One of our favorite (and most disgusting) family stories happened a few years ago at the train station in downtown New Haven, Connecticut. That fateful day…me my wife, and our three children were headed to NYC on the train, and Union Station was our starting point. Before I get to what happened, I need you to imagine what the bathroom floor in the men’s room might look like in an urban metro train station. More specifically, the floor right in front of the urinals…got it?  

Ok. So…my son was only about five years old at the time and he needed to pee before we got on the train. No problem. Except that he was wearing a backpack full of games and snacks for the train ride with really long straps. They were long enough to touch the floor. Yes, that floor.

He did his business and we eventually made it onto the train. A few minutes into the ride, I looked over in disgust as I watched him chewing away on the straps of his backpack. OMG.  

And with that, please enjoy this article about your bathroom and what you can find in all of the nooks and crannies in there…  

-JL

When you think of the dirtiest place in your bathroom, what comes to mind? Perhaps your toilet? Many people feel that the toilet must be overrun with bacteria making it the most germ most polluted place in the bathroom. While there are plenty of germs on and around your toilet, the dirtiest place in your bathroom may surprise you.

Here are the top 7 dirtiest places in your bathroom starting with the surprising number one spot!

Your toothbrush holder

Not only is your toothbrush holder the dirtiest place in your bathroom, but it has also been voted the third dirtiest place in your home according to the National Sanitation Foundation ( NSF).  Germs from your toothbrush hang around on your holder, and airborne bacteria – even fecal spores – can land on your holder if it’s left out on the counter.

What you can do: The NSF recommends that you run your toothbrush holder through the sanitation cycle on your dishwasher at least once a week. In between washes, wipe your holder down using an antibacterial cleaner to keep germs away. Best case, keep your toothbrush holder under the counter.

Your toilet

Your toilet follows your toothbrush holder as the dirtiest spot in your bathroom. The big issue with the toilet is its ability to transport germs all over the toilet – mostly from the toilet bowl. After you flush, the swirling water creates aerosols and sends them flying and landing on your floor, towels, walls, sink, and even your toothbrush holder.

What you can do:  The number one thing that you can do to cut down on the launch of airborne bacteria is to flush with the lid closed. Also, keep your toilet as clean as possible by thoroughly cleaning your bowl every week.

Your bathmat

Not hanging your bathmat out to dry after each use creates the perfect warm and damp environment for mold to flourish.

What you can do:  Run rubber bathmats through the dishwasher or soak them in a vinegar and water mixture to sanitize them weekly. Non-rubber bathmats should be cleaned in the washing machine weekly. Be sure that they are thoroughly dry before using. Always hang bathmats to dry after each use.

Your shower head

Researchers from the University of Colorado found that biofilm bacteria build up over time on shower heads. This bacteria contaminates the shower water as it flows out.

What you can do: To rid your shower head of this nasty bacteria soak the head in distilled vinegar for at least 24  hours and rinse with cold water. Do this at least twice a month or more frequently if your shower is heavily used.

Your faucet and faucet handles

Not only does the bacteria thrown from your toilet reach your faucet handles but because it is the most frequently touched service in your bathroom, it is loaded with bacteria from unwashed hands.

What you can do: Use a disinfectant cleaner or some distilled vinegar to wipe down your faucets daily. This will help in keeping bacteria counts down.

Your sink

All the germs from washing hands, face and teeth end up accumulating around the drain. This is why you should be concerned when you drop your toothbrush into your sink.

What you can do: Scrubbing your sink on an every other day basis, especially around the drain will help reduce germs. Use distilled vinegar or another powerful organic cleaner for best results.

Your bathtub

Even though there is a regular flow of water, your bathtub is definitely one of the dirtiest places in your bathroom. Bacteria rinsed off your body either while showering or taking a bath stick like glue to the tub.

What you can do: Use a powerful cleaner that will eliminate soap scum. It is essential to scrub this surface regularly.

Ready to keep your bathroom clean?

-The UpWellness Team