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Nutrition and daily life

Bathroom hygiene: damp, mould and personal items

The bathroom is warm and damp, which suits bacteria and mould. During treatment a few simple rules here lower infection risk. This section explains how to keep the bathroom clean and dry.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Dry surfaces and a folded towel.
Figure 1.A clean bathroom — Bathroom hygiene: damp, mould and personal items

01Short answer

Everyone has their own towel, toothbrush, razor and nail scissors. Clean the basin, toilet and door handles regularly; if possible, let someone else do it. Air the room after showers and deal with mould promptly. Close the toilet lid before flushing. If someone at home has diarrhoea or vomiting, clean the toilet after each use and use a separate toilet if you can. Keep sponges and loofahs dry and change them often.

02Simple explanation

Your own towel and brush.

Air the room.

Close the lid.

Diarrhoea at home? Clean more often.

03Scientific explanation

Studies: flushing throws droplets into the air; closing the lid and regular cleaning reduce germs on surfaces.

WHO: foodborne illness is more severe in people with weakened immunity; the five keys are keep clean, separate, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials.

04What happens in the body?

Showering

A warm shower is good; run water through a shower head that has not been used for a while first.

Two toothbrush cups and two towels.
Figure 2.Separate items — Bathroom hygiene: damp, mould and personal items

Baths

If you have a central line, follow the rules for keeping it dry.

A toilet with the lid closed.
Figure 3.Lid closed — Bathroom hygiene: damp, mould and personal items

Neutropenia

When neutrophils are low, even ordinary germs can cause serious infection, which is why the rules are stricter.

General rules

This section is part of the general food-safety rules in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices” and “Food safety: four simple rules”.

05Safety: four steps

Check, swap the risky, prepare properly, use in time.

Check — Date and condition.1CheckDate and condition.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Prepare — Clean and thorough.3PrepareClean and thorough.
In time — No delay.4In timeNo delay.
CleanHands and surfaces.
CookGerms die.
ColdGrowth slows.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
ShoweringA warm shower is good; run water through a shower head that has not been used for a while first.
BathsIf you have a central line, follow the rules for keeping it dry.
NeutropeniaWhen neutrophils are low, even ordinary germs can cause serious infection, which is why the rules are stricter.
General rulesThis section is part of the general food-safety rules in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices” and “Food safety: four simple rules”.

07Key terms

Mould
A fungus that grows in damp places.
Personal hygiene items
Things used by one person only.
Foodborne infection
An infection spread through food or water.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Do not share personal items.
  • Keep it dry and aired.
  • Close the lid.
  • When in doubt, throw it out.
  • Call if you have a fever.

09Frequently asked questions

Does the bathroom need disinfecting?

Ordinary cleaners are usually enough; with diarrhoea a chlorine product may be advised.

Can I have a bath?

It depends on your line and skin; ask your team.

Are these rules for ever?

No. They are usually relaxed as blood counts recover; your team will say.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does the bathroom need disinfecting?

  2. Can I have a bath?

  3. Are these rules for ever?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization. Five Keys to Safer Food manual
  2. World Health Organization. Food safety fact sheet
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Safe Food Handling
  4. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  5. American Cancer Society. Taste and Smell Changes
  6. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Nausea and Vomiting
  7. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Ginger
  8. Supportive Care in Cancer, 2023. 2023 updated MASCC/ESMO consensus recommendations: prevention of nausea and vomiting following high-emetic-risk antineoplastic agents
  9. Cancer, 2020. MASCC/ISOO clinical practice guidelines for the management of mucositis secondary to cancer therapy
  10. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Dehydration
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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