Your kitchen is reputed to be the most germ-ridden room in your house. But bathrooms can also harbor an abundance of harmful bacteria and germs clinging to towels, taps, door handles and toilet bowls.

Here are a few suggestions that will help you to keep your bathroom clean and healthy.

Toothbrushes

We tend to group all of our family toothbrushes together in a beaker above the sink, which isn’t a good idea. Ideally all toothbrushes should be kept apart and well away from toilets and sinks. It’s recommended that you change your toothbrush or the heads of your electric toothbrushes around every three or four months.

Towels

Ideally each family member would have their own towels. This will significantly reduce the chance that a virus will be passed from one person to another. Its also a good idea to color code your bath and hand towels and ensure that your family knows which is which.

Soap

Some studies have suggested that hand wash dispensers are more hygienic than bars of soap. You will find that an attractive liquid soap dispenser will encourage your children to wash their hands when they use the bathroom. Also, its a good idea to put liquid soap dispenser in any shared bathrooms that can be used by non-family members.

Clean Toilet Flushing

Teach your family to flush the toilet with the lid down. The flushing action causes small polluted water particles from the toilet to be thrown into the air, landing on surrounding surfaces, taps, towels and handles. Keeping the seat lid down when the toilet is flushed will reduce the spread of potentially harmful germs. Why not invest in novelty toilet seat that your family will want to close every time they use it.

Clean, Bleach and Disinfect

Clean and disinfect your toilet bowl at least twice a week. Toilets should be kept as clean as possible. Be aware that germs will grow in shower heads and taps if they have not been run for a while so it’s a good idea to let them run hot for a while to clean them out. Change your towels as often as possible and be certain to clean all surfaces and handles often.