With the recent release of the study that found “car steering wheels carry more than twice as many germs as a toilet seat,” I feel compelled to share my thoughts.
Helloooo!…
When in the world is everyone going to figure it out?… Toilet seats just aren’t that dirty!
Yeah, there’s the stink-factor. And the splish-splash that sometimes goes along with it. But when was the last time your butt was actually “dirty”?
I’m talking the outside part… the big cheeky part… the part that actually touches the toilet seat. When you think about it, that’s probably one of the cleanest parts on our bodies!
Mostly because that area rarely sees the light of day. And, therefore, it has very few occasions on which to pick up dirt and grime and bacteria.
So why do you suppose we are so inclined to continue thinking that a toilet seat is obviously “dirty”?
“Surprisingly, toilet seats consistently had the lowest bacteria levels of the 12 surfaces tested.” Source
Still don’t believe me?…
Try these on for size:
#1 – “Urine on the toilet seat. Although disgusting, it is a nearly sterile liquid.”
Source: World Toilet Day
#2 – “In terms of germs, its better to eat off a toilet seat.”
Source: The Germ Freak’s Guide To Outwitting Colds & Flu
#3 – “Do you “hover” over the toilet seat instead of sitting on it? While 50% of Americans won’t sit on a public toilet seat, your risk of catching something from one is so minimal that you can go ahead and take a seat. Studies by microbiologist Charles Gerba, Ph.D., confirm that the faucet handle in most bathrooms at work have 400 times more germs than the toilet seat.”
Source: Allison Janse, author of The Germ Freak’s Guide to Outwitting Colds & Flu
Here are 6 items you touch every day that are filthier than a toilet!
All of these things are dirtier than toilet seats:
[Use your browser’s “find” feature (CTL+F) to jump to the first occurrence of “seat” to see get right to the point in each of these articles.]
- Bathroom light switches
- Bathroom sinks
- Bed Mattress
- Car seats
- Cell phones
- Computer keyboards
- Computer mouse
- Cutting boards
- Doorknobs
- Elevator buttons
- Fingernails
- Kitchen faucet handles
- Kitchen phone
- Kitchen sinks
- Kitchen sponges
- Ladies’ purses
- Microwave buttons
- Office phones
- Refrigerators
- Shopping carts
- Toilet flush handles
- Towels
- TV remote control
- Water dispensers
- Work desks
So there!
Now everyone… go and wash your hands please.
“Touching a toilet seat with your hand is riskier than sitting on it.”
— Real Simple Magazine
More About Bacteria, Germs & Other Filthy Things
- Germs & Bacteria: How Paranoid Are You?
- 99 Places Where Germs Are Likely To Lurk
- Ice From Machines In Fast-Food Restaurants Are Filthier Than Toilet Water
- Fresh Out Of The Water Closet
- 50 Germiest Places
- Antibacterial Soaps Aren’t Better… See Why!
- 6 Disgustingly Germy Things You’ll Touch Today
- Germs Are Everywhere — Really!
Now this is dirty!…
Listen to Bud Light’s Real Men of Genius ”Mr. Bathroom Stall Dirty Joke Writer”:
Proof that things aren’t always as they seem…
Professionally, I pursued my Masters Degree in Family Therapy at Texas Tech — where I obtained invaluable expertise and experience helping people with a wide variety of physical and emotional health issues. Personally, I think it's useful when people realize that they're not the only one going through a difficult time. So any time that I think my personal health experiences would be helpful to someone else going through the same thing, I will share my story here. With health issues that I've personally experienced (like Endometriosis, Lyme Disease, Hysterectomy, Skin Cancer, Ganglion Cysts, Autism, and other topics that very few people enjoy talking about) and health products that I've found beneficial (like sleep aids, essential oils, and medications)… I do my best to provide my own raw and honest firsthand experiences that I think others would appreciate hearing about and (hopefully) find helpful. I'm grateful that I have a number of friends who have also been willing to share their very personal stories here — regarding their own physical and emotional health. When I'm not writing about health topics, you will find me sharing Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
