Bathrooms are often considered one of the dirtiest places in a home. With frequent use and exposure to moisture, bacteria, and germs can easily thrive and spread if not properly taken care of. But don’t worry! With the right hygiene practices from your Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain experts, you can easily maintain a clean and hygienic bathroom with the following sanitary habits to keep germs and microbes away.
The Germiest Parts in Your Bathroom:
Before we get into some tips, it’s good to know which areas in your bathroom are the most germ-prone. These include:
- The toilet seat and handle
- The sink faucet and handles
- Shower curtains and bath mats
- Towels and washcloths
- Countertops and surfaces, especially around sinks
Knowing where these hotspots are can help you up your cleaning game and stop those germs from spreading further.
Kinds of Bacteria That Are in Bathrooms:
Bathrooms can actually be a breeding ground for different types of bacteria, with some being more troublesome than others. The usual suspects you’ll find lurking in bathrooms include:
- E. coli
- Staphylococcus
- Salmonella
- Influenza virus
- Norovirus
10 Eye-opening Tips to Keep Bathroom Germs at Bay:
Now that we’ve got a better grasp on those sneaky bathroom germs let’s dive into ten handy tips to keep ’em away.
WASH YOUR HANDS THE RIGHT WAY
First things first, wash your hands thoroughly. It may sound like common sense, but we think it’s still worth mentioning. Using soap and warm water is one of the best ways to keep those germs at bay. So, don’t forget to scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing off (as suggested by the CDC).
CLEAN YOUR BATHROOM
Make sure you clean your bathroom regularly. I mean, we all know it’s important, right? To stay on top of things, block out a specific day (or maybe two) in your weekly schedule. Oh, and don’t forget to keep some antibacterial wipes handy for quick and easy disinfecting. Just wipe down surfaces as needed, and you’re good to go! This way, you’ll keep those germs and bacteria at bay until your next scheduled cleaning.
COVER YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
Toothbrushes can collect bacteria, including potentially harmful microorganisms, because they’re in the bathroom. Things like being close to the toilet, particles in the air when you flush, and touching it with dirty hands can all lead to bacteria. But the amount and types of bacteria can vary a lot. The best thing to do is store your toothbrush in a holder that covers the bristles. That way, no bacteria floating around can land on them.
FLUSH THE TOILET WITH THE LID CLOSED
One important thing to remember: always flush the toilet with the lid closed! As we mentioned before, flushing with the lid open can spread bacteria and germs in the bathroom. So, make it a habit to close the lid every time you flush.
INSTALL A TOUCHLESS FAUCET
Want to keep your bathroom as germ-free as possible? Install a touchless faucet! By using motion-sensor faucets and soap dispensers, you can avoid touching potentially germ-ridden surfaces. Say goodbye to cross-contamination and hello to a cleaner bathroom.
DISINFECT THE TOILET BRUSH
Don’t forget to disinfect your toilet brush regularly! It’s one of those often-overlooked items in the bathroom that can harbor a lot of bacteria. If you can, go for toilet brushes with disposable ends that you can toss in the trash after use. But if not, just make sure to clean it after each use. To clean the toilet brush, hold the toilet brush with the bristle end over the toilet. Pour hot water and bleach over the bristle. Afterward, prop the toilet brush handle between the toilet bowl and seat lid to keep it elevated. Then, let it air dry for at least five minutes before returning it to the holder.
CHANGE SHOWER CURTAINS
Swap out your shower curtain regularly. It tends to collect bacteria and mold from all that moisture. Consider changing it every few months or using a washable fabric liner instead of plastic.
GET A BIDET
A bidet is a great option instead of regular toilet paper. It gives you a more thorough cleaning and lowers the risk of spreading germs through hand contact. They can be easily obtained online or at any local home improvement store. And as a bonus, they are not too hard to install.
KEEP YOUR BATHROOM WELL-VENTILATED
Making sure there’s enough airflow in your bathroom is super important to stop germs from spreading. If you don’t have an exhaust fan, you can try leaving a window open while you shower or bathe. Another option is getting a dehumidifier to lower the moisture in the air. Just remember, bacteria love damp places, so keeping things dry is key!
GET YOUR DRAINS CLEANED
Household drains are like a playground for bacteria. They love to grow in all that organic gunk, soap scum, and other debris that accumulates in there. The amount and types of bacteria can vary depending on factors like the type of drain and how often you clean it. So, to stay on top of things, it’s a good idea to get your drains professionally cleaned every 1-2 years. This not only keeps the bacteria and mold at bay but also prevents clogs and nasty buildup. Your plumbing system will thank you! Give us a call for more information!
With these ten easy steps in your bathroom routine, you can keep germs away and have a clean and hygienic space for you and your family. Remember, good bathroom hygiene is crucial for your health, the cleanliness of your home, and a smoothly running plumbing system.
Call Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 490-7531 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!