The high level of humidity in these two places makes them ideal "homes" for germs and bacteria to live in. Without realizing it, hundreds of millions of germs and bacteria thrive in the corners of the bathroom and toilet that escape our eyes. According to research conducted by Unilever on squat toilets, there are at least more than 100 million germs that pose a risk of causing illness to its users.
Every time we visit them to fulfill our needs, be it bathing, defecating, brushing teeth, and when a family member is sick, for example, vomiting, diarrhea, spitting, and so on, it is certain that various germs and bacteria are increasingly gathering and being carried by us through the surfaces and objects around the toilet and bathroom.
So, what are the germs and bacteria and where do they live in the toilet and bathroom area:
- Legionella bacteria: often found in places that contain water, such as in showers that are rarely used. This bacteria, which thrives in warm and humid environments, can be carried by the air and if inhaled, a person will develop a respiratory infection.
- Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Cholera, and Typhoid: bacteria that are easily carried and spread through feces. The average person's stool under normal conditions contains about 11 billion germs per gram. Usually found in toilet bowls.
- Pseudomonas: this bacteria likes to be on the surface of the sink and is easily spread through direct contact on hands.
In addition, damp towels or utensils that are often left in bathrooms and toilets in a humid state also become a place for other bacteria to gather and grow.
The best way to avoid the risk of disease from these germs and bacteria starts from the easiest thing, which is always washing hands with soap after using the toilet and bathroom. These should also be followed by maintaining the cleanliness of all toilet and bathroom surfaces.
Cleaning toilets and bathrooms can be done with the following steps:
- Prepare disinfectant liquid or special toilet and bathroom cleaning liquid
- Use gloves when cleaning to avoid direct contact with liquids and dirt
- Clean the toilet bowl regularly
By using the right products in the toilet and bathroom area, stubborn scale stains and yellowish stains can be removed to the maximum and effectively kill disease-causing germs.
With these simple applications, it is hoped that toilets and bathrooms in every household will be better maintained, cleaner, smell fresher, and be more comfortable to use to ensure healthier Indonesian families.