Is It Gross to Bring Your Phone into the Bathroom?

Your personal time can often coincide with bathroom breaks, and many of us sneak our phones in for a quick scroll. But is this an unsanitary practice? We decided to investigate.

The bathroom is often a secluded escape for parents—a place to steal a few moments away from kids and partners. New moms might retreat to the restroom to vent, text, or even cry, but let’s be honest, most of us primarily go in there to scroll through our devices. With recent discussions about cleanliness, we wondered: Is it really safe to take our phones into the bathroom?

It’s Definitely Not Clean

We don’t need an expert to tell us that our phones can pick up germs in the bathroom. However, Dr. Nathan Rivers, a microbiologist at Smart University, confirmed this notion. “If you’re worried about germs, you really shouldn’t bring your phone into the restroom,” Rivers advised.

But We’re Still Doing It

“Using your phone in the bathroom is something we all do, and I’m guilty of it too,” says Sarah Johnson, a researcher at the Environmental Health Institute. “When I’m in there, I make sure not to touch any contaminated surfaces. I keep my phone in my pocket or bag until I’m done.” According to Johnson, the key is to avoid placing your phone on bathroom counters or floors during your bathroom routine, as that’s when the germs can transfer.

So when it’s time to wipe and flush, it’s best to tuck that phone away. If you need to set it down, consider wrapping it in a clean cloth first. After all, this is your home bathroom, and who knows what might happen if you’re caught unprepared.

We fully understand that many of you are simply continuing a long-standing tradition of reading in the bathroom. As Time Magazine points out, this is a behavior that has existed for generations. Plus, some moms even find themselves pumping in restrooms, which can be managed if you follow proper sanitation practices (like washing your hands and keeping pump parts off surfaces).

Handwashing is Vital

“Washing your hands after using the toilet is crucial,” Johnson emphasizes. It also gives you a bit of extra time before diving back into family life.

One more thing to consider: A 2012 study from the University of Arizona revealed that the average smartphone harbors ten times more bacteria than a typical toilet seat. This doesn’t mean that your phone has been in the bathroom; it’s simply a reflection of everyday life. So, Johnson also recommends giving your phone a good wipe with disinfectant wipes now and then.

Looking for more insights? Check out our other blog posts like this one about home insemination that can provide valuable information. Also, don’t miss resources like Progyny for tips on pregnancy and home insemination or Make a Mom for expert advice on home insemination kits.

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Summary:

Bringing your phone into the bathroom is a common practice, but it does pose hygiene risks. Experts recommend keeping your phone secure and clean to avoid germ transfer. Remember to wash your hands afterward and consider disinfecting your phone regularly.