Good toilet hygiene reduces the risk of illness, infection and disease, and both adults and children should practice good hygiene when it comes to matters in the bathroom. Hand washing, wiping properly after both urination and bowel movements and keeping the toilet area clean are some of the best tips for good toilet hygiene.
Proper hand washing is one of the most important elements of good bathroom hygiene. To properly wash your hands put them under clean, running water, add soap and lather. Scrub both the front and back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails for a minimum of 20 seconds. Rinse your hands with clean, running water to remove all of the soap. Use a clean towel to dry your hands or let them air dry if clean towel is not available.
Wiping properly and thoroughly after urination and bowel movements is also important for good toilet hygiene. Use a sufficient amount of toilet paper to get the area clean. Some people find disposable or flushable wipes to be an effective alternative to toilet paper. For women, it is extremely important to wipe from front to back to avoid spreading germs to your genital area, which can lead to infection. Hands should always be washed thoroughly after using the bathroom.
Children should be taught good toilet hygiene when they begin potty training. Teaching them to wash their hands thoroughly and wipe properly, once they are old enough to do so, should become part of their bathroom routine right from the start of potty training. Girls should be taught to wipe from front to back, and boys should be taught the importance of urinating in the toilet, rather than on the toilet or outside of the toilet.
When using a public restroom, touching the fixtures should be avoided to the extent possible. I available, a sanitary, disposable toilet seat should be used to cover the toilet seat. If one is not available, toilet paper can be used. Hands should be washed thoroughly and a paper towel used to turn the faucets on and off and to open the door when exiting the restroom.
Keeping home toilet areas clean is also an important factor in good toilet hygiene. A toilet cleaner and toilet scrub brush will clean the inside of the toilet and kill germs. Toilet brushes should be replaced as needed. Paper towels with a disinfecting bathroom cleaner or pre-made disposable wipes can be used to clean the toilet seat, under the seat, the rim and all outside areas of the toilet.