Your bathroom can be a center for bacteria, viruses and germs. Toilet bowls have 3.2 million bacteria cells on average per square inch. Germs and bacteria can spread viruses throughout the home if you don't clean the toilet bowl frequently. Thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the toilet bowl, along with proper hygiene, can help keep your family free of germs.
Close the Lid Before You Flush
The mere act of flushing the toilet disperses very small drops of urine, feces and toilet water over the toilet seat, the base of the toilet, the walls and floors. Some toilets can actually propel these drops 6 to 8 feet in the air. This can spread e. coli and shigella bacteria. Prevent the spread of germs by closing the lid before you flush the toilet.
Effects of Bacteria
Bacteria can get you sick, especially if there is a considerable buildup due to improper sanitation. Bacteria can cause illnesses, such as strep throat, colds and other maladies. These types of illness-causing bacteria sit on the toilet surface and in the bowl. To keep them from harming you and your family, you'll need to sanitize the toilet every couple of weeks. Sanitize it more often if it gets a lot of daily use, if you are sick or if you have small children.
Sanitize the Toilet
Properly sanitizing the toilet will remove all of the bacteria, viruses and other contaminants and germs on the toilet surface. These germs include microorganisms, streptococcus, staphylococcus and scabies. Sanitize the toilet every week to prevent the spread of germs. Apply a sanitizing spray over the entire surface of the toilet. Let it sit for several minutes according to the manufacturer's instructions. Scrub the toilet with a toilet brush and rinse it with clear water.
Use a Toilet Brush
A toilet brush helps remove bacteria and germs from the surface of the toilet bowl. This will help scour away stains as well. The toilet brush can, however, develop bacteria of its own from doing its job. So you should sanitize your toilet brush, after every use, to make sure it doesn't spread bacteria in your bathroom and your home. Sanitize the brush by spraying it with a bathroom sanitizing spray.
