Here are 7 easy steps to ensure that you escape public washrooms germ free!
1. Use the Back of Your Hand
When you enter the washroom, use the back of your hand as much as you can! If the stall doors push then push them open with the back side of your hand to avoid getting unwanted bacteria on your finger tips and palms (which are more likely to come in contact with your eyes, mouth, genitals etc).
2. Wipe Down
It’s always a great idea to keep hand wipes or baby wipes in your purse for sanitization. If you have these then give the seat a wipe down, and if you don’t then use the available toilet paper!
3. Cover the Seat
If it’s available, use the toilet seat covers provided, or use a little bit of toilet paper to cover the portion of the seat that you’ll sit on. If you’re really adventurous then try testing those quad muscles… squat without touching the seat!
4. Safe Flushing
Don’t use your hands to flush! Using your foot to press the flusher ensures that those disgusting germs stay off your hands, and you won’t be leaning over the toilet when it flushes, exposing yourself to the spray!
5. Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands with soap and warm water when you get out of the washroom! Make sure that you use paper towel or the back of your hand to turn off the tap… otherwise you’re just putting all those germs back onto your hands!
6. Dry Properly
If there is an option to wash your hands with paper towel, use it! Half of the washing process is actually dependent on the friction of drying your hands. Unfortunately hand dryers have really caught on but they eliminate an essential step of the hand cleaning process!
7. Sanitize
When you’re out of the washroom, use your hand sanitizer or a clean hand wipe for good measure!
Final tip: Don’t forget that toilets spray when they flush! Pretty much ever surface in that public restroom stall is covered in bacteria and germs, so unless you’re magic… you touched something that requires a hand wash!