What are the Islamic manners of using the toilet?

Yes, Islam teaches a few simple manners for the toilet. Say a short dua before entering, keep your privacy, use your left hand for cleaning, clean yourself well, avoid facing the qibla in the open, and say "Ghufranaka" when you leave. They are easy habits that make this daily routine part of your worship.

Before you go in

Anas reported that whenever the Prophet ﷺ went to relieve himself, he would say: "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal khubuthi wal khaba'ith", which means "O Allah, I seek refuge with You from all offensive and wicked things" (Sahih al-Bukhari 142). Say it before you enter, or at the door if you are in a toilet room. Scholars also recommend entering with the left foot and leaving with the right. See What dua do I say when entering the bathroom?

It is also respectful to leave anything with the name of Allah or Quran verses outside, such as a Quran or a pendant. Dhikr in the bathroom has its own rules. See Can I do dhikr in the bathroom?

While using the toilet

Privacy: keep yourself covered and out of sight as much as you can, and avoid talking without need.
Left hand for cleaning: the Prophet ﷺ said that when anyone goes to the lavatory, he should neither touch his private parts nor clean himself with his right hand (Sahih al-Bukhari 153).
Clean well: use paper, water or both, and do not use bone or dung (Sahih Muslim 262).
Direction: in open spaces, avoid facing or turning your back to the qibla.
Be careful with splashes: keep your clothes clean from urine. If you get any on you, wash that spot before prayer.

Cleaning and direction have their own guides. See Is toilet paper enough for istinja? and Is it haram to face the qibla while using the toilet?

Where not to go

The Prophet ﷺ warned: "Be on your guard against two things which provoke cursing." When asked what they were, he said: easing yourself on the thoroughfares or under the shades where people take shelter and rest (Sahih Muslim 269). In modern life, this means not leaving mess where other people walk, sit or gather, such as paths, parks and benches.

After you finish

Step out with the right foot and say "Ghufranaka" (I seek Your forgiveness), as Aisha said the Prophet ﷺ used to do (Sunan Abi Dawud 30).
Flush, and leave the toilet clean for the next person.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Make wudu before you pray, since using the toilet breaks it.

Why these manners matter

Islam gives guidance on everything, even this. The Companions were once teased about it, and Salman answered that yes, the Prophet ﷺ had taught them about even this (Sahih Muslim 262). Cleanliness and modesty are part of faith, and each of these small acts can be done with the intention of following the sunnah.

Key points

Say the dua before entering (Sahih al-Bukhari 142) and "Ghufranaka" when leaving (Sunan Abi Dawud 30).
Use your left hand for cleaning (Sahih al-Bukhari 153).
Do not relieve yourself where people walk or rest (Sahih Muslim 269).
Wash your hands, and make wudu before praying.

Tip: Say the dua before you even touch the door handle. If you make it a habit at home, it becomes automatic in public toilets, at work and when travelling too.