conversations with people outside the door, use a laptop or tablet or play games like Candy Crush on their phones.

Hygiene issues tend to influence what extra measures we take in public restrooms. Covering the toilet seat with paper before using is a must for 45 percent. The number of respondents who use their foot to flush the toilet (36 percent) was about the same as those who prefer to hover instead of sit (35 percent).

Tying at No. 5: Only using a public toilet for No. 1 and waiting until you are home to perform No. 2; and using towels or toilet paper to open doors - not surprising when 6 percent admit to not washing their hand s before leaving the bathroom.

And which gender makes a bigger bathroom mess? Almost 44 percent pointed their fingers at men while 16 percent accused women.

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The survey showed that bathroom habits differ in public restrooms.

Top 5 Shower Activities

1. Peeing (61 percent pee in the shower; 41 percent pee in a swimming pool)

2. Singing

3. Listening to music

4. Showering with your spouse/partner

5. Eating while in the shower

Top 5 Genres to Sing in the Shower

1. Rock

2. Pop

3. Country

4. Christian/religious

5. Rap/hip-hop

Most annoying habits of women in the bathroom

1. They leave a mess on the seat if they hover.

2. They don't properly dispose of feminine hygiene products.

3. They don't bother to flush.

4. They don't wash their hands.

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Failing to wash hands was in the top five for both men and women in most annoying bathroom habits.

5. They take too long and cause lines at public bathrooms.

6. They always have to go to the bathroom together.

7. They block the sink while checking their hair and makeup.

8. They talk loudly to one another while in different stalls.

9. They fail to wipe the sink area after making a mess.

10. They put the toilet seat down.

Most annoying habits of men in the bathroom

1. They fail to lift the seat while peeing and leave a mess.

2. They don't put the toilet seat down.

3. They don't bother to flush.

4. They don't aim well and leave puddles.

5. They fail to wash their hands.

6. They stink up the joint.

7. They fart indiscriminately even in a public bathroom.

8. They pee in the sink if the urinals are all in use.

9. They will pee outdoors if it is convenient.

10. They don't wipe well and leave stains on their clothes.