[COVID-19 Prevention] Toilets Become the High-risk Spot for Spreading Virus! How to Protect Yourself?

To prevent COVID-19, in addition to wearing a mask, we should pay high attention to toilet hygiene. Studies confirmed that the stools of Coronavirus patients carried the virus. Some universities pointed out that bacteria would spread everywhere in the toilet and even float on the toilet paper when flushing. How should keep the toilet hygienic and achieve smart cleaning with long-term protection? Here are 3 tips you should know. Design: Fineline Design

Tip 1: Cover the toilet before flushing

First, put on the toilet cover when flushing! Some experts pointed out that the airflow caused by the flushing would cause bacteria in the toilet to fly up to a maximum of 6 feet. The bacteria can stick to the commonly used items in the toilet or places that people often touch, such as toilet paper, hand towels, toothbrushes and towels. Even if Double Vortex toilet flushing method is used to reduce the chance of splashing (compared to the traditional toilet flushing method from top to bottom), it is recommended to cover the toilet before flushing to prevent the spread of bacteria!

Tip 2: Clean the toilet board with bleach

The second tip is cleaning the toilet lid. As everyone needs to lift up the toilet lid before using, so it is very important to ensure the hygiene of the toilet lid! The Chinese University suggested that during the outbreak of a pandemic, you can use a towel diluted with 1:49 household bleach (that is, mix 1 part of bleach with 49 parts of water) to wipe the toilet lid, and then wipe with water. You can also install a toilet lid with antibacterial function or a toilet lid that has been certified by the SIAA to enhance the hygienic protection. (Image source: American Standard – Pristine Smart Toilet Lid)

Tip 3: Clean the toilet at least once a day

The above two methods can improve the hygiene of the toilet, yet it cannot ensure 100% that the toilet is bacteria proof because the toilet seat is also the channel of spreading bacteria. Therefore, it is best to clean the toilet at least once a day (because different cleaning agents different have antibacterial time limits). But if you are too busy to work and don’t have time to clean, it is recommended buying a toilet seat with long-lasting antibacterial coating. Before buying the antibacterial toilet seat, remember to ask whether the antibacterial material will stay on the ceramic surface for a long time, or it is just a thin coating that is sprayed on the toilet surface. If the latter one applies, the coating will lose after cleaning that affects the antibacterial and sterilizing effect! Design: The Interior Lab As for the former toilet seat, taking a common antibacterial glaze ComfortClean as an example, the antibacterial glaze is fired and fixed to the toilet during the making process. Therefore, the coating will not be cleaned away and the antibacterial effect can last long. This glaze is certified by the British third-party testing agency IMSL for its effectiveness in inhibiting bacteria. ComfortClean is an antibacterial glaze. During the manufacturing process, it is completely fixed to the toilet after firing, so the daily cleaning will not damage the antibacterial efficacy of the toilet. Design: 13th Design Studio In summary, if you want to increase the effectiveness of toilet cleaning, it is recommended choosing a certified toilet seat with antibacterial effect and perform daily cleaning. Remember, always wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after going to the toilet or cleaning! HKDecoman, now going global as Deco-Man, is a Hong Kong-based renovation platform which provides professional consultancy services and pioneers in the development of A.I. homeowner-engineer matching. We aim at educating the public about the art of home renovation and have our eyes on transforming the traditional renovation industry, bringing standardisation, transparency, convenience and automation to the business.