10 Common washroom hygiene mistakes you're making (and how to fix them)

Maintaining proper washroom hygiene is essential for individuals' well-being and disease transmission prevention. However, there are several common mistakes that people make when it comes to a best-practice approach to washroom hygiene. Let’s go through the top ten of these mistakes and provide practical solutions to help you fix them, ensuring a clean and germ-free washroom environment.

Mistake 1: Insufficient handwashing

One of the most common mistakes is not washing hands thoroughly or skipping handwashing altogether.

Solution: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, making sure to cover all surfaces, including between fingers and under nails. Encourage others to do the same by displaying proper hand-washing instructions.

Mistake 2 Ignoring hand drying

Leaving hands wet after washing can lead to bacterial growth and cross-contamination.

Solution: Dry your hands thoroughly using paper towels or hand dryers. If using a hand dryer, ensure it has sufficient power to dry hands effectively (Hand dryers that contain Hepa filtration offer the most hygienic option for hand drying) 

Mistake 3: Touching surfaces after handwashing

Touching restroom surfaces, such as door knobs for faucets, immediately after washing hands can reintroduce germs.

Solution: Use a paper towel to open the door or turn off the faucet. If no paper towels are available, use hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol as an alternative.

Mistake 4: Improper toilet flushing

Many people fail to close the toilet lid before flushing, resulting in the dispersion of germs and bacteria into the air. This is known to us at Initial Hygiene as toilet sneeze! 

Solution: Close the toilet lid before flushing to minimise the spread of bacteria and viruses. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of contamination throughout the toilet cubicle and wider washroom area

Mistake 5: Neglecting toilet seat hygiene

Some individuals avoid using toilet seat covers or fail to clean the seat before use, leading to potential exposure to germs.

Solution: Use toilet seat covers or wipe the seat with disinfectant wipes before sitting down. If neither option is available, create a barrier using a layer of toilet paper to minimise transmission. 

Mistake 6: Improper handling of feminine hygiene products

Improper disposal of feminine hygiene products can lead to unsanitary conditions and clogged plumbing.

Solution: Use disposal bags provided in restrooms. Ensure sanitary pads or tampons are properly disposed of in designated sanitary bins.

Mistake 7: Ignoring surface cleaning

Neglecting to clean restroom surfaces regularly allows bacteria to thrive and spread.

Solution: Establish a routine cleaning schedule for all surfaces, including countertops, sinks, doorknobs, and faucets. Use appropriate disinfectants and ensure that cleaning supplies are readily available and record the schedule for surface disinfection that is visible to all

Mistake 8: Overlooking ventilation

Poor ventilation allows for the buildup of unpleasant odours and can increase the concentration of airborne pathogens.

Solution: Ensure adequate ventilation in restrooms by keeping windows open or installing proper ventilation systems. This helps remove odours and promotes the circulation of fresh air improving indoor air quality to mitigate transmission risk

Mistake 9: Inadequate restroom supplies

Insufficient supplies, such as soap, paper towels, or toilet paper, can hinder proper hygiene practices.

Solution: Regularly monitor restroom supplies and restock as needed. Encourage users to report any shortages or issues promptly.

Mistake 10: Neglecting maintenance and repairs

Ignoring maintenance issues, such as leaky faucets or malfunctioning flush mechanisms, can lead to unclean and unpleasant washroom conditions.

Solution: Establish a system for reporting and addressing maintenance and repair needs promptly. Regularly inspect restroom facilities to identify any issues that require attention.

Maintaining proper washroom hygiene is crucial for the health and well-being of individuals. By addressing these ten common mistakes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can create a cleaner and more sanitary washroom environment. Remember to prioritise handwashing, proper hand drying, and surface cleaning. Pay attention to maintenance needs and ensure an adequate supply of restroom essentials. 

Following these easy steps will help us to strive for better washroom hygiene to promote a healthier and more pleasant experience for everyone.

Contact us today

Initial Hygiene is leading the way air, hand and surface hygiene innovation to meet the demand of any environment. Get in touch today on 1300 187 162 or contact us here for free, no obligation assessment of your current hygiene services.