There are many myths and misconceptions about the cabin crew job. One of the most common questions is “Do you clean the toilets?” The answer is yes, but only basic cleaning such as wiping the surfaces. If there are some major issues inside the airplane lavatory, then it is the job of the cleaning crew that comes in after the flight to take care of it. The flight attendant is responsible for making sure that the lavatories are presentable and stocked with supplies before each flight.

While it may not be the most glamorous task, it is part of the job reality and it is an important one that helps to keep the aircraft clean and sanitary for passengers. Toilets can become dirty very quickly, so it is important for cabin crew members to clean them regularly throughout the flight.

Cabin Crews are usually provided with cleaning supplies, such as gloves and cleaning wipes, to help make the task easier. They may also need to use a small brush to scrub away any tough stains.

 

Do Flight Attendants and Cabin Crew Clean the Airplane Lavatory Toilet?

While some people may think that cleaning toilets is gross, it is actually a very important job. Toilets can become breeding grounds for bacteria and other germs, so it is important to keep them clean. This helps to prevent the spread of illness on an aircraft.

Flight Attendants are responsible for keeping the toilets clean for passengers. They do basic cleaning such as wiping down surfaces and replenishing supplies such as toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels. However, they do NOT do deep cleaning such as scrubbing toilets or mopping floors. That’s the job of the cleaning crew that comes on board before takeoff.

If a toilet becomes really dirty during a flight, the cabin crew will close it off and declare it unusable. Passengers will have to use one of the other toilets on the plane. This doesn’t happen often, but it can happen if there’s an incident such as vomit or diarrhea in the toilet.

Some Airlines Have Cabin Service Attendants

There are some airlines that have dedicated cabin service attendants whose job is to keep the toilets clean. They do a more thorough cleaning than the flight attendants do. They also restock the toilets with supplies and make sure they’re always clean and ready for use. Emirates airlines, for example, have CSA spa attendants because their planes have in-flight showers and they want to keep the shower and toilet areas clean and luxurious for passengers.

The CSA will enter the cabin before takeoff to do a final check of the toilets and make sure they’re clean and stocked. They’ll also do regular checks throughout the flight to make sure everything is still in order.

However, if the airline doesn’t have cabin service attendants, it’s part of the flight attendant’s job to make sure passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable flight experience.

Again, this is only for instances of basic cleaning. If there is a serious spill or mess, the cleaning crew will be called in to deal with it.

What Happens When an Airplane Toilet Gets Dirty?

When an airplane toilet gets dirty, it’s the job of the cleaning crew to come on board and do a deep cleaning. This usually happens when the plane lands and it is prepared to fly again.

The cleaning crew will scrub the toilets, mop the floors, and make sure everything is clean and sanitized before passengers board the plane again.

The cleaning crew will empty all the waste, scrub all the surfaces, and mop the floor. They’ll also restock supplies such as toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels.

Cleaning the toilets is just one of the many duties of cabin crew. They also have to deal with passenger requests, help with safety procedures, and make sure the cabin is comfortable and tidy. It’s a demanding job, but someone has to do it!

Why is this a common question?

This is a common question because many people think that the only job of a flight attendant is to serve food and drinks. While this is part of the job, there are actually many other responsibilities and challenges that flight attendants have. They have to be knowledgeable about safety procedures, first aid, and customer service. They also have to be able to deal with challenging passengers and situations. And yes, they also have to keep the toilets clean!

While it may not be the most glamorous task (who wants to wash someone else’s poop?), it is part of the job reality and it is an important one that helps to keep the aircraft clean and sanitary for passengers. Toilets can become dirty very quickly, so it is important for cabin crew members to clean them regularly throughout the flight.

It Depends on the Airlines

This job responsibility may sometimes depend on the airline. For example, some airlines have dedicated cleaning crews who take care of all the cleaning tasks on board the aircraft. In this case, it would not be the responsibility of the flight attendants to clean the toilets.

On other airlines, it may be part of the job description for flight attendants to do a quick check of the toilets every few hours and do a more thorough cleaning once during the flight. It really varies from airline to airline, so it’s something you would need to check with your specific airline.

It is best that you also read up on the duties and responsibilities of a flight attendant before your interview so that you know what to expect.

 

Flight Attendants Serve You Food, Do You Want Them to Clean the Toilet Too?

A word of reminder to passengers – don’t force the flight attendants to clean the plane. After all, they serve you your food, do you want them to clean the bathroom too? When you are on a plane, there are certain things that you should just leave to the professionals. One of those things is cleaning the toilets.

It is NOT the main job of the flight attendants to clean the toilets, no matter how dirty they may be. Yes, they are responsible for keeping the bathrooms tidy, prepared, and stocked with supplies, but that is as far as their duties go, at least in most airlines.

So, the next time you are on a plane and you see a mess in the bathroom, please remember that it is not the job of the flight attendant to clean it up. They have other duties to take care of and cleaning up after you should not be one of them. Just use common courtesy and clean up after yourself.

