5. Flushing public toilets with your feet
“Flush handles do harbor a lot of bacteria,” Ghildayal says, “but it’s partially due to individuals using their feet rather than their hands to flush. The floor and the bottom of your shoes are generally some of the dirtiest parts of a bathroom.”
You can forget about this precaution because imagine what’s the next thing you’ll do after flushing? That’s right—wash your hands, which is the best way to avoid transferring bugs.
Another reason to skip this habit, says Ghildayal, is that the bacteria you are struggling to avoid are likely already dead. “Gut bacteria don’t thrive for long on the cold, smooth surfaces of public restrooms, such as bathroom fixtures, as this environment is quite different than inside the human body.”
