The final touches before guests arrive often include fresh towels and coat racks, but one question lingers: where does the toilet plunger fit into hosting etiquette? Experts agree that while visible plungers aren’t ideal, accessibility is key. This article examines the best practices for storing this essential bathroom tool.
The Balance Between Aesthetics and Functionality
Cleaning professionals recommend keeping plungers within reach but discreetly stored. Leaving a plunger in plain sight isn’t considered polite, but removing it entirely can create an awkward and potentially messy situation for guests.
“I advise keeping a plunger within reach but neatly tucked away,” says Iryna Balaban, CEO of Elite Maids. The best solution is a vanity with storage, a bathroom closet, or a decorative caddy. The goal is to make it accessible without being immediately noticeable.
Proper Storage Prevents Problems
Sanitation is a valid concern. A wet, uncleaned plunger can breed bacteria and odors. However, experts like Joseph Passalacqua of Maid Sailors explain that proper drying and storage minimize risk.
“If you leave a moist plunger directly on the floor, it traps water under the rubber, and that trapped moisture is what creates odor and bacteria growth,” Passalacqua explains. Ventilation is key: use a holder with drainage or airflow to ensure the plunger dries completely.
Why Accessibility Matters Most
Ultimately, having no plunger available is worse than keeping it visible. Guests forced to ask for one risk embarrassment, and a plumbing emergency without a plunger can quickly escalate.
Petya Holevich of Fantastic Services suggests, “The best approach is to keep a plunger accessible but discreet by placing it in a closed cabinet, a storage basket with ventilation, or inside a dedicated covered plunger holder.”
If discreet storage isn’t possible, leave it in an obvious location so guests can find it quickly. A comfortable guest experience includes the freedom to handle minor emergencies privately.
As Balaban notes, “Guests [will] enjoy the privacy of dealing with an emergency without having to ask.”
In conclusion, the ideal approach is to strike a balance between cleanliness, discretion, and functionality. By storing the plunger properly, hosts ensure a polite and practical environment for their guests.
