Your bathroom break has become your personal escape, a chance to scroll through your phone and catch up on the latest social media updates. But is this habit as unsanitary as it sounds? We decided to investigate.
The bathroom often serves as a sanctuary for busy parents seeking a moment of solitude, even if it is occasionally interrupted. Many new moms find themselves in the bathroom to vent, text, or simply take a breather. However, let’s be honest: most of us are just scrolling through our phones. This raises an important question, especially in light of discussions about cleanliness: is bringing your phone into the restroom a dirty practice?
Absolutely, It’s Unsanitary
We don’t need scientific studies to tell us that our phones can collect germs in the bathroom. Ron Parker, an expert in biomedical science at a leading university, firmly states that you should avoid taking your phone into the restroom if you’re concerned about germs and contamination. “It’s best to leave your phone outside if cleanliness is a priority,” Parker advises.
But We’re Going to Keep Doing It
We all have our guilty pleasures, and using our phones in the bathroom is one of them. “I admit that I do it every day,” says Emily Carter, a researcher at the Environmental Science Institute. “While I sit down, I make sure not to touch highly contaminated areas. I keep my phone in my pocket until I’m done.” According to Carter, the key is to avoid placing your phone on surfaces that might harbor germs during those crucial moments of wiping and flushing.
Once you’re ready to clean up, it’s time to put your phone away. Try wrapping it in a clean cloth before setting it down – after all, this is your home bathroom, and you might not be fully dressed!
Let’s not forget that reading on your phone while in the bathroom is just the modern evolution of reading material in that space, a practice humans have enjoyed for ages. Plus, there are times when moms need to pump in the bathroom, too, so maintaining sanitation is vital (think clean hands and avoiding direct contact with surfaces).
Washing Your Hands Is Essential
According to Carter, washing your hands after using the restroom is the most crucial step. This also gives you a little extra time to relax before diving back into family life.
Keep in mind, a study from the University of Arizona found that the average smartphone carries ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat. This statistic isn’t just about phones that have been in the bathroom; it reflects typical phone usage. So, it’s a good idea to occasionally clean your phone with disinfecting wipes.
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In summary, while scrolling through your phone in the bathroom is common, it does come with hygiene concerns. The key is to be mindful of where you place your phone and to always wash your hands afterward. It’s also wise to regularly disinfect your device.
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