In a recent episode of HuffPost’s “Am I Doing It Wrong?” podcast, hosts Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson spoke with microbiologist Jason Tetro, also known as “The Germ Guy,” about the germiest parts of the bathroom and how to combat them. Contrary to popular belief, the toilet is not the germiest spot in the bathroom. According to Tetro, the bath mat actually harbors the most microbes due to its high surface area, ability to absorb moisture, and proximity to fecal matter that can be launched up to six feet when flushing the toilet. To keep bath mats clean, Tetro advises closing the lid before flushing, drying off in the tub to reduce moisture, hanging up the mat to dry, and washing it at least once a week.
Aside from the bath mat, Tetro also pointed out that the shower curtain can be a hotbed for germs, particularly if it is made of plastic. He suggested incorporating shower curtain maintenance into regular cleaning routines by using a disinfectant like bleach. Shower curtains can develop biofilms, caused by bacteria in water, which can also form in toilet bowls, tubs, and shower heads. These biofilms can harbor harmful microbes and should be removed to prevent potential health risks. Tetro recommended replacing cloth curtains with plastic liners that can be frequently cleaned, as well as opting for mold-resistant curtains.
Despite the prevalence of microbes in our bathrooms, Tetro emphasized that most of them are not harmful. He encouraged establishing a good relationship with microbes and focusing on cleaning and disinfecting to eliminate any potentially harmful ones. Tetro highlighted the importance of addressing the bad microbes that can cause health issues rather than giving attention to the innocuous ones. By being mindful of cleaning practices and maintaining a hygienic bathroom environment, individuals can reduce the risk of encountering harmful microbes.
In addition to discussing bathroom cleanliness, Punjabi and Michelson also explored topics such as pre-bathroom preparations, towel washing frequency, and the reasons behind towel odor. They delved into tips for online shopping, hotel stays, dealing with anger, cooking techniques, laundry secrets, dish cleaning, workouts, and more. Listeners can tune in to future episodes for insights on tipping, apologizing, managing credit card debt, online dating, anxiety, dental care, and other lifestyle topics. Guests like celebrity chef Jet Tila offer expert advice on various subjects, ensuring a diverse range of informative content for listeners.
To stay updated on the latest episodes of “Am I Doing It Wrong?”, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platforms. The podcast covers a wide array of topics related to everyday activities, offering practical tips and insights to enhance listeners’ experiences. Guests like Jason Tetro bring expert knowledge and expertise to the discussions, providing valuable information on maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in the bathroom and beyond. For those seeking advice on specific topics, email suggestions can be sent to [email protected] for consideration in future episodes.
