Knowing these tips on how to prevent toilet bacteria from entering the environment is essential to avoiding cross-contamination.
That the the bathroom is full of bacteria that many are already familiar with: around 480 thousand of them accumulate per cm², according to a study on bacterial concentration conducted by the American microbiologist Charles Gerba. Some of them do not represent a high risk, being called cutaneous, however there are pathogenic ones, which are harmful to health.
However, did you know that these bacteria present in the toilet can end up spreading to the rest of the bathroom environment? The idea of living with such a quantity of microorganisms in your bathroom can be scary, but the good news is that with basic hygiene measures and attention to the utensils used it is possible to minimize the impact.
See below Tips on how to prevent toilet bacteria from spreading into the environment:
Correct and frequent cleaning
The first tip to avoid problems with bacteria, according to Elvis Barreto, research and development manager at Reckitt Industrial, manufacturer of Harpic and Veja, is to practice correct hygiene.
The toilet should be disinfected two or three times a week, depending on the number of people using it. It is recommended to always give preference to detergents and disinfectants suitable for use in the toilet and bathroom, ensuring satisfactory performance.
And it’s not just the inside of the toilet that needs attention: the seat and lid should be cleaned frequently, too.
Use separate utensils to clean the bathroom
The cloth used to clean the toilet should not be the same one used to clean the rest of the bathroom. Having specific cloths, sponges, gloves and other utensils for cleaning the bathroom prevents cross-contamination, i.e. the transfer of bacteria from the toilet to other objects and surfaces.
Wash your hands after cleaning
Just as utensils can transmit bacteria from the toilet to other objects, so can your hands. Therefore, always wash your hands after cleaning the toilet.
Flush the toilet with the lid down
Research published by the journal Scientific Reports found that, when dumping with the lid up, particles can reach up to 1.5 meters high in just eight seconds. As a result, bacteria can remain in the air for hours and contaminate bathroom surfaces and objects, such as toothbrushes.
So, don’t forget to always lower the toilet lid before flushing.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
