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
Antibacterial Soaps Aren’t Better… See Why!
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…
I like to help people find unique ways to do things in order to save time & money -- so I write about "outside the box" ideas that most wouldn't think of. As a lifelong dog owner, I often share my best tips for living with and training dogs. I worked in Higher Ed over 10 years before switching gears to pursue activities that I'm truly passionate about. I've worked at a vet, in a photo lab, and at a zoo -- to name a few. I enjoy the outdoors via bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, or RV. You can always find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
