Public washrooms are places most of us want to spend as little time in as possible. Whether it is at a shopping mall, railway station, office or restaurant, we usually walk in, finish our business and leave. But in a hurry to get out, people often overlook a few basic hygiene practices.The problem is not simply touching a surface that someone else has used. It is also about what we touch afterwards, how we wash our hands and whether we carry germs from one surface to another. Here are five common mistakes worth avoiding.
1. Touching the door handle immediately after washing hands
You have just washed your hands thoroughly, but then you reach for the same door handle that several people have touched before you. It is an easy detail to overlook.Door handles, taps and latches are frequently touched surfaces. When possible, use a clean tissue to operate the handle while leaving, particularly if the door needs to be pulled open.
2. Not washing hands for long enough
A quick splash of water is not the same as washing your hands. Some people wet their palms, rub them together for a few seconds and immediately leave.Proper handwashing involves using soap and rubbing the palms, backs of the hands, spaces between fingers, thumbs and fingertips. Spending around 20 seconds on the process helps clean areas that are often missed.
3. Keeping your phone on public washroom surfaces
Whether it is a counter, shelf or the top of a toilet cistern, placing your phone on an unfamiliar surface is a habit best avoided.Phones are already handled throughout the day and can pick up dirt and germs from multiple places. Keeping yours in a pocket or bag is a better option than placing it on washroom surfaces.
4. Using the hand dryer without considering your surroundings
Automatic hand dryers are convenient, especially when there are no paper towels available. However, poorly maintained washroom equipment and the surrounding surfaces can still be unhygienic.The important thing is to dry your hands properly rather than leaving them damp. Use a clean paper towel where available or a properly maintained hand dryer.
5. Leaving without checking whether your hands are completely dry
Many people wash their hands but rush out while their palms and fingers are still wet. This is not ideal because wet hands can transfer microorganisms more easily than properly dried hands.Take a few extra moments to dry your hands thoroughly, including the spaces between your fingers.Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)