There are numerous pathogens in any bathroom, public or private. Some of the dirtiest, germiest surfaces might surprise you.
Since most of these pathogen risks are either airborne or surface contact, you may feel the urge to wash your hands, clean your bathroom, or get your ventilation ductwork cleaned after reading this.
The Germiest Place in the Bathroom
The germiest place in your bathroom isn’t where you might think. Toilet seats commonly rank behind some persistently damp or high-traffic surfaces such as bathmats, shower curtains, toothbrush holders, and faucet/door handles.
So which pathogens are present, and which surfaces are the worst offenders?
Bathroom Germs and Bacteria
Bathrooms contain numerous types of microbial threats including viral, bacterial, molds/fungus/yeasts, and even a few parasites. Some less commonly contracted pathogens include Herpesvirus, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Dermatophyte. But there are numerous viruses and bacteria you should be aware of.
Viruses Found in Bathrooms
Among viruses you might be exposed to in a bathroom, some of the more common or dangerous include:
- Hepatitis A
- Rotavirus
- Rhinovirus
- Norovirus
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Some of the most common pathogens, such as HPV, are either carried by most humans or don’t represent a significant threat because they don’t survive well outside the body or on hard surfaces.
Bacteria Found in Bathrooms
The most common dangerous bacteria found in bathrooms include:
- E. coli
- Staphylococcus
- Salmonella
- Streptococcus
- Shigella
In the age of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, you may also find resistant strains such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) present.
Germs From a Toilet, The Unexpected Truth
The most prevalent germs specifically from your toilet include streptococcus, E. Coli, fecal bacteria, salmonella, influenza, hepatitis, MRSA, shigella, and norovirus. While this surface represents greater anxiety about contracting an STD, those microbes can’t generally survive on hard surfaces such as toilet seats.
The next most common misconception about toilet germs is that closing the lid prevents the aerosolization of germs that spread to other surfaces. While this airborne hazard is a real concern, several studies show that closing the lid when flushing doesn’t significantly decrease viral or bacterial risks. Instead, these studies recommend adding disinfectant before you flush or using disinfectant/detergent dispensers for your tank or bowl.
Phone in a Bathroom, Germs to Spare
If you’re going to use a phone in the bathroom, it’s basically like not washing your hands. It might alarm you to know that cell phones carry ten times more bacteria than most toilet seats. Worse yet, your phone spends a lot of time interacting with your fingers and your face. This makes it a likely source of pathogen transmission. Consider leaving it outside the bathroom or sanitizing it after each trip to the bathroom.
Dirtiest Place in the Bathroom
An NSF study found that the toothbrush holder is likely the dirtiest place in the bathroom. It ranked third on all household locations behind the dish sponge (which has 10 million bacteria per square inch versus a toilet seat’s 50 bacteria per square inch) and the kitchen sink.
So be sure to regularly clean your toothbrush holder. But don’t overlook hanging your bathmat to dry. These two surfaces are routinely mentioned as the dirtiest surfaces in the bathroom, and those easy steps go a long way.
Finally, while the science isn’t settled, we recommend both closing your toilet lid when flushing and using a tank or bowl detergent/disinfectant.
Need Help With Bathroom Upgrades?
In addition to the common suggestions for improving hygiene and cleaning, a few bathroom upgrades can help reduce the spread of pathogens. Touchless faucets, bidets, and effective air quality/ventilation can help – and so can we!
Daniel’s is your local award-winning solution for expert heating, cooling, and plumbing services in the greater Austin area. Give us a call at 512-456-3570 or book service online.