Also Read: Do Flight Attendants Get Free Hotel Benefits?

Reminder: Safety is the Number One Job Priority of Flight Attendants

Another reminder to all passengers that the number one job priority of flight attendants is safety, not cleaning. In an emergency situation, flight attendants are responsible for evacuating the plane and getting everyone to safety, not cleaning up the mess left behind.

So please, be considerate and clean up after yourself on a plane so that the flight attendants can focus on their number one priority – keeping everyone safe.

A Word to All Passengers, Clean up After Yourself

No one likes a dirty bathroom, especially when you’re on a plane. Most people are pretty good about cleaning up after themselves but there are always those few who think it’s okay to leave a mess for someone else to clean up. Bathrooms on planes get dirty fast and it’s not the job of the air hosts/air hostesses to constantly be cleaning them.

So next time you’re on a plane and you see a mess, please use common courtesy and clean it up yourself. It’s not fair to make the flight stewards/stewardesses do your dirty work.

Video: Flight Attendants and Cleanliness Check-in Lavatory

Here’s a video from cabin crew vlogger, Alexander George, of Etihad Airways, where he shares details about this part of the duties and responsibilities of a cabin crew. It’s an honest and interesting look at what goes on behind the scenes to keep passengers safe and comfortable while on a flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do flight attendants clean the toilets?

Flight attendants usually do ‘tidying’ rather than cleaning of the toilets. There are special cleaners who clean the toilets when the plane lands. Flight` attendants restock the toilet paper and other necessities and may do basic cleaning on surfaces. However, if the situation is really bad,

2. How often are the toilets cleaned?

The toilets are typically cleaned once the plane has landed and been unloaded of passengers. The cleaning crew comes on board to clean the entire plane, including the bathrooms.

3. Whose responsibility is it to make sure the toilet is clean?

Just to be clear, the responsibility of cleaning up after yourself is the responsibility of each and every person. It is your social obligation to look after your dirt after you use the bathroom and make sure it is clean for the next person to use it. So to all passengers, please be considerate and clean up after yourselves!

4. What happens if the toilet is not clean?

If the toilet is not clean, the cleaning crew will come on board and clean it. They will also restock the toilet paper and other necessities.

5. What happens if the toilet becomes dirty during the flight?

It depends. If the toilet becomes dirty during the flight, cabin crew may do some ‘tidying’, but will not do a full cleaning. The toilets are typically cleaned once the plane has landed and been unloaded of passengers.

6. Is there anything I should not flush down the toilet?

There are some things that you should not flush down the toilet as it may clog the system. These include but are not limited to: paper towels, nappies/diapers, sanitary pads/tampons, condoms, cigarette butts, and chewing gum.

7. What happens if the toilet is very dirty?

If the toilet s very dirty, the cabin crew may close the airplane toilet and advise the passengers to use the other toilet in the plane.

8. Can I use the toilet while the plane is taking off or landing?

No, you cannot use the toilet while the plane is taking off or landing. The toilets must be empty for take-off and landing for safety reasons.

9. Can flight attendants stop you from going to the bathroom?

Yes, if the seatbelt sign is on, flight attendants can stop you from going to the bathroom. The seatbelt sign is usually turned on during take-off and landing. You may also be asked to stay seated if there is turbulence.

10. What should I do if I need to use the toilet urgently during takeoff or landing?

If you need to use the toilet urgently during takeoff or landing, you should tell a flight attendant. They may be able to provide you with a plastic bag to use for air sickness (in case you may throw up). There should also be an air sickness bag in the seat pocket for you to use. If you need to use the toilet to do number 1 or number 2, you must hold it in until it is clear to use the toilet. So please, manage yourself properly.

Summary

This is one of the many questions that flight attendant hopefuls wonder about. The answer is yes, they do. In fact, one of the main duties of a cabin crew member is to keep the aircraft clean. This includes cleaning the toilets. However, the cleaning part is usually a ‘basic’ type of cleaning.

Cabin crew has many responsibilities and safety is the number one priority. Other part is being an air host / air hostess inside the plane. Part of their job is to keep the toilets clean for passengers. They do basic cleaning such as wiping down surfaces and replenishing supplies. However, they don’t do deep cleaning such as scrubbing toilets or mopping floors.

It is clarified that while attendants usually do “tidying” rather than full cleaning, the toilets are typically cleaned once the plane has landed and been unloaded of passengers. If the situation is really bad, a full cleaning will be carried out. It is also noted that it is the responsibility of each passenger to clean up after themselves and that there are certain things that should not be flushed down the toilet. Depending on the condition of the toilet, the cabin crew may close it and advise passengers to use the other toilet on board. In urgent cases, flight attendants may provide a plastic bag for air sickness.

So if ever you have been wondering if flight attendants have to clean the toilets, now you know that they do! But don’t worry, the toilets are cleaned by a professional cleaning crew before each flight.