Let’s be honest. You’re in a hurry. You use the bathroom, your mind is already on your next meeting or what to make for dinner, and you walk right out, completely bypassing the sink. It happens to the best of us. Forgetting to wash our hands is an easy mistake, but it’s a shortcut with some pretty grimy consequences.
That quick, seemingly harmless oversight is a golden ticket for germs. 🎟️
The Invisible Problem 🦠
The main reason we wash our hands after using the toilet is to get rid of germs, particularly fecal bacteria like E. coli, Shigella, and viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A. These microscopic freeloaders can cause some nasty illnesses, from an upset stomach to more serious conditions.
Think of your hands as transportation for these germs. You touch the toilet handle, the stall door, and then you go on to touch:
- Your phone
- Doorknobs
- Your food
- Your face
- Other people!
Suddenly, you’ve become a germ taxi, spreading those unwanted passengers far and wide. This is especially important because you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re protecting everyone you come into contact with, including children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. Washing your hands is a simple act of community care.
How to Make It an Unforgettable Habit
Building a habit is all about creating triggers. The goal is to make handwashing as automatic as flushing.
- Use a Throne Topper: This is a not just a fun device that makes flushing fun with flush activated motion. Throne Toppers play catchy music that reminds the bathroom user to wash their hands too!
- Create a Sign: A simple, funny, or cute reminder note on the back of the bathroom door or next to the mirror can do wonders. Something like, “Don’t be gross, wash your hands,” or a picture of a cute animal washing its paws can be surprisingly effective.
- Habit Stack: Link the new habit (washing hands) to the existing one (flushing). Create a mental mantra: “Flush, then faucet.” Say it in your head every time. The sound of the flush becomes your cue to head to the sink.
- Upgrade Your Soap: Make the experience more pleasant. Get a soap with a scent you love, or a fun foaming soap. If the process is enjoyable, you’re more likely to do it.
Make It Fun! (Yes, Really)
Handwashing doesn’t have to be a chore. The key is to wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. How long is that?
- Sing a Song: The classic advice is to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Not a fan? Try the chorus of your favorite pop song, the alphabet song, or “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” 🎤
- Perfect Your Technique: Make it a game! Challenge yourself to create the most luxurious lather possible. Make sure you scrub everything: the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Get Fun Soaps: For kids (and kids at heart), there are soaps that change color, have glitter, or contain a small toy that’s revealed after many washes.
Washing your hands is one of the easiest, fastest, and most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness. It’s a five-second decision that protects you and your community for days. So next time you’re leaving the restroom, take a moment and head to the sink. Your body—and everyone around you—will thank you. ✨