Hidden dangers in the bathroom: the importance of proper toilet sanitation and the use of a descaler
Bathrooms and toilets, where hygiene and cleanliness are paramount, are particularly sensitive to the rapid accumulation of limescale, dirt, and potentially dangerous pathogens. Cleaning the toilet might not be your favorite thing when it comes to freshening up the bathroom, but it is necessary. As time passes, and even after the first use, the toilet can begin to accumulate large amounts of microbes, mold, fungi, and germs. That is why it is important to know the best methods and products for cleaning the toilet bowl to rid every part of your toilet – including the seat, the exterior, and the tank – of viruses and germs, but also why it is important to use a descaler.
The goal of good sanitary hygiene is to minimize the transmission of pathogens. Odor control is also socially important and is considered a social measure of cleanliness. Understanding the need for good cleaning and disinfection is equally important, given the potential spread of emerging pathogens. The accumulation of biofilms inside a toilet/urinal bowl, including the sink, can lead to the persistence of bacteria and unpleasant odors. It is mandatory to use a detergent, a descaler, and a disinfectant during the toilet sanitization process.
Table of contents
- Cleaning or disinfecting?
- Understanding the basic principles of disinfection
- The danger of microbes in bathrooms and toilets
- How often should the bathroom be cleaned?
1. Cleaning or disinfecting?
There is a difference between cleaning and disinfecting, both in terms of the process and the products used. Cleaning refers to the removal of visible dirt from surfaces, usually with water, soap, and enzymatic detergents. Disinfection, on the other hand, refers to killing a high percentage of germs on a surface or making them unable to reproduce. Disinfection is the most important part of cleaning toilets, but it should be done only after using a descaler. It is also the part that many people often omit or perform incorrectly.
2. Understanding the basic principles of disinfection
It is essential to know whether the product requires dilution before use or what type of contact is required, specifically whether the product needs to sit for some time before wiping or rinsing it off. Many disinfectant products require rinsing after use and may be effective only in destroying germs on surfaces, not in the air. To maximize the effectiveness of your chosen disinfectants, it is important to read the instructions printed on the packaging to understand how they work.
Disinfecting high-touch areas
It is important that high-touch areas are properly sanitized to prevent the transfer of germs from one person to another. Disinfecting toilet brush handles, toilet seats, faucet handles, paper towel dispensers, and liquid soap dispensers is imperative, as they deal with a high volume of manual traffic.
3. The danger of microbes in bathrooms and toilets
Salmonella bacteria can colonize the underside of the toilet rim and can persist for up to 50 days. Pathogenic enteric bacteria appear in greater numbers in the biofilm found in toilets than in water. It has been shown that during cleaning, enteric bacteria are transferred from the toilet to bathroom sinks and that the same bacteria colonize the cleaning tools used in the toilet.
Quantitative microbial risk assessment has shown that there are significant risks from both aerosols and fomites in toilets. Cleaning with soaps and detergents without the use of disinfectants in public restrooms can spread bacteria and viruses throughout the bathroom. Odors in toilets are largely controlled through ventilation and the frequency of cleaning. (Source)
After flushing, bacteria and viruses can be dispersed onto the exterior parts of the toilet, such as the seat, the handle, and other bathroom surfaces, which is why sanitizing the exterior of bathroom furniture is also essential. Bacteria, in general, do not survive well in dry conditions; however, Salmonella has been shown to survive on surfaces for up to 9 days, Escherichia coli up to 8 days, and Shigella up to 5 days in dried feces on toilet seats. (Source)
Klintesiv Tip: To streamline the cleaning and disinfection process, you can choose dual-action products. One example is KlinAll® WC, a ready-to-use, deodorizing disinfectant for the toilet bowl with proven fungicidal, bactericidal, and virucidal performance. The disinfectant is used for the home toilet bowl by wiping or spraying. The product effectively eliminates germs, does not contain chlorine, and is tested according to EU standards.
4. How often should the bathroom be cleaned?
When it comes to how often you should sanitize the bathroom, the simple answer would be at least once a week. Some areas in your bathroom require more or less attention. Why? The toilet is one of the main reasons. Flushing the toilet itself projects some microbial particles into the air and onto the bathroom floor. So, instead of looking at the bathroom as a whole, it is better to think about how you should clean its different areas with greater frequency.
How often should you clean the toilet?
The frequency of sanitizing a bathroom depends on a few different factors, including the number of people in the household and how much it is used, but also how often liquid soap is used for hand hygiene. For example, a home where only one person lives will require less effort in terms of cleaning and sanitization than a bathroom used by a family of five.
When it comes to cleaning frequency, the toilet is ground zero. This is where all the germ action happens. Clean the toilet bowl at least once a week. If you have a large family, sanitize every two to three days. This does not mean you have to do an intensive scrub every two to three days. However, you should wipe the toilet and the toilet seat with a descaler or hydrogen peroxide to kill all those microbes.
Disinfecting the toilet can help reduce the risk of coming into contact with potentially dangerous microbes. But it is important to understand that even after a single use, the toilet could again harbor bacteria and viruses on its surfaces.
How often should you clean the sink and mirror?
Damage away from ground zero is always less, and this also applies to your bathroom. Since the sink and mirror are close to the toilet, clean and disinfect them at least once a week using a descaler. However, you can clean them more often, especially in the case of heavy use. Don't forget to always keep liquid soap on hand to ensure proper hand hygiene.
When should bath towels be washed?
How often towels should be changed is another element people are not very sure about. It is advisable to change hand towels once every two days and store them in the laundry basket only after they are completely dry to prevent mold growth.
How often should the bathroom floor be cleaned?
You should regularly clean tile or laminate bathroom floors of dirt and debris whenever necessary, but at least once a week. In the case of the floor and walls, pay special attention to areas prone to mold and, if necessary, use various anti-mold solutions to eliminate existing stains.
What is the frequency of sanitizing the bathtub and shower stall?
If you shower every day or multiple times a day, wipe down the stall walls or surrounding tiles after use and ensure you sanitize the area once a week. However, if you only shower every 2-3 days, then you can wait more than a week before thoroughly scrubbing the shower and bathtub. On the other hand, the shower curtain requires sanitization at least once a month. In this case, it is also useful to use a descaler.
Klintesiv Tip: For cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting the bathroom, the KlinAll product range contains no chlorine and can be used even by people sensitive to strong odors and substances. High-generation disinfectant that does not stain, bleach, or discolor. The content has certified virucidal, bactericidal, fungicidal, and yeasticidal action.
How often should bathroom mats be cleaned?
Bathroom mats are often ignored. However, just like towels, they need to be cleaned regularly because they can harbor microbes and, furthermore, facilitate the appearance of mold. You should clean the mats every few days and wash them about once a week. Remember that it is important that after every shower, the mat should be dried completely in a well-ventilated area.
Conclusion
Toilet hygiene is important in controlling diseases associated with enteric and respiratory pathogens, both in public restrooms and at home. Soap and detergents, if not used properly, cause cross-contamination in the toilet. The use of disinfectants is essential for preventing a large number of issues, including potentially dangerous infections.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9292268/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2022/11/03/how-to-clean-toilet-better/
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-toilet/
