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Bathroom and toilet: it should be the cleanest room

Because it is damp, a bathroom suits germs and mould. During neutropenia keeping it clean is especially important.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A clean, bright white bathroom
Figure 1.The bathroom should be the cleanest room

01Short answer

If possible, the patient uses a separate bathroom; if not, clean the toilet and sink often. Close the lid before flushing. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet; liquid soap is more hygienic than a bar. Towels, toothbrushes and razors are personal; do not share them. Someone else should remove mould and black marks. Air the bathroom after each use. For special rules about body fluids in the first days after chemotherapy see “Body fluids: precautions at home”.

02Simple explanation

Lid down to flush.

Liquid soap.

Personal items: do not share.

Air the room.

03Scientific explanation

WHO: hand hygiene after using the toilet prevents the spread of diarrhoeal infections.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Toilet lid

Flushing with the lid closed reduces spray.

Toothbrushes

Store brushes apart so they do not touch.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Toilet lidFlushing with the lid closed reduces spray.
ToothbrushesStore brushes apart so they do not touch.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Mould
A fungus that grows in damp.
Body fluids
Urine, stool, vomit and blood.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Lid down.
  • Wash hands.
  • Separate items.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can we share a toilet with the family?

Yes, with attention to cleaning.

What should we clean with?

An ordinary cleaner; use bleach products as directed.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

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. Can we share a toilet with the family?

  2. What should we clean with?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. NHS (UK). Support and benefits for carers
  6. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 2010. Interventions with family caregivers of cancer patients: meta-analysis of randomized trials
  7. Cancer, 2016. Caring for caregivers and patients: Research and clinical priorities for informal cancer caregiving
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Financial Toxicity and Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  9. American Cancer Society. Working During Cancer Treatment
  10. American Cancer Society. Work Accommodations When You or a Family Member Has Cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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