How to Disinfect Something That Fell in the Toilet (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Disinfect Something That Fell in the Toilet

We’ve all been there: you reach into the toilet to grab something that fell in, and you immediately regret it. Your hand is covered in toilet water and germs, and you’re not sure what to do.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a common problem, and there are a few simple steps you can take to disinfect your hand and the object you dropped.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to disinfect something that fell in the toilet, including:

  • The different types of germs that can be found in a toilet
  • The best methods for disinfecting your hand and the object you dropped
  • How to prevent future accidents

So if you’re ever in a situation where something falls in the toilet, don’t panic. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be back to germ-free in no time.

Step Materials Instructions
1 Bleach Pour a cup of bleach into the toilet bowl.
2 Rubber gloves Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands.
3 Toilet brush Use a toilet brush to scrub the item that fell in the toilet.
4 Paper towels Wipe the item with paper towels to remove any remaining bleach.
5 Rinse the item with water Rinse the item with water to remove any remaining bleach.

It’s a common occurrence: you drop your phone in the toilet, or your child’s toothbrush falls in. In a panic, you fish the item out and rinse it off, but is that enough to make it safe to use again?

The answer depends on the type of item and the amount of exposure to the toilet water. Some items can be disinfected with a simple cleaning solution, while others may need to be replaced.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what items can and cannot be disinfected, and how to properly disinfect items that have been in contact with toilet water.

What Items Can Be Disinfected?

The following items can be disinfected if they have been in contact with toilet water:

  • Items that are made of hard, non-porous materials, such as metal, glass, or plastic
  • Items that are not easily damaged by chemicals, such as rubber or leather
  • Items that are not food-related

How to Disinfect Items

To disinfect an item that has been in contact with toilet water, follow these steps:

1. Rinse the item thoroughly with cold water.
2. Apply a disinfectant solution to the item.
3. Allow the item to air dry completely.

Disinfectant Solutions

There are a variety of disinfectant solutions that can be used to disinfect items that have been in contact with toilet water. Some common options include:

  • Bleach: Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill a wide range of bacteria and viruses. However, it is important to use bleach correctly, as it can be harmful if not diluted properly.
  • Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a mild disinfectant that is safe for use on most surfaces. It is also effective at killing bacteria and viruses.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol is a good disinfectant for surfaces that cannot be damaged by chemicals. It is also effective at killing bacteria and viruses.

What Items Should Not Be Disinfected?

The following items should not be disinfected if they have been in contact with toilet water:

  • Items that are made of soft, porous materials, such as cloth or paper
  • Items that are easily damaged by chemicals, such as wood or fabric
  • Items that are food-related

Why Not?

Disinfecting these items can damage them and make them unsafe to use. For example, disinfecting a cloth or paper towel with bleach can cause the towel to fall apart. Disinfecting a wooden spoon with alcohol can cause the spoon to warp or crack. And disinfecting a food-related item with a harsh chemical can make it unsafe to eat.

If you drop an item in the toilet, it’s important to rinse it off thoroughly with cold water before using it again. However, not all items can be disinfected. If you’re unsure whether an item can be disinfected, it’s best to replace it.

Here are some additional tips for keeping your home clean and sanitary:

  • Flush the toilet after each use.
  • Keep the toilet seat closed.
  • Clean the toilet bowl regularly with a toilet brush and a cleaning solution.
  • Wash your hands after using the toilet.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your home free of germs and bacteria.

3. How to Disinfect an Item

If an item falls into the toilet, it is important to disinfect it immediately to prevent the spread of bacteria. Here are the steps on how to disinfect an item:

1. Rinse the item thoroughly with cold water to remove any visible dirt or debris.
2. Apply a disinfectant solution to the item and let it sit for the recommended amount of time.
3. Rinse the item thoroughly with cold water to remove any residual disinfectant solution.

Disinfectant Solutions

There are a variety of different disinfectant solutions that can be used to disinfect an item that has fallen in the toilet. Some common disinfectant solutions include:

  • Bleach: Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, it is important to use bleach carefully, as it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.
  • Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a mild disinfectant that can kill a variety of bacteria. It is less harmful than bleach, but it is also less effective.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol is a good disinfectant for surfaces that are not porous. It is not as effective against bacteria as bleach or hydrogen peroxide, but it is less harmful.

How to Use a Disinfectant Solution

To use a disinfectant solution, follow these steps:

1. Dilute the disinfectant solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Pour the disinfectant solution into a spray bottle.
3. Spray the item with the disinfectant solution.
4. Let the item sit for the recommended amount of time.
5. Rinse the item thoroughly with cold water.

Safety Precautions

When using a disinfectant solution, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

  • Wear gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from the disinfectant solution.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the disinfectant solution.
  • Keep children and pets away from the item while it is being disinfected.

By following these steps, you can safely disinfect an item that has fallen in the toilet. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and keep your home clean and healthy.

How do I disinfect something that fell in the toilet?

1. Wear gloves and eye protection.
2. Rinse the item under running water for at least 30 seconds.
3. Soak the item in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for at least 5 minutes.
4. Rinse the item thoroughly under running water.
5. Dry the item with a clean towel.

What if the item is porous?

If the item is porous, such as a sponge or cloth, it may not be possible to completely disinfect it. In this case, you can try to clean it as best you can and then discard it.

What if the item is made of a delicate material?

If the item is made of a delicate material, such as leather or silk, you may want to avoid using bleach. Instead, you can try to clean it with a mild detergent and water.

What if I don’t have bleach?

If you don’t have bleach, you can use a vinegar and water solution (1 part vinegar to 1 part water). Soak the item in the solution for at least 5 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly under running water.

How do I prevent items from falling in the toilet in the future?

To prevent items from falling in the toilet, you can:

  • Keep the toilet lid closed.
  • Place a lidded trash can next to the toilet.
  • Be careful when flushing the toilet.

    there are a few simple steps you can take to disinfect something that has fallen in the toilet. First, remove the item from the toilet as quickly as possible. Then, rinse the item under hot water and soap. Finally, disinfect the item with a bleach solution or rubbing alcohol. By following these steps, you can help to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.

Here are some key takeaways to remember:

  • Rinse the item under hot water and soap as soon as possible. This will help to remove any bacteria that may be present.
  • Disinfecting the item with a bleach solution or rubbing alcohol will kill any remaining bacteria. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label.
  • Do not place the item back in the toilet after it has been disinfected. This could contaminate the toilet and spread bacteria.
  • If you are concerned about the safety of an item that has fallen in the toilet, it is best to throw it away. This will help to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.