How your toilet brush might be giving you recurrent UTIs
By maintaining proper cleaning habits and storage practices, you can minimise your chances of recurrent UTIs and maintain a healthier home environment.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections, especially in women.
While many people attribute them to poor hygiene, unclean restrooms, public toilets or even dietary habits, one overlooked culprit could be your toilet brush.
Yes, the very tool meant to keep your toilet clean might be harbouring bacteria that contribute to repeated UTIs.
How can a toilet brush cause UTIs?
A toilet brush is used to scrub away stains and bacteria from the toilet bowl, but if it is not cleaned after use and stored properly, it can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
These bacteria can spread in the bathroom environment and lead to contamination of hands, surfaces, and even toilet tap water, increasing the risk of infections, including UTI's.
Here's how it happens:
1. Aerosolized bacteria
Every time you flush the toilet, especially with the lid open, bacteria from the toilet bowl can become airborne and rise due to the force of water while flushing. This makes them settle on nearby surfaces, including your toilet brush, toilet seat and other surfaces.
2. Cross-contamination
If the toilet brush is not rinsed properly after use, bacteria can linger in the bristles, transferring to the toilet seat, rim, or even your hands when you touch the handle when cleaning.
3. Bacterial growth in moist environments
A damp toilet brush stored in a closed, poorly ventilated holder provides the perfect environment for bacteria like E. coli to multiply. After cleaning, ensure you dry your brush before putting it back in the holder.
4. Contact with toilet water
If your brush sits in dirty water inside its holder, each time you use it, you are reintroducing old bacteria to your toilet, creating a cycle of contamination. If your brush is ready for replacement, you will notice the colour changes in the bristles.
Several studies highlight the dangers of bacteria in the bathroom.
Research published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that bathroom surfaces, including toilet brushes, can harbour E. coli and enterococcus, both of which are common causes of UTIS.
A study from the University of Arizona also found that flushing can spread bacteria up to six feet away, contaminating objects like toothbrushes, toilet paper, and even hand towels if they are in the same room.
This means your toilet brush, often stored nearby, is at high risk of bacterial contamination.
Signs your toilet brush may be a UTI risk
1. If your toilet brush has visible residue or a foul smell if the brush holder collects stagnant water and if you do not rinse thoroughly after each use.
2. If you frequently experience recurrent UTIs despite maintaining good personal hygiene.
3. If the brush is stored near personal items like towels or feminine hygiene products.
How to keep your toilet brush and bathroom UTI-free.
1. Clean your toilet brush regularly. After each use, rinse it thoroughly with hot water then disinfect by soaking it in a bleach solution. Mix bleach with water and soak for at least 30 minutes weekly.
2. Allow the brush to dry completely. You can put it under the sun before storing it.
3. Store it properly. You need to avoid buying enclosed holders that trap moisture. Instead, use a well-ventilated storage option that allows the brush to dry completely. Then, place the holder away from towels, toothbrushes, and other hygiene products.
4. Close the lid before flushing. This simple habit reduces the spread of bacteria in your bathroom and prevents contamination of surfaces.
5. Wash your hands after cleaning the toilet. Use antibacterial soap or wipes to clean your hands, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
6. Replace your toilet brush every six months or sooner if you notice signs of wear, mould, or persistent odour.
7. Remember to hydrate enough and practice good hygiene overall.
UTIs can be painful and frustrating, but preventing them may require looking beyond personal hygiene and examining hidden sources of bacteria in your home.
Your toilet brush, if not cleaned and stored properly, can contribute to bacterial contamination, even when you use the best toilet cleaner increasing the risk of infection.
By maintaining proper cleaning habits and storage practices, you can minimise your chances of recurrent UTIs and maintain a healthier home environment.
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