What Happens When You Skip Washing Your Hands After the Bathroom

Washing your hands after using the bathroom is one of the most basic hygiene habits yet 42% of Americans admit to skipping it at home, according to a 2020 YouGov poll. Whether it’s a quick rinse or bypassing the sink entirely, you might wonder: How bad is it, really?

Can You Get Sick If You Don’t Wash Your Hands?

At home, the risk of making yourself sick is relatively low. Your body already contains the bacteria and viruses you might pick up from your own urine or feces. However, if you have staph bacteria, skipping hand-washing could lead to an infection if it enters a cut or wound.

But in public restrooms, the risk is much higher. These spaces harbor bacteria and viruses from multiple people, increasing your chances of picking up harmful germs.

The Dangers of Public Restrooms

• High-contact surfaces–Doorknobs, toilet flush handles, and stall locks are touched by many people.

• Airborne germs–When you flush, tiny particles of fecal matter can spray up to 15 feet, landing on nearby surfaces.

• Lingering viruses–Some bacteria and viruses, like norovirus, can survive for weeks on surfaces.

Skipping hand-washing after using a public restroom means you’re carrying those germs with you and potentially spreading them to others.

Could You Make Someone Else Sick?

Even if you don’t get sick, you could unknowingly spread harmful bacteria or viruses to others.

• Norovirus, E. coli, and salmonella–These pathogens can cause severe stomach illnesses and are commonly found in bathrooms.

• Respiratory infections–Germs from unwashed hands can spread when you touch shared surfaces or shake hands.

• Risk for immunocompromised individuals–If someone has a weaker immune system, exposure to these germs can lead to serious illness.

Is It Worse to Not Wash After Pooping vs. Peeing?

You might assume that washing up is more important after a bowel movement than after urinating, but experts say both are equally important.

• Feces can contain dangerous bacteria like salmonella and shigella.

• Urine can contain STIs like gonorrhea and syphilis, as well as skin bacteria like staph.

How to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Most people don’t wash thoroughly enough, leaving bacteria behind. Follow these steps for an effective clean:

1. Lather for at least 20 seconds–Cover palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.

2. Scrub under your nails–This area traps bacteria, so rub your nails against your opposite palm.

3. Use paper towels over air dryers–Paper towels remove bacteria, while hand dryers may spread germs into the air.

4. Use your paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door–Otherwise, you’ll be touching contaminated surfaces right after washing.

The Verdict: Always Wash Your Hands

Not washing your hands after using the bathroom isn’t just risky for you it’s disrespectful to others. Skipping this simple step increases the spread of bacteria, viruses, and infections.

As Dr. Philip Tierno, PhD, a microbiology professor at NYU Langone, puts it: “If we don’t care for each other, then we have lost a part of our humanity.”

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