Using a public restroom can be a difficult task and many people are hesitant for fear of coming into contact with germs and bacteria. Public toilets are full of different types of dangerous bacteria, such as E. coli, salmonella, coliforms and viruses such as rotaviruses and colds. However, these microorganisms do not survive long outside the host and are no more dangerous than the germs you can find in a normal home. While not all public toilets are the same and some are dirtier than others, if you are looking for a clean toilet and follow proper hygiene rules, you should be able to avoid contact with these pathogenic organisms.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Finding a Clean Public Restroom
Step 1. Know where to find the cleanest restrooms
To limit contact with germs and bacteria, you should only use facilities available in hospitals and buildings that are cleaned regularly. Clinics and hospitals generally have the cleanest bathrooms, as staff often use copious amounts of disinfectant.
Avoid those of airports and airplanes. The latter are very small, people have difficulty washing their hands, consequently leaving bacteria on surfaces that you cannot avoid touching when you in turn go to the toilet. Airports are very busy environments and their toilets are not washed sufficiently in relation to the number of daily users
Step 2. Go to the first compartment
People have a tendency to use the middle one or the latter for a little more intimacy, so you should choose the former to limit exposure to bacteria and germs. This compartment is likely to be the least used and cleanest in the bathroom.
Step 3. Do not place personal belongings on the floor
A study has shown that the greatest concentration of germs in a public bathroom is found on this surface. The second most contaminated area is the sanitary napkin bin, along with the sinks and faucets. Avoid touching the pathogens in the toilet by hanging your bag or coat on the hook instead of putting them on the ground, or leave them with a friend outside the toilet.
If there is no hook on the inside of the compartment door, you can hang the bag around your neck or keep your coat on while you perform your physiological needs; these solutions are certainly more hygienic than placing items on the floor
Part 2 of 2: Preventing the Spread of Germs and Bacteria
Step 1. Don't be afraid to sit on the toilet
The contact between the skin and urine or fecal material is certainly not pleasant, but it does not represent a clear danger to health. You run a much greater risk of contaminating yourself with bacteria and germs by touching bathroom surfaces with your hands if you don't wash them, rather than through the skin of your butt.
If using the toilet has psychological implications that make you uncomfortable, you can hover over the toilet seat or use a disposable toilet seat. However, you should avoid touching the bathroom handle or compartment door with your hands, as you can easily transmit microorganisms to your face and mouth without even realizing it
Step 2. Wash your hands after going to the bathroom
It may seem obvious, but it is imperative to always wash them carefully after using a public toilet. By doing this, you significantly reduce the risk of transferring bacteria or fecal material from your hands - which have come into contact with bathroom surfaces - to your face, mouth or eyes.
To wash your hands thoroughly, use soap and scrub them for 20 seconds to create a lather. Rinse them carefully and dry them with a paper towel or electric towel. Don't touch the toilet door on your way out, as many people don't have the good habit of sanitizing their hands and you don't want to contaminate yourself with bacteria left on the handle
Step 3. Limit contact with surfaces, such as doorknobs and sinks
You should try to minimize physical interaction with these elements so as not to contaminate your hands; use a soap dispenser and automatic faucets if possible. An automatic electric hand dryer is a good solution to avoid touching the paper towel dispenser when you leave the services.
