Public toilets are often the home of various types of health-threatening bacteria and germs. While it is somewhat unlikely that you will get serious illness from a toilet seat, it is obviously advisable or advisable to disinfect it. By using disposable toilet seats or by cleaning the seat and washing your hands, you can sanitize a public toilet and save yourself from contact with bacteria on surfaces.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using toilet seats
Step 1. Use a toilet seat
Public restrooms sometimes have disposable covers made of lightweight wax paper that you can place over the seat. Use them to create a barrier between the skin and the toilet, thus avoiding direct contact with bacteria.
- These protections are usually found on the bathroom wall or in dispensers inside each cabin.
- If there is any type of material on the seat or it is wet, wipe it with some toilet paper before putting the cover down.
- Lay down the toilet seat with the center tab dangling into the toilet, so that it is sucked out of the drain after use.
- Consider bringing personal disposable toilet seats with you to use when not in the bathroom.
Step 2. Use the automatic plastic toilet seats
Some public toilets are now equipped with plastic guards that seal the toilet whenever the flush is flushed. They automatically create a barrier between the skin and the seat, avoiding you having to touch the cup.
If you notice any material in the toilet, consider operating the automatic toilet seat twice. Studies have shown that flushing water can splash on the plastic cover, compromising its hygienic conditions
Step 3. Make a toilet seat with toilet paper
Some public restrooms don't provide these protective products, but you can make one easily with toilet paper. In this way, you create a barrier between your body and the seat that protects you from bacteria on the surface.
- Lay a layer or two of toilet paper all over the toilet seat.
- Finally, throw the paper toilet seat inside the toilet so that the next toilet user won't find it on the toilet.
Method 2 of 3: Disinfect the Seat
Step 1. Scrub the seat with toilet paper
Work until it's dry and clean. This way, you get a dry surface to sit on and get rid of some of the germs and bacteria present.
- You can simply use the paper or moisten it slightly with soap and water.
- If you have alcoholic hand sanitizer, you can sprinkle some on the seat before scrubbing it with paper and sitting down.
Step 2. Bring disinfectant wipes with you
Choose the ones that can be thrown down the toilet and use them to disinfect the surfaces of a public bathroom, from the toilet seat to the door handle. These wet wipes save you from contact with germs and bacteria.
- Many manufacturers offer travel packs that you can comfortably carry in your bag.
- Make sure direct contact with these products is safe for the skin. Scrub the seat with toilet paper to dry it after disinfecting it.
- Read the label on the wipes before throwing them in the toilet to avoid clogging the drain.
- Use more than one if necessary.
Step 3. Bring alcohol wipes with you
They are effective in killing germs and bacteria, as well as being discreet and gentler on the skin of the hands than sanitizing ones.
- Scrub the seat thoroughly and throw the wipe in the trash. Wait for the surface to dry before sitting down.
- You can buy these products in all supermarkets.
Step 4. Use a travel spray disinfectant
Many lines of cleaning products offer sanitizing sprays that can be poured into small travel bottles that are very convenient for use in public restrooms. These products protect against contact with bacteria and germs.
- Spray the disinfectant thoroughly and let it work for as long as recommended on the package.
- Rub the seat with clean toilet paper after spraying the product.
Method 3 of 3: Disinfect with Other Methods
Step 1. Crouch on the toilet
In case the bathroom is dirty and there are no toilet seats or disinfectants available, you can squat down without sitting down. This position avoids direct contact.
Make sure the underwear is not touching the seat
Step 2. Use a booth with covered toilet paper
One way to minimize contact with bacteria in a public bathroom is to choose a booth where the toilet paper is almost completely covered by a metal or plastic roll holder. In this way, it is protected from water splashes and bacteria or germs.
If the toilet paper is unprotected, use the one that is as far from the floor as possible or a handkerchief
Step 3. Flush with your foot or protected hand
The drain handle is usually the least hygienic part of the bathroom. By covering it with toilet paper or operating it with your foot, you are sure not to touch pathogens.
You can use either toilet paper or a new toilet seat to flush the toilet
Step 4. Disinfect your hands
A recent study showed that contaminated hands and fingers can easily transmit bacteria and germs found in bathrooms. By washing them thoroughly or using a disinfectant, you can reduce the risk of getting infected with viruses on dirty surfaces.
- The correct way to wash your hands is to use warm water, soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds.
- Use a sanitizer after washing your hands or if there is no soap.
- Dry them with paper towels whenever possible. Studies have found that jet air dryers spread bacteria more.
Step 5. Don't touch the door on your way out of the bathroom
This surface is also a source of bacteria and germs, especially if people don't wash their hands and touch it. Use a piece of paper or your elbow to open the door. This technique protects you from direct contact with pathogens.
Step 6. Ask the toilet staff to clean
Many public toilets are regularly cleaned with harsh disinfectants. If the toilet is unsanitary, ask the staff to clean it before using it.
