Advertisement

Why you should stop taking your phone to the loo with you

You might be surprised to learn that the bathroom isn’t necessarily the worst culprit for harbouring germs in your home.

Microbiologist Professor Sally Bloomfield of the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene has urged people to think about what you touch with your hands regularly instead.

Given Australia has experienced one of its worst ever flu seasons on record, there are some things you probably need to stop doing immediately to limit the spread of germs.

“The main thing is to practise regular handwashing and to keep critical surfaces, such as door handles and mobile phones, as clean as possible,” Sally tells The Sun.

Mobile phones are one of the worst culprits for spreading germs. Photo: Getty
Mobile phones are one of the worst culprits for spreading germs. Photo: Getty

Yes you heard right – mobile phones are right up there on the list. Our trusty communicators that touch our hands, face, mouth, and go with us everywhere, even to the loo.

Well that, according to Dr Paul Matewele, microbiologist at London Metropolitan University is a HUGE no-no.

“Touching your phone between using the toilet and washing your hands is a very bad idea,” Paul says.

Make sure to wash your hands and phone if you take it to the loo. Photo: Getty
Make sure to wash your hands and phone if you take it to the loo. Photo: Getty

RELATED: The gross reason why you should never drink coffee at work
RELATED: The everyday items grimier than your toilet

“Toilet seats, handles, sinks and taps are covered in germs such as E. coli, which can cause urinary tract infections and intestinal illness, C. diff which can result in diarrhoea, and acinetobacter which can cause a contagious respiratory infection.”

He highlights how dangerous phones are when it comes to spread germs because we literally take them everywhere, touch them all the time, and even leave them on the table while we eat.

Source: Giphy
Source: Giphy

If you just can’t part with your phone when heading to the bathroom, we suggest you keep a pack of antibacterial wipes handy.

And if you were shocked by how bad your phone can be, other major germ areas to watch out for are handbags, remotes, dirty shoes inside the house and the kitchen sponge.

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.