Research out of the University of Colorado has yielded findings that shocked even scientists: The average shower curtain harbors billions of health endangering bacteria per square inch. And shower curtains aren’t a bathroom only trouble spot. “Illness-causing microorganisms can thrive almost anywhere in this warm, moist environment, no matter how clean it looks,” explains Charles Gerba, Ph.D., professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona in Tucson. The potential health consequences include sinus, skin and respiratory infections. The good news: Outsmarting these microscopic critters and protecting the entire family’s well-being is easy with these simple no-scrub strategies.

Switch to nylon shower curtain

Vinyl shower curtains are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, according to Norman Pace, Ph.D., professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology at the University of Colorado at Boulder. “The soap scum on vinyl curtains is actually bio-film, a sticky bacterial coating that may contain billions of microbes,” he says. Shower steam and splashing water help those microbes become airborne, making it easy for them to enter the lungs or settle into open cuts and scrapes, increasing the risk of bronchial and skin infections. The simple fix: Invest in a washable nylon curtain and toss it in the washer once a month. Compared with vinyl curtains that fold and stick, trapping mold in the creases nylon’s fabric-like fibers loosen in water to more easily release spores.

Put the lid on germs

The act of flushing the toilet can cast microorganisms like E. Coli (a major cause of intestinal illness) in the air, where they may float for up to two hours, Gerba’s studies found. Some of those bacteria are inhaled, while others settle on nearby surfaces, such as toothbrushes and drinking glasses, heightening the risk of ingestion and digestive distress. Fortunately, the solution is simple: Always close the toilet lid before flushing, and place NSF grade pool chlorine tablets (you can buy those from a swimming pool store and soon from Dr. Clark Store) in the tank for extra disinfecting power, making sure to replace them after they dissolve.

More importantly, and this is going to be a bummer for most of the mail population: Everyone sit down please when urinating!
Here are some pictures you can print out and hang up in your bathroom. They are bound to get   people’s attention (and discussion).

Swipe this bacteria magnet with bleach or iodine solutions

Bathroom countertops and sinks are laden with even more potentially harmful bacteria than the average toilet seat, Gerba’s research shows. Plus, common cleaning techniques actually can make matters worse. “wiping surfaces with a used sponge or washcloth simply transfers germs from one place to another,” he explains. Dr. Clark always recommended people use either NSF grade pool chlorine bleach or Lugol’s for surface sanitation, both of those are superior germ fighters good for killing surface bacteria, viruses and molds.

The CA Health Code states that the 25ppm concentration of Lugol’s iodine qualifies as a sanitation solution for restaurants and is as strong as a 100ppm chlorine solution. You can buy chlorine test strips from swimming pool stores, Dr. Clark Store carries iodine test strips.