Globs of toothpaste left in the sink of a too-tiny bathroom that your mate never cleans is enough to drive many Americans to hate their bathrooms. But give U.S. residents a nice hot bath and a good book, and they’d be quicker to expound the beauties of their bathrooms.

The 1999 Bathroom Habits Survey, conducted on behalf of American Standard, surveyed more than 800 U.S. residents about their bathroom habits, likes and dislikes, and what they fantasize about in a luxury bathroom.

In what is usually the tiniest room of their homes, Americans close the door to the world an average of 35 minutes every day — men and women. The most time-consuming activities include taking a hot bath, dressing and applying make-up. Forty-two percent of Americans read a newspaper, book or catalog while in the bathroom. We don’t hide ourselves completely away from the world, however. Twenty-two percent have a conversation with another person; 10.5 percent watch television or listen to music; and 16 percent talk on the phone.

The fact that Americans spend more time in their bathrooms on Saturdays lends support to the adage that the more time you have, the more time you use. As for weekdays, Americans spend the most time in the bathroom on Mondays and the least amount of time on Thursdays.

When it comes to luxuries, Americans long for whirlpools in their bathrooms — as well as new shower system and faucets; multiple showerheads; a stylish vanity; and longer and larger tubs.

NFO Research Inc. conducted the survey through a 20-page questionnaire. Six hundred people responded to the survey. Approximately 60 percent of the participants were women, and 40 percent were men.