A public restroom isn't always the cleanest place to walk into. Even when it is, it can harbor a lot of germs for the simple fact that many people use it throughout the day. Some studies have been conducted that have shown that although public toilets seem like environments full of fearsome germs, in reality they do not have more than average. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't use common sense. To reduce the risk of getting sick or just to feel more comfortable using a public bathroom, there are a few things to keep in mind. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Using a Public Bathroom
Step 1. Check inside different booths
As soon as you enter a public restroom, take a quick look at the available cabins and decide which one to use.
- Choose the one that looks cleaner to you. The previous user should have flushed the toilet, the seat should be dry and free of any visible residue, and there should also be toilet paper and a toilet seat.
- It happens quite frequently that one or two cabins are clearly dirty or contaminated; if possible, avoid using them.
- If your only chance is to get into a dirty booth, use extreme caution and put in place as many safety procedures as possible.
Step 2. Flush the toilet carefully
In fact, you are more likely to spread bacteria or become infected when you flush the toilet; this is why it is important to be very careful when carrying out this operation in public toilets.
- During the roar of the water, the "splashes" can spread over a radius of 1.5 m. If you are in a booth and you flush the toilet, you are exactly in the center of this area.
- Use toilet paper to tap the button. Don't do it with your bare hands; grab some toilet paper or use your foot.
- Also, turn to the other side when you flush the toilet. This prevents your face and mouth from facing directly into the toilet and away from the spray range.
- Also use toilet paper to open the door. It is quite evident that the inside handle is dirtier than the outside one. Use a small piece of paper to open the door and then immediately throw it in the bin next to the exit.
Step 3. Wash your hands
This is probably one of the most important aspects when using a public bathroom and, unfortunately, many times the tap is the place that receives the most germs.
- Wash your hands with the hottest water possible or whatever is bearable for your skin. High temperatures have a better sanitizing action.
- Use the soap and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds under running water (time to sing the song "Happy birthday" twice).
Step 4. Dry your hands thoroughly
After washing them, it is important to continue with the safe cleaning procedure by drying them equally thoroughly. You may still come in contact with germs during this stage.
- Ideally, the bathroom should be stocked with paper towels. If so, use them to turn off the tap. Use another sheet to dry your hands and to open the bathroom door to get out.
- Studies have found that blowing air-drying hands lifts a few drops of water back towards the face. In addition, in some models of electric hand dryers the water collects at the bottom and is sprayed back towards the user.
- If the only way to dry your hands is the electric air device, finally scrub your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Step 5. Get out of the bathroom safely
When you are about to leave the room, you must always pay attention to the risk of still coming into contact with germs.
- Remember that even if you have washed your hands, others may not have done so and the bathroom handle may be covered with a massive amount of pathogens.
- Use a small piece of toilet paper or a paper towel to open the door and get out. You may seem like a picky person, but after all your efforts to wash your hands, you need to avoid contaminating them again.
- You may also want to consider using hand sanitizer once you get out of the bathroom to get rid of any remaining germs.
Step 6. Practice safe techniques when changing your baby
If you need to change your baby's nappy in a public bathroom, there are other precautions and tips you need to take to keep your baby safe from germs and bacteria.
- Make sure you always have a spare and a blanket with you that you can spread out on the changing table, bench or chair nearby.
- It's a good idea to keep other baby-safe wet wipes or sanitizing products with you as well.
Step 7. Inform manager or employee of lack of hygiene or leaks in toilets
Many companies or local authorities that are responsible for managing public toilets want to be informed about the sanitary conditions of the toilets. Consumer complaints are important and are taken into consideration.
- Ask to speak to building maintenance staff or the sanitation department and inform them that bathrooms need to be cleaned or checked.
- If you do not get any response or the hygiene conditions do not improve, then call the competent ASL and report the situation.
Part 2 of 2: Planning the Use of Public Baths
Step 1. Bring your personal toilet paper with you
Unfortunately, toilet paper in public restrooms may not be as clean and safe as you think. If you remove the first two layers of paper from the roll, you reduce the chances of coming into contact with germs.
- Health experts say that when the toilet is turned on, some of the pathogens are sprayed into the environment. These splashes reach every corner of the booth and can even fall on toilet paper.
- By removing the first two layers of paper from the roll, you can reduce the chances of touching germs. Throw this card in the toilet before sitting down.
- You can also take toilet paper with you, putting it in a plastic bag inside the bag or keeping it in your pocket; by doing so you are not forced to use the one supplied.
Step 2. Have toilet seats close at hand
Studies have shown that there are a lot of germs on the toilet seat, but that the skin is more than enough of a barrier to prevent them from entering the body.
- However, the paper protectors that are available help make you feel safer when you sit on the toilet.
- Again, remember that the toilet flush can splash germs on the toilet seats in the cabin. Flush the first one down the toilet.
- Camping supply stores and many drugstores now sell small packs of toilet seats. It pays to always keep one in your bag or backpack, wherever you go.
Step 3. Don't forget to keep an alternative product with you to sanitize your hands and body
You should purchase alcoholic hand sanitizer to use when going to public restrooms.
- It is not always possible to wash hands safely in these environments, so it is always good to have a "backup plan".
- Always have waterless hand sanitizer available. You can use it after washing your hands and exiting the bathroom as an added precaution.
Step 4. Get some probiotics
Although taking these products every day may seem a long way from the goal of not contaminating yourself in public restrooms, health experts are of the opposite opinion.
- Research shows that the larger the intestinal flora population, the better the immune system's ability to protect you from pathogens.
- Taking probiotics every day can help, especially if you use public restrooms regularly.
- Choose and take a probiotic product that has at least 10 billion CFUs every day. This is the dosage that is typically present in a pill or tablet.
Advice
- Avoid using your bare hands to touch any surface (sink, toilet drain, door handle, etc.).
- Always wear footwear, whether it's sandals, flip flops, or your favorite tennis shoes.
- Always support the girls, so that they do not touch the toilet seat; alternatively, use or improvise a toilet seat for them.
- If the bathroom is in bad condition, always inform the maintenance manager.
- Remember that other people will use the bathroom after you. Be courteous and make sure they don't have to face a bad bathroom after your use.
- Take toilet paper and wet wipes with you as a precaution.
