Talmidah said:
That's all probably true. I saw a show a couple weeks ago that said there is more bacteria on the handle to flush and the door handle leading out of the restroom than on the toilet seat...but the thought of sitting where someone else's bare bottom has been...it is just so digusting!!!
Not to reveal too much neurosis at once here, but you might want to follow my Rules For Peace Of Mind In Public Restrooms:
1) If you can't do what you need to do standing, or at least hovering, go back home, or back to the hotel. Never let your rear end touch a seat you haven't cleaned unless it's a dire emergency. (And you did clean the seat in the hotel, because for all you know the housekeeper might wipe everything down with a used Kleenex.)
2) To be ready for dire emergencies, carry a pack of germicidal wipes in the car. (For the seat, not for you.) Make sure the seat is reasonably sanitary.
3) Look before you touch anything. There's no telling what the disgusting slob who preceded you has left on surfaces, or even on the toilet paper. (
Especially on the toilet paper.)
4) Flush with your foot. (Assuming you're decently shod, and not running around barefoot in public restrooms.)
5) If at all possible, turn the water on and off with your elbow.
6) After washing your hands, dry them on a paper towel, if they have paper towels.
7) Use the paper towel or one of your germicidal wipes (your shirttail will do in a pinch) to turn the water off and open the door. If you touch the door handle, it will be wet. You'll know it's
probably just water, but you won't really be sure, will you? As you exit, throw the paper towel back into the trash.
8) Be secure in the knowledge that although many people will just use any squalid accomodations without the slightest precaution and they're just as healthy as you, at least you can be pretty sure you're not walking around with some stranger's bodily fluids on your hands. And you will
never be the person who got Super-glued to the seat at Home Depot.
