Public toilets are notorious for their germ-infested conditions. Bathrooms are an essential place where everyone needs to go, but being in public washrooms can raise concerns about personal hygiene and infection transmission.
In this article, we will provide tips to avoid germs in public restrooms.
1. Use Toilet Seat Covers
You can use toilet seat covers made of thin paper to protect yourself from direct contact with the toilet seat. These covers are commonly found in public restrooms and can prevent the spread of bacteria from the toilet seat to your skin.
2. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
The most common way to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands regularly. Before and after using the public restroom, make sure to clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Scrub your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, and then dry them with a clean towel or a hand dryer.
3. Carry Hand Sanitizer
In case the public washroom doesn’t have soap, or you aren’t sure of its cleanliness, carry a hand sanitizer with you. Hand sanitizers are convenient to use and kill almost all germs.
Apply a dime-sized amount into the palm of your hand, and rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds.
4. Use Your Feet
When leaving the public toilet, use your feet to avoid touching the door handle with your hands. You can push the door open with your foot or use a paper towel to touch the handle if you prefer.
5. Flush the Toilet with Your Shoe
Flushing the toilet using your hands can expose you to many germs and pathogens. Use your shoe to flush the toilet instead of your hands, and avoid having direct contact with the toilet’s lever.
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6. Use Disposable Hand Towels
If the bathroom doesn’t have an air dryer, then use a disposable paper towel to dry your hands. Avoid using cloth towels or hand dryers as they can contain germs that can be easily transferred to your skin.
7. Avoid Touching Surfaces
Public restrooms have different touch surfaces that can be infectious. It’s best to avoid touching any surfaces in the bathroom like door handles, taps, or other fixtures.
If you have to touch these surfaces, then use a piece of tissue to touch them so that you don’t have direct contact with the bacteria present on the surface.
8. Use Your Elbow to Operate Faucets
In case of touch taps, use your elbow to turn on and off the taps. This way, you avoid touching the faucet handle directly and prevent the spread of germs.
9. Use Air Fresheners
Bathrooms can collect a lot of bad smells and odors, which can make you sick. Air fresheners can reduce odors and improve air quality in the bathroom.
Spraying air fresheners, however, needs to be done after you leave the stall so you don’t breathe in fumes or come into contact with the spray.
10. Pick a Stall in the Corner
If possible, pick a stall located in a far corner than other stalls. This way, you can avoid the rush and lower the chances of coming into contact with more germs and people.
Conclusion
Public restrooms are places where we cannot avoid going, but we can take simple steps to avoid contact with germs and bacteria.
In summary, always use toilet seat covers, wash your hands thoroughly, carry hand sanitizers, use your feet, avoid touching surfaces, use your elbow to operate faucets, avoid crowded spaces, and pick a stall in the corner.
