To sit or not to sit? This is the main question in our head when we’re obligated to use a public toilet. Can sitting on the toilet seat in a public toilet can be a health hazard? Are public toilets as dangerous as they’re considered?
Here are some tips that will help make your visit to the public toilet a lot safer:
1. The places that look the safest are actually the most dangerous ones
No one knows how much bacteria there is on the toilet lid and under the toilet seat. One company decided to collect samples from the public toilet after one working day at the office and see how safe their toilet actually is. The results showed that the most contaminated spot in their toilet is actually the sink. Sinks are not cleaned as well as toilets and that’s why they contain most germs. Scientists from Arizona did a similar experiment and they concluded that only 19% of bacteria are found on the toilet. The rest are located in the sinks and bathtubs. There are also a lot of bacteria on the walls, floors and door knobs.
2. Details matter
In a clean toilet, there should be a toilet paper, a soap and a cleaning schedule on the wall. Check the schedule to see if the toilet has been cleaned that day.
3. Choose the right stall
Scientists explain that when they’re only 2 booths in the restroom, people more often choose the second one. So if you ever find yourself in a public restroom, remember to choose the first booth because it might be cleaner. It’s a responsibility of public restroom owners to use their best judgement when installing commercial bathroom stalls to ensure the best possible comfort and hygiene within the stalls.
4. Adapt
If you’re carrying your bag with you and you’re thinking where to leave it while using the toilet, pick the safest place. Never put your bag on the floor. The safest place to place it is on the toilet tank.
5. Sit correctly
The position we sit on a toilet is actually not natural. That position can cause strain, tension, hemorrhoids and constipation. When you’re in a public bathroom, use the 35 degree pose since it’s more natural. If the toilet doesn’t allow standing on the seats, just try not to touch the seat to avoid bacteria.
6. Don’t cover the toilet seat with toilet paper
This might be the worst decision ever. A lot of people forget to close the toilet door after using it and when they flush, the bacteria gets spread all over the toilet, including toilet paper. The paper absorbs moisture and moisture is the best breeding ground for bacteria. Unless you carry your own toilet paper, don’t place the paper all over the seat.
7. Wash your hands thoroughly
Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet. Don’t forget that we touch our face more than 3 times a minute, which means we can easily transfer bacteria on our face and mouth. Wash your hands for at least 1 minute and leave the restroom without touching any surface.
Public toilets are not that dangerous as people think and No, you can’t get STDs from a toilet!