Everyone uses the bathroom daily, but how many of us really think about our habits there? The truth is that many of our bathroom routines might not be as clean or hygienic as we think. Some of these habits are so ingrained that we don’t even realize we’re doing them, let alone consider how gross they might be.
In this blog, I’ll reveal 13 bathroom habits that are actually pretty disgusting.
Flushing with the Toilet Lid Up
Flushing with the toilet lid up is a common habit, but it’s actually pretty gross. When you flush, tiny water droplets containing bacteria and waste particles can spray up to six feet in the air. This means they can land on nearby surfaces, including your toothbrush. Closing the lid before flushing can help contain this spray and keep your bathroom cleaner.
Using Your Phone on the Toilet
Many people use their phones while on the toilet, but this habit is dirtier than you might think. Your phone can pick up bacteria from the bathroom, which you then carry with you everywhere. Studies have found that cell phones often harbor more bacteria than toilet seats. It’s best to leave your phone outside the bathroom or clean it regularly with disinfectant wipes if you must bring it in.
Not Washing Hands Long Enough
Most people know they should wash their hands after using the bathroom, but many don’t do it for long enough. Proper hand washing should take at least 20 seconds to remove germs effectively. Rushing through hand washing or just rinsing with water isn’t enough to kill harmful bacteria. Singing “Happy Birthday” twice while washing can help ensure you’re scrubbing for long enough.
Leaving Toothbrushes Uncovered
Leaving toothbrushes out in the open might seem fine, but it can expose them to airborne bacteria. When someone flushes the toilet (especially with the lid up), bacteria can land on uncovered toothbrushes. Storing toothbrushes in a closed cabinet or using a toothbrush cover can help protect them from bathroom germs. However, ensure the cover allows the toothbrush to dry, as a damp environment can promote bacterial growth.
Reusing Bath Towels Too Many Times
Many people use the same bath towel for days or even weeks without washing it. While this might seem okay since you’re clean when you use it, towels can harbor bacteria, especially in humid bathroom environments. Damp towels are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. It’s best to wash bath towels every three to four uses to keep them clean and hygienic.
Not Cleaning the Shower Curtain
Shower curtains are often forgotten when it comes to bathroom cleaning. However, they can collect soap scum, mildew, and bacteria over time. A dirty shower curtain can spread these germs every time you shower. Regular cleaning or replacing of shower curtains is vital for maintaining a hygienic bathroom. Most fabric shower curtains can be machine-washed, while plastic ones can be cleaned with bleach.
Storing Makeup in the Bathroom
Keeping makeup in the bathroom might be convenient, but it’s not the best for hygiene. The warm, humid environment of a bathroom can promote bacterial growth in makeup products. This can lead to skin infections or eye irritations when you use the makeup. It’s better to store makeup in a cool, dry place outside the bathroom to keep it clean and safe to use.
Not Replacing Your Loofah Often Enough
Loofahs and other bath sponges are great for exfoliating, but they can also be breeding grounds for bacteria. A bathroom’s damp, warm environment is perfect for bacterial growth on these items. Many people keep using the same loofah for months, unaware of the bacteria buildup. It’s recommended that loofahs be replaced every month or so and that they dry completely between uses.
Keeping Toothbrushes Too Close to the Sink
Storing toothbrushes right next to the sink might seem logical, but it can expose them to more germs. When you wash your hands or brush your teeth, water and bacteria can splash onto nearby toothbrushes, creating a moist environment where bacteria can thrive. It’s better to keep toothbrushes a few feet away from the sink, preferably in a holder that lets them air dry completely.
Not Cleaning the Bath Mat
Bath mats are often overlooked in bathroom cleaning routines. However, they can collect a lot of moisture and become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Standing on a dirty bath mat right after getting clean in the shower defeats the purpose of bathing. Regular washing of bath mats, ideally once a week, can help keep them clean and hygienic.
Sharing Bar Soap
Many households use bar soap in the bathroom, often sharing it among family members. However, bar soap can harbor bacteria from previous users. When multiple people use the same bar of soap, they can potentially spread germs to each other. Liquid soap in a pump dispenser is a more hygienic option for shared bathrooms, as it reduces the direct contact between users.
Not Cleaning the Toilet Brush
The toilet brush is used to clean one of the dirtiest places in the bathroom, but many people forget to clean the brush itself. After use, toilet brushes are often put back in their holders while still wet and dirty. This creates a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Regularly cleaning the toilet brush with bleach or replacing it every few months can help maintain better bathroom hygiene.
Keeping the Bathroom Door Open
Leaving the bathroom door open, especially when flushing, can spread bacteria throughout your home. The flush spray we mentioned earlier can travel even further when the door is open. Additionally, steam from showers can carry bacteria into other rooms. Keeping the bathroom door closed, especially when flushing or showering, can help contain germs and moisture within the bathroom.
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