Bathroom Etiquette

My friend and I were talking the other day about how unclean some of the local restrooms are.  Since many people do not follow bathroom etiquette, public restrooms are looking pretty ummm gross!  These restrooms are in places where you take your infants and children-restaurants, malls, bookstores, supermarkets, etc.  It is unfortunate but sometimes we just have to use them.

Through the years I have gotten used to many germaphobic rituals such as using paper towels to open doors, turn on water, flush the toilet and basically to touch anything.  I could basically use a restroom without actually touching anything.  However, since my 2 year old was potty trained, going to public restrooms has become a brand new issue.  Toddlers want to run their fingers across every wall, stall door, play with the door locks, lift the toilet seat, open the feminine hygiene product disposal container and hold onto the sink and counter while trying to wash their hands.  By the time we get our hands washed I feel quite disgusted and definitely dirtier then when we entered the room.   Although medical researchers have long believed that a link existed between germ exposure and increased resistance to infection, a dirty restroom is not on the top of my list for letting my guard down.  So, how do we combat this must needed task and feel good about it?

First things first-what does the restroom look and smell like?  If it's fairly clean and you see one of those daily cleaning checklists, then the restroom experience shouldn't be that bad.  Take out a baby wipe or tissue from your purse to open the doors and wipe the stall door lock, wipe the seat, then dry with some tissue and dispose.  Use tissue to flush toilet and take some more tissue when leaving the stall to turn on the taps.  If this restroom doesn't have automatic towel dispensers then make sure to release the paper towel  before you wash your hands (and your child’s), grab the towel, dry hands, turn off tap with the towel, open door with towel and dispose.  I like it when restrooms place a garbage bin at the exit.

If the restroom is filthy and you have no other choice but to use it.....put on your rubber gloves and dispose them upon leaving. lol  That actually doesn’t sound like a bad idea.  However, in the case of not wanting to look like Howie Mendel, follow the exact steps above until you get to the part about washing your hands.  Just skip it, yes I said skip washing your hands and especially your child’s, at least not in this bathroom.  Studies at the University of Arizona in Tucson found that sinks are the greatest reservoir of germ colonies in restrooms, thanks in part to accumulations of water that become breeding grounds for tiny organisms. These organisms include both familiar and unfamiliar suspects like streptococcus, staphylococcus, E. coli and shigella bacteria, hepatitis A virus, the common cold virus, and various sexually transmitted organisms.  The last place I want my daughters hands is inside that sink, even if she doesn't touch the sink, the running water can splash the bacteria up. 

What are your options?  

Hand sanitizers containing alcohol- Ethyl alcohol (Ethanol), the active ingredient utilized in alcohol hand sanitizers is rated as a 5, moderate hazard in the Cosmetics Safety Database. Concerns include: Cancer, Developmental and reproductive toxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Occupational hazards.  I never did feel comfortable using hand sanitizers, even before I researched the ingredients.  My hands just don't feel clean. 

Alcohol-free hand sanitizers-Benzalkonium chloride is the active ingredient and it is associated with severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and allergies.  Benzalkonium chloride is a sensitizer especially dangerous for people with asthma or skin conditions such as eczema. So, do not be lured into thinking all those "alcohol free" products companies advertize are safe because now you know better.

Soapy facecloth-When prepared, like travelling, it's nice to have a soapy cloth in a Ziploc baggy.  Then, you can use whatever soap you feel comfortable with.  Water naturally adheres to the dirt and germs on your hands and the cloth wipes them away.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antibacterial soaps are not necessary, but washing your hands thoroughly with ordinary soap and warm water is one of the most effective ways to ward off infection.  There isn't a big difference in using hot or cold water but Natural Castile soap works with cold water very well.

Baby wipes-Again, not as good as running water but a great replacement for the moment.  You can then try to find a cleaner restroom or you may already be on your way home.  Using friction and the wetness of the wipe will wipe away most bacteria and especially dirt and grime.

There are plenty of recipes for non toxic hand sanitizers.  Go to THIS SITE to learn more.  However, I just don't see the need to waste money on expensive essential oils, especially if you’re only stuck in these situations once in a while.  Plus these recipes still contain some form of alcohol and I am just not comfortable using it on children.  If remembering a facecloth is a challenge or if you will need too many for that day, another idea would be to take a small container of liquid soap.  Whenever you are stuck without a clean sink , rub the liquid soap on you or your childs' hands like a hand sanitizer, but then use a baby wipe to clean off the stickiness. This way you get the soap, friction and water-the 3 main components of removing dirt and bacteria.  My favorite store bought liquid soap is Dr. Bronners castile liquid soap. 

A little tidbit of grossness:
According to ABC News, a microbiologist found millions of germs on purses. ”‘We found fecal bacteria you normally find on the floor of restrooms,’ he said. ‘We found bacteria that can cause skin infections on the bottom of purses. What’s more amazing is the large numbers we find on the bottom of purses, which indicates that they can be picking up a lot of other germs like cold viruses or viruses that cause diarrhea.’
Using a hand-held germ meter, Gerba demonstrated how much bacteria can grow on a woman’s purse for ABC News, with results that ranged from scary to downright terrifying. Health experts worry when the meter reads over 200, which means thousands of bacteria are present.”  I would suggest hanging your purse around your neck if the coat hook is absent or you can purchase a neat little bracelet purse hanger from places like Amazon.