World Toilet Day – The 9-step healthy guide to use the public toilet

Here are common practices you should follow while using a public toilet.

Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated: January 17, 2017 11:34 am

Restroom floors: With the number of people walking in with their dirty shoes, the number of bacteria on the floor is bound to be more than that on a toilet seat. Public restrooms are known have up to 1.5 to 2 million bacteria per square inch, whereas an average toilet seat houses only 50.

Using a public toilet is one of the last things that most of us might want to use. But in cases of emergency, you are left with no option but to use a one. The fact is that even the cleanest public wash room harbours numerous germs, just because the facility is been used by many people all round the day. Well, there is no need to fret, next time you visit a public restroom. Here is a step-by-step guide to prevent those nasty bacteria and make your visit to a public toilet a pleasant experience.

Step 1: Open the door with tissue paper or use hand sanitizer

As soon as you enter the wash room, the first thing that you do is open the door. The door handle is one of the common hot spots for malicious germs making you susceptible to various diseases.
Hence, use of a hand sanitizer or tissue paper while opening the door to the toilet is highly recommended, to minimize the risk of getting germs.

Step 2: Clean the toilet seat with toilet paper

Look at the toilet seat first after entering, and if needed, use toilet paper to wipe off the cover.
You can also use toilet seat covers (available at pharmacies in tiny packs). These are easy-on the pocket and can be carried easily in your handbag.

Step 3: Hover over the toilet seat (optional)

If you are uncomfortable in sitting on the toilet seat or feel the risk of catching any infection, hover closely above the seat.
This measure might come to your rescue, when you have no other choice but to use a toilet with dirty or wet surfaces.

Step 4: Use toilet paper to press flush button

Since most people push the flush button or handle after they are done, the chances of microbes on the toilet handle are considerably high.
Hence, use a piece of toilet paper to push the flush button and then dispose the paper into the flush.

Step 5: Exit the place quickly, after flushing

Another important fact is that the possibility of numerous air-borne micro-organisms coming out of the flush is relatively high. These germs reach the respiratory tract and may infect your air passage leading to throat infections.
So after you flush out, face away from the flushing toilet and quickly leave the place. Another option is to put down the lid of the toilet seat with the help of toilet paper and throw the paper into the dustbin.

Step 6: Use toilet paper to open the door

It goes without saying that the inside handle of the toilet door has more germs attached to it than the outside latch.
So, it is always advised to use a piece of toilet paper to open the door and dispose it in the bin immediately.

Step 7: Wash your hands without fail

The next yet most important step is to wash your hands the right way. This is because, almost one-third of infectious diseases can be eliminated by proper hand washing.
The refillable hand washing solutions (soap dispensers)are better than soaps as the chances of germs spreading from one person to other is high in case of reusable soaps.

Step 8: Use tissue papers to wipe your hands

Although hand dryers have become quite popular in recent times, experts believe that use of tissue paper to wipe your hands is the most effective way.
It is mainly because hand dryers do not clean your hands properly and the supply of hot air from these dryers actually helps the bacteria to thrive rather than eliminate them.

Step 9: Finally, use a hand sanitizer

Remember that the inner handle of the main door is also loaded with many infectious organisms. Hence, you can use a hand sanitizer as an extra precaution after you are done with washing and drying your hands, as it provides protection against bacteria.
Another safe option is to use a small piece of tissue paper to open the door. This way the chances of getting germs are far more reduced.

These steps are common for people using a western-style toilet (as they are commonly seen in the public toilets). However in case the public toilet is Indian style, most of these steps are eliminated.

Image Source: Getty Images

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Published: December 11, 2014 7:05 pm | Updated:January 17, 2017 11:34 am

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