Don’t rely on a quick rinse: why some bathroom items should stay personal
When you’re away from home and realize you’ve forgotten a towel, razor, or toothbrush, the instinct to borrow can be strong. But experts warn that certain bathroom essentials are better kept to yourself. The reason is simple: microbes can hitch a ride on fabric, metal, and plastic and stay active long after you’ve finished using them. In shared bathroom situations, this can raise the risk of skin infections, gum issues, and even more serious conditions.
How long microbes can survive on common bathroom items
Surfaces in the bathroom often provide warm, moist conditions that are friendly to microbes. Fungi, bacteria, and viruses can persist on towels, razors, and toothbrushes for extended periods. For example, some fungi can survive on cloth and plastic for more than a month, while certain bacteria may endure for years on various materials. Some viruses may remain viable for hours to months depending on the material, including ceramics, metals, cloth, and plastics.
Shared towels: a notable infection risk
There is evidence that using another person’s towel can increase the likelihood of skin infections. In one US account, high-school football players who shared towels were eight times more likely to contract an infection such as Staphylococcus aureus (Staph). Staph can lead to skin infections like impetigo and, in rare cases, more serious complications. Even in homes without visible injuries, sharing towels can raise transmission risk, especially among children or people with already weakened immune systems.
Toothbrushes: viruses can linger
Toothbrushes are particularly sensitive because they come into contact with saliva and gums. They can harbor bacteria like Staph, E. coli, and Pseudomonas, and dangerous viruses can also survive on plastic toothbrush bodies. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Epstein-Barr virus can be transmitted through oral contact or contaminated objects. HSV-1, which causes cold sores, can still be shed even when there are no obvious symptoms. While the risk of infection is not guaranteed, sharing a toothbrush increases the chance of transmitting oral and systemic pathogens.
Razors: practical risks beyond nicks
Razors are hard to rinse clean, and sharing them can spread blood-borne viruses if a cut occurs. In addition, certain skin conditions or viruses that cause warts can transfer via shared blades. Dermatologists consistently recommend that each person uses their own razor. The combination of potential nicks, moisture, and close contact makes razors a clear no-go for sharing among friends, families, or guests.
Who is more at risk and why it matters
People with cuts or grazes provide easier entry points for microbes. Immune-compromised individuals—such as babies, older adults, people on immune-suppressing medications, or those with chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes—are especially vulnerable. Even if you don’t currently feel ill, being exposed to resistant strains or latent infections can complicate future treatments and recovery.
Practical tips for safer bathroom habits when traveling or hosting
- Carry personal essentials: Have a spare towel, toothbrush, and razor. If you must borrow temporarily, ensure items are thoroughly cleaned or replaced as soon as possible.
- Establish a personal kit routine: Use a labeled bag for each person’s toiletries to avoid accidental sharing.
- Encourage good bathroom hygiene: Regular handwashing, proper drying, and cleaning shared surfaces can reduce microbial buildup for everyone.
- Be mindful after activities with more skin exposure: Contact sports or activities with minor cuts heighten the importance of not sharing towels.
Bottom line
In most shared bathroom scenarios, the risks of sharing towels, razors, or toothbrushes outweigh any convenience. Microbes can linger on surfaces long after use, and some can cause infection or become harder to treat if antibiotic resistance develops. Making it a habit to use your own items—or ensuring your guests have theirs—can protect everyone’s health without sacrificing convenience.
