Whether you’re in your home bathroom, in a public restroom, or using the services of a portable toilet at a concert or festival, washing your hands is an absolute must. While it’s not a topic that many people are eager to discuss, not washing your hands after using the facilities can have a negative impact on both yourself and others.

Benefits of Washing Your Hands (& What Happens When You Don’t)

The number one benefit of handwashing is that it prevents the spread of germs. Bathroom surfaces can be contaminated with E.coli, which can cause diarrhea and respiratory illnesses. The bathroom is also a hotbed for salmonella, which is usually associated with uncooked foods. While salmonella usually clears up on its own, the effects, which include stomach cramping and diarrhea, can sometimes be so severe that hospitalization is required. Of course, these are just two of the many types of germs and bacteria found in bathrooms. 

What happens if you don’t wash your hands after using the bathroom? Any germs you came into contact with will now be spread to other people and objects. You don’t need to have direct contact with any particular material to pick up harmful germs. Plenty of surfaces in home bathrooms, public restrooms, and portable toilets are contaminated with bacteria, including toilet lids, handles, and counters. 

Tips on Handwashing Technique

While regular hand-washing is essential, proper technique is equally so:

• Get hands wet with running water from the sink. The water can be hot or cold, as both are sufficient for cleaning. 
• Apply soap and lather your hands. Make sure the palms, tops of hands, and in between fingers are cleaned. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse your hands under running water and dry them with a clean towel. 

Hand sanitizer can be useful in a pinch if you have no access to running water or soap. However, hand washing is the best method for removing germs. 

Are you worried about handwashing while using a portable toilet? Econ-­O-­Johns, LLC of Waterloo, IL, offers portable restroom facilities complete with hand wash stations. All port-a-potties provided by this company are thoroughly sanitized, so you don’t need to worry about picking up any nasty germs. Call (618) 939-3001 today for more information or visit their website for more details about your options.