Your Phone is Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat – Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Use It in the Bathroom

Let’s face it: most of us are glued to our phones. They journey with us from the boardroom to the bedroom and, yes, even into the bathroom. But hold on a minute. Did you know your phone could be dirtier than a toilet seat? Surprisingly enough, it’s true!

What’s Lurking on Your Phone?

Think about it this way: everything you touch throughout the day—door handles, money, other people’s hands—ends up being transmitted to your phone. And while you probably wash your hands regularly, how often do you clean your phone? Not nearly as much, right?

Studies show that the average smartphone carries over 17,000 bacterial gene copies. To put it in perspective, toilet seats usually harbor around 1,201 gene copies of bacteria. The numbers speak volumes! Now, imagine the kind of bacteria thriving on your phone—E. coli, MRSA, and even the flu virus. Yeah, it’s that serious.

The Bathroom: A Bacterial Bonanza

Using your phone in the bathroom might seem like a good way to multitask, but bathrooms are breeding grounds for germs. Every time a toilet is flushed, it releases a spray of bacteria and virus-laden aerosols, a phenomenon known as “toilet plume.” If your phone is anywhere nearby, it’s likely catching some of those particles. The scary part? These can linger in the air long enough to settle on surfaces, including your phone.

Increased Risk of Cross-Contamination

Here’s another way to think about it. You’re in the bathroom, scrolling through emails or messages. Then, you wash your hands, right? But did you clean your phone? Nope. All those bathroom germs are still hanging out on your device, ready to be picked up again the moment you touch your phone. And just like that, washing your hands becomes almost pointless.

Simple Steps to Keep Your Phone Clean

Keep it out of the bathroom

First things first, leave your phone outside the bathroom. No text or email is worth the risk of turning your phone into a petri dish of germs.

Clean your phone regularly

Make it a habit to clean your phone at least once a day with wipes that contain at least 70% alcohol. This helps kill bacteria and viruses without damaging your phone.

Wash your hands often

Washing your hands thoroughly and often is your best defense against transferring germs to your phone and other surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my phone?

Clean your phone at least once daily, especially if you use it frequently throughout the day or share it with other people.

Can using my phone in the bathroom make me sick?

While it’s not guaranteed to make you sick, the practice increases your risk of exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses that can lead to illness.

Are there effective alternatives to alcohol wipes for cleaning phones?

Yes, UV light sanitizers can also be effective in killing bacteria and viruses on your phone. However, using an alcohol-based cleaner is generally more accessible and just as effective.

So, next time you head to the bathroom, think about leaving your phone behind. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in maintaining your health and hygiene. After all, no one wants their phone to be a mini version of a toilet seat in terms of cleanliness, right?