Introduction
Germs are all around us, even in the place we consider the most private and safe – our bathrooms. However, with just a few simple hacks, I can keep those nasty germs at bay and ensure my family’s health and hygiene. In this article, I will share a super simple but highly effective bathroom hack that prevents the spread of germs.
The Problems With Germs In The Bathroom
The bathroom is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Moist surfaces like the toilet seat, faucets, shower floors and bathtubs allow germs to thrive. Bacteria and viruses that cause illnesses like the flu, staph infections, pinkeye and gastrointestinal issues can persist on bathroom surfaces for up to weeks!
When I use the bathroom and touch these germy surfaces, my hands easily pick up the germs. I then unconsciously touch my face, food and other people, spreading those bathroom germs everywhere. Yuck!
Germs on bathroom surfaces can come from:
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Raw sewage – Toilets have a direct connection to sewage lines which carry feces teeming with bacteria. Each flush aerosolizes the toilet bowl contents, dispersing germs into the air and onto surfaces.
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Other people – Germs from other household members or guests using the bathroom also end up on faucets, flush handles and more.
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My own body – Germs from my skin, saliva and waste also contribute to the overall germ load in the bathroom.
The Simple Hack – Disinfecting Wipes
The super simple but very effective hack I use is to always have disinfecting wipes in my bathroom. I make sure to wipe down all bathroom surfaces after every use.
I focus on disinfecting:
- Toilet seat and flush handle
- Faucet handles and sink basin
- Shower floors and walls
- Bathtub surfaces
For wipes, I prefer using EPA-registered disinfectants that claim to kill 99.9% of germs, bacteria and viruses, including flu, staph, E. coli, salmonella, etc. I keep handy canisters of Clorox and Lysol disinfecting wipes in my bathroom.
Why Disinfecting Wipes Are So Effective
Disinfecting wipes are the perfect germ fighting tool for a few reasons:
- Convenience – Wipes are ready to use. No need to mix any solutions.
- Portability – Their compact packaging means I can carry them anywhere.
- Dual-action cleaning – Wipes both clean surfaces and deliver disinfecting chemicals.
- Rapid disinfection – Most wipes only need 3-4 minutes of contact time to kill germs.
- Precise application – Wipes allow me to precisely target germ hotspots.
Disinfecting Wipes Use Tips
To get the most out of my trusty disinfecting wipes, I follow these tips:
- Always check the expiration date before use.
- Change out wipes frequently to prevent cross-contamination.
- Allow the recommended contact time (usually 3-4 minutes) before wiping the surface again.
- Make sure to get coverage on the undersides and crevices of surfaces.
- Seal containers tightly to prevent wipes from drying out.
- Store wipes in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
- Never flush wipes, always dispose of them in the trash.
Additional Bathroom Hygiene Hacks
While disinfecting wipes are my go-to for bathroom germ control, I also practice these additional tips:
Close the Toilet Lid Before Flushing
Flushing with the toilet lid open widely disperses germ-filled droplets of water into the air. So I always make sure to put the toilet lid down before flushing to contain the germy spray.
Use Hand Sanitizer
I keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer right by the bathroom sink. I make sure to sanitize my hands after using the bathroom but before touching anything else.
Ventilate the Bathroom
Turning on the bathroom fan or opening a window while using the bathroom helps ventilate germs rather than allowing them to recirculate in the air.
Launder Bathroom Linens Frequently
I wash bath towels, mats, shower curtains and other fabrics weekly to remove any accumulated germs and bacteria.
Conclusion
While completely eliminating bathroom germs is unrealistic, my simple hack of disinfecting all surfaces after every use dramatically cuts down my family’s exposure. This one small habit takes just a minute but pays huge dividends in keeping all of us healthy. Consistent bathroom disinfection gives me peace of mind that I’m creating the cleanest, most hygienic environment possible for my family.
