Nine tips to stay healthy when using public toilets

Recently, the Popular Health Network published an article summarizing nine health and hygiene tips for using public toilets.

1. The outermost toilet is the cleanest

People usually like to choose the quietest place when going to the toilet, so the toilet seats in the innermost and corner of the public toilet are often the most used and the dirtiest. The toilet closest to the outside is the cleanest, but also has the least privacy. Of course, you can also choose between cleanliness and privacy.

2. Try to use toilet paper pads

Don't underestimate the thin layer of toilet paper provided in public toilets. It can indeed effectively protect against harmful bacteria left by others. For added protection, you can choose to use more layers of toilet paper pads. If paper pads are not provided in the public restroom, you can use toilet paper to pad the toilet. It should be noted that many people squat on the toilet when using it, which is extremely unsafe.

3. Remember to prepare enough toilet paper

This point is actually very simple, but it is the easiest to be overlooked. Before going to the toilet, check whether there is enough toilet paper in the toilet, or bring your own toilet paper.

4. Avoid flushing the toilet directly with your hands

Except for the automatic sensor flushing device and the foot-operated flushing switch, other flushing switches are extremely easy to cause people to be contaminated with bacteria. It is best to avoid touching the switch directly with your hands. You can touch it by wrapping it with toilet paper.

5. Put a piece of paper in the toilet to prevent splashing

The most embarrassing thing about using the toilet is having the water in the toilet bowl splash onto your buttocks, which is not only uncomfortable but also poses a serious health threat. Before going to the toilet, you can put a piece of paper towel in the toilet seat to effectively reduce the impact and avoid splashing. But don't throw away too much toilet paper, otherwise it may cause the toilet to be clogged.

6. Wash your hands for at least 30 seconds after going to the bathroom

Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, using soap and hot water as much as possible, for at least 30 seconds, making sure to wash both hands up to the wrists.

7. Use automatic hand dryers with caution

In order to save paper and protect the environment, many public toilets are equipped with automatic hand dryers. However, some hand dryers need to press a button to start, and this button may be contaminated with a lot of bacteria. In addition, the hot air blown out by the hand dryer may be the polluted air in the bathroom, which will blow bacteria onto your washed hands. It is best to use your own handkerchief or paper towel to wipe your hands when going out.

8. The faucet is actually dirty

Many people think that the toilet is the dirtiest place in the bathroom, but that is not always the case. The floor and sink in the bathroom may be very dirty. Especially for washbasins, in addition to being damp and suitable for the breeding of bacteria, the faucet handles can also be very dirty.

9. Use paper towels to isolate bacteria

Paper towels are not only used to wipe hands, but also provide additional protection in public toilets. For example, put paper towels on the door handles before opening and closing the door to minimize the harm of bacteria.