As we all know, bathrooms are notorious for harboring germs due to moisture, bacteria, and other microbes. In short, bathrooms are the perfect breeding ground for germs to thrive in. Join us today as your reliable Five Star Columbus Plumbing professionals share ten eye-opening tips to keep bathroom germs at bay by promoting hygiene practices and sanitary habits to help ensure a clean and hygienic space.
Germiest Areas in Your Bathroom:
Before we dive into our tips, it’s helpful to know which areas in your bathroom are the most susceptible to germs. These include:
- Toilet seat and handle: Regular disinfection of these surfaces is vital, as they are prone to bacterial contamination.
- Sink faucet and handles: Frequently touched, these areas can harbor germs, emphasizing the need for routine cleaning.
- Shower curtains and bath mats: Moisture-prone items should be regularly replaced or washed to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
- Towels and washcloths: Frequent washing and changing are essential to prevent the spread of bacteria from these personal care items.
- Countertops and surfaces, especially around sinks: Regular wiping with disinfectant helps keep these areas germ-free.
Types of Bacteria Found in Bathrooms:
Now, let’s talk about the type of bacteria that can be found in bathrooms:
- E. coli
- Staphylococcus
- Salmonella
- Influenza virus
- Norovirus
10 Eye-Opening Tips to Keep Bathroom Germs at Bay:
Handwashing:
We all know the importance of proper handwashing. But it never hurts to reemphasize this. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to scrub their hands properly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Effective handwashing, following the CDC’s guidelines, is a fundamental practice to prevent germ spread.
Bathroom Cleaning:
If you haven’t already, set a dedicated day of the week for cleaning your bathrooms. Establishing a routine for comprehensive bathroom cleaning will help you stay on track and make sure it gets done.
Keep antibacterial wipes nearby. Quick and easy disinfecting with wipes helps control the spread of germs between regular cleaning sessions.
Toothbrushes:
Store toothbrushes with covers. Doing this will help prevent airborne bacteria from landing on toothbrushes, as it is crucial for maintaining oral hygiene. Factors such as proximity to the toilet, aerosolized particles when flushing, and contact with hands can contribute to bacterial contamination, so keeping them covered is your best option.
Toilet Flushing:
Minimize bacteria spread by closing the toilet lid before flushing helps contain bacteria and prevents the dispersion of airborne particles from the toilet throughout the bathroom.
Touchless Faucets:
Reduce surface touching by utilizing hands-free fixtures, like motion-sensor faucets, to mitigate the risk of cross-contamination through surface contact.
Disinfect Toilet Brushes:
Next, clean your toilet brush after each use. Using a toilet brush with a disposable brush end helps keep the toilet brush free from bacterial buildup. But if that is not an option for you, aim to clean the toilet brush after every use instead. To perform this task, hold the toilet brush with the bristle end facing down into the toilet. Carefully pour a mixture of hot water and bleach over the bristles. Once done, place the handle of the toilet brush between the toilet bowl and seat lid to keep it elevated, allowing it to air dry for at least five minutes before returning it to the holder.
Shower Curtains:
Prevent bacterial and mold buildup by regularly changing shower curtains or opting for washable fabric liners, which helps maintain a clean and hygienic shower space.
Bidets:
A thorough and hygienic alternative is a bidet. Bidets provide a cleaner option than traditional toilet paper, reducing the risk of spreading germs through hand contact. As a bonus, they are fairly priced and easy to install yourself!
Bathroom Ventilation:
Make sure your bathroom gets properly ventilated after each use. Proper ventilation, through methods like exhaust fans or open windows, reduces moisture, creating an environment less conducive to bacterial growth.
Professional Drain Cleaning:
Household drains are the perfect place for bacteria to grow due to the accumulation of organic matter, soap scum, and other debris that can serve as a breeding ground for microorganisms. The solution to prevent bacterial and mold buildup in your drains is scheduling professional drain cleaning every 1-2 years to help maintain a healthy plumbing system, preventing clogs and unwanted bacterial growth. Feel free to call us for more information!
Implementing these tips into your routine will help you to achieve fewer germs in your bathroom and significantly decrease the chances of spreading bacteria. Good bathroom hygiene is vital for overall health, home cleanliness, and even an efficiently running plumbing system.
Call Five Star Columbus Plumbing today at (614) 401-8086, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
