GERM-SPREADING HABITS TO GIVE UP NOW
(Health) You likely do some of these things when you're using the restroom. Here's why you shouldn't:
Texting on the toilet
When nature calls, germs are released into the air and can land on a surface, like your phone. Even if you wash your hands before leaving the bathroom, that bacteria is still stuck on your screen. Lever your phone behind the next time you make a trip to the restroom.
Using bar soap
Sure, soap cleans hands, but bars are actually breeding grounds for germs when they're used by multiple people. Opt for liquid soap formulas instead.
Sharing hand towels
Sharing is caring except when it comes to germs. Do your family a favor and give every member of the household their very own hand towel for the bathroom. Launder the towels at least once a week, or more if you have small kids, to prevent bacteria build-up in fabric.
Not washing your hands long enough
The optimal amount of time you should spend washing your hands with warm water and soap, to get them squeaky clean is 20 to 30 seconds. That's about how long it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice. Yes, really.
Drying hands with the air dryer
Using a public restroom? You may want to skip the air dryer to dry hands. Here's why: A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that they can disperse bacteria throughout the room, including onto just-washed hands. Gross. Your best bet when in public? Use paper towels and use them to open any doors to avoid picking up germs on your way out. If there are no paper towels, just shake your hands dry.
Texting on the toilet
When nature calls, germs are released into the air and can land on a surface, like your phone. Even if you wash your hands before leaving the bathroom, that bacteria is still stuck on your screen. Lever your phone behind the next time you make a trip to the restroom.
Using bar soap
Sure, soap cleans hands, but bars are actually breeding grounds for germs when they're used by multiple people. Opt for liquid soap formulas instead.
Sharing hand towels
Sharing is caring except when it comes to germs. Do your family a favor and give every member of the household their very own hand towel for the bathroom. Launder the towels at least once a week, or more if you have small kids, to prevent bacteria build-up in fabric.
Not washing your hands long enough
The optimal amount of time you should spend washing your hands with warm water and soap, to get them squeaky clean is 20 to 30 seconds. That's about how long it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice. Yes, really.
Drying hands with the air dryer
Using a public restroom? You may want to skip the air dryer to dry hands. Here's why: A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that they can disperse bacteria throughout the room, including onto just-washed hands. Gross. Your best bet when in public? Use paper towels and use them to open any doors to avoid picking up germs on your way out. If there are no paper towels, just shake your hands dry.
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