Assuming that, a sanitary toilet, means one with a complete absence of germs rather than one that merely looks clean and wholesome; then, sanitary toilets are somewhat difficult to find. Human faeces and urine are not, in themselves, unsanitary but, they are more than capable of providing breeding grounds for any number of germs or similar micro-organisms that have the ability to harm our human bodies. The germs may come from within the body of the person using the toilet; or they may be carried into the toilet from outside airflow and find a suitable breeding ground within anything left behind in or around the toilet bowl. In particularly bad cases, they could come from flies or other insects investigating what is already in the toilet.
Disinfect, Sterilize, Irradiate, Etc.
Disinfectants (including common household bleaches) are fairly effective in killing most germs that they come into contact with but not necessarily 100% of all known germs (let alone any unknown ones) will be eliminated by use of disinfectants. Application of heat; usually by boiling water or applying steam definitely kills germs if the temperature is high enough and the duration long enough – the same with radiation.
Application To Toilets
By and large, the use of disinfectants is the only practical way for us to ensure sanitary toilets; especially if we are looking at public toilets. In our homes, it is us who are in control of the disinfection process so we should have some level of confidence in the outcome. However, in public toilets, we have no real clue as to which disinfectants are used; let alone how efficiently they are used.
Uncertainty Breeds Concern
Many, especially ladies, feel qualms whenever they have to use a public toilet. The place may look clean and it might have a nice smell but does that mean that it is germ free? Whether or not germs can be found on a clean looking toilet seat after someone has sat on it and conducted their “business” is possibly debateable; but, the thought is definitely there. If the seat appears in any way contaminated – it is wet; discoloured, stained, or even has footprints on it; then, our reluctance to bare ourselves to its surface dramatically increases.
Maybe it’s only a security blanket; but, personal toilet seat covers, that are unique to our use, will allay the worst of our fears and enable us to believe that we are using sanitary toilets.
