Good hygiene is an important component of health and good toilet habits are a big part of good personal hygiene. We all use the toilet everyday so it is easy to assume that we are going things right, after all it is not rocket science. Well there are some toilet habits you may not be doing right or may not even know about. Let’s see which of these you practice already and which ones you need to add to your list.
Flush the toilet with the lid down
Have you ever stood on the beach as a wave splashed onto the shore and felt a light spray of water on your face? The same thing happens when you flush the toilet. As the water gets pushed against the toilet and down the pipes, small droplets of toilet water (and whatever else you left in the toilet) go flying into the air. These water droplets land anywhere within a six-foot diameter of the toilet. Considering the fact that toilets are usually small spaces, chances are your toothbrush and other personal grooming items used on different parts of your body may come in contact with this spray from the flushed toilet if the lid is left open.
Never flush wet wipes into the toilet
Wet wipes are very handy for keeping things clean down there as they allow for better cleaning due. However material that makes them so useful also prevents them from disintegrating easily when flushed. These wipes aren’t all that flushable, however, and they don’t break down very quickly either.
According to Consumer Reports, these flushable wet wipes don’t disintegrate within 10 minutes as toilet paper does. They remain intact for so long that they can lead to major plumbing problems.
Other items not to flush? Sanitary napkins, condoms, swabs, and tampons. The only thing you should flush down the toilet is toilet paper and whatever comes out of your body.
Don’t douche
Douching is not a necessary part of being female. Douching can worsen existing vaginal infections and even create new ones. The body naturally cleanses itself inside the vagina, so there’s no need to introduce products into the environment. Simply wash with mild soap and water when you shower, and you’re clean.
Don’t overdo the wiping
Common sense tells you that the more you scrub, the cleaner you get. Unfortunately, the more you clean “down there”, the more you can harm yourself. Aggressive toilet paper use can lead to itching and a rash. Also avoid scented lotions, harsh soaps, and abrasive scrubbers down there. Overusing such products results in intense itching and rash in the area. So, while it is great to get yourself clean, Just don’t overdo it.
Don’t go crazy cleaning with bleach
Bleach kills germs and makes the toilet white, so it is a great cleaning product for cleaning the toilet bowl. Just like overzealous wiping, however, too much of a good thing can be bad. High concentrations of bleach can lead to breathing problems and other dangerous reactions. When mixed with other cleansers, like ammonia, bleach may become toxic. For optimal results, add ¼ cup into the toilet, let it sit, and clean the area.
Limit your time on the throne
For most people, their time on the toilet is their quiet time. A time for introspection, pondering the meaning of life and scrolling through their social media. If this is the case for you, you may want to formulate your witty Twitter responses somewhere other than the toilet. Sitting perched on the toilet for long periods of time can place undue stress on your rectum, resulting in uncomfortable hemorrhoids.
Inspect your poop
This doesn’t mean that you should go digging around in the toilet after doing the number 2. Every so often, you may want to glance at what you dropped into the toilet. Your poop says a lot about your health and can give you clues to certain medical problems. For example, dry and lumpy poop may indicate dehydration or the need for fiber. Watery poop can indicate an infection or food intolerance. Dark poop may mean an injury or bleeding in the digestive tract. As disgusting as it sounds, you may want to take a look at what you left in the toilet and report any significant changes to your doctor.
Avoid straining
There’s nothing more satisfying than having a good poop. That said, if you feel resistance when you strain, take it easy. Try not to push too hard, because too much force can cause anal fissures, bowel tears, and hemorrhoids. Instead, push a little at a time or try squatting. Both can ease the strain from a massive bowel movement or constipation. If you’re often constipated, you can drink more liquids and increase your fiber intake to make Number Two a more pleasant experience.
Notice what your pee smells like
Because the kidneys filter out toxins from your body, think of urine as another indicator of how healthy your body is. Very yellow pee can mean you’re dehydrated. Dark, foul-smelling, and cloudy pee with particles in it can indicate an infection, diabetes, or kidney damage.
Don’t lean against the back of the toilet
If you have good toileting habits, then you probably close the lid of the toilet when you flush. Hopefully, other people in your household do, also. Unless you clean the bottom of the toilet lid after each flush, then all those particles remain stuck to the toilet cover. If you lean your back against the lid, then go and lie on your bed or the couch, all those particles transfer onto your furniture. Better to be safe and don’t lean back against the toilet lid.
So there you have it. Feel free to pick some up some new habits and if you’re already practicing all these then well done!.
