Did You Know About All The Existing Germs in Mall Bathrooms

You may have heard horror stories about germs in public restrooms. But did you know that mall bathrooms are no exception?

Cleaning specialists in upstate NY experts say that some germy surfaces are found in the bathroom. So especially during this coronavirus pandemic, it’s essential to watch for germs that can make you sick.

Toilet Seats

Toilet seats get dirty quickly. Unfortunately, they’re also an excellent place for germs to hide.

Luckily, there are some great options for cleaning your toilet seat. These include quick-release toilet seats that allow you to remove the seat for deep cleaning sessions easily.

There are also soft-close toilet seats that have a gentle closing mechanism, making them easier to close. They can also help to prevent slamming against the bowl.

Toilet seats are standard for germs to hide, so they must be cleaned often. Unfortunately, they can also be a source of slip and fall injuries.

Doorknobs

If you’ve ever shopped at a mall, you’ve touched many doorknobs. Unfortunately, these are frequently used items that carry various germs, including cold and flu viruses.

A study published in 2014 found that just a single doorknob can spread germs throughout office buildings, hotels, or health facilities within hours. The researchers applied samples of a virus to doorknobs and tabletops and found that 40 to 60 percent of workers and visitors in the facilities picked up the virus.

Another interesting germ-busting discovery is that copper surfaces can kill some bacteria. However, if you sweat on them frequently, the salt in your sweat will block the oxidation process that kills germs. This is why some experts recommend using soap and water, or hand sanitizer, on these surfaces.

Sinks

Sinks are used for so many things — washing your hands, rinsing dishes, eating meals – that it’s essential to clean and disinfect them regularly. Keeping your sink clean will help protect you and your family from illness-causing bacteria, according to Eileen Abruzzo, director of infection control at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.

Our cleaning specialists in upstate NY recommend soaking faucet handles and soap dispensers with water and white vinegar once or twice a week to keep them sanitary. You can also scour hard-to-reach spots with a brush, then rinse and dry. You can even spray the sink with one tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water to disinfect it. For more challenging surfaces, such as stainless steel ones, use baking soda and water pastes to clean them.

Countertops

A countertop is the centerpiece of any bathroom and can make or break a space. The most practical choice for a residential or commercial setting is a solid surface material, which is durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t require grout lines that can harbor mold and mildew.

The best materials for countertops are often a blend of the latest technology and traditional favorites like stone, porcelain, and laminate. The most popular choices include quartz, a high-end faux stone made from 70 to 90 percent ground-up natural minerals blended with resins and pigments that are then shaped into slabs. The best part is they’re a cinch to clean and are available in all the colors and styles you could imagine. The key to choosing the best counters for your bathroom is determining how you will use them.