Restroom Zone To-Go Survival Kit

1 ) Disinfecting Wipes: To-Go Pack

This small, resealable plastic packet is easy to carry in your purse or pocket. Wipes are pre-moistened and can be used to disinfect:

• Toilet seats and handles
• Countertops
• Desks at school or offices
• Doorknobs
• Shopping cart handles
• Car messes
• Hands

Ads claim these wipes kill 99.0 percent of germs, including the viruses that cause colds and the flu. However, only some types of germs and viruses will be killed. But some is better than none! I trust wipes and use them myself. 5 stars!

My mom’s complaint still rings in my ears, “The worst thing the hospital admin ever did was to announce that it was OK to stop using bleach.” She also used alcohol-based sanitizers, ammonia (40), and another favorite, vinegar. She believed that bleach was the best preventative cleaning solution for infectious diseases.

The CDC published an excellent article touting the benefits of bleach, “Cleaning and Sanitizing with Bleach after an Emergency.” (41) 2 )

Toilet Seat Covers

They come in a plastic resealable case that keeps them clean and dry if accidentally dropped on the restroom floor. Most toilet seat covers are not lined in plastic but made only of paper, so they’re not suitable for moist surfaces; however, they are flushable. If the toilet seat is wet, you should first wipe it dry with toilet paper or use two seat covers, though this could still be ineffective—one star.

Word of caution: Different brands claim they provide a germ-free protective barrier against cross-infection. Some brands may be effective, but for others, it is a marketing ploy. Do not fall for this. Most of these toilet seat covers fail at this because:

• They don’t have a plastic lining.
• They are too thin.
• They have microscopic tears in the paper. Hold them up to the light and see for yourself.

Inspect the sheet for holes or tears before using to determine if you need one, two, or three sanitary ass gaskets between your buttocks and the toilet seat.

3 ) Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer

When buying a hand sanitizer, make sure that it contains at least 70 percent ethyl alcohol. Hospitals use a 70 percent concentration.

Read the WHO’s “Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care”. (42)

• Disposable Nitrate Gloves

Nitrate gloves are 100 percent synthetic, providing superior protection against solvents and chemicals. Hazardous toxins can damage your central nervous system and cause nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and an inability to focus, which can lead to accidents. Exposure to toxins over time can cause permanent brain damage. I keep these handy always under my kitchen sink, in my car, and in the to-go restroom zone kit. Five stars.

• Toilet Tissue

This comes in a travel-sized clear plastic packet containing 55 sheets of one-ply toilet paper, enough for 3 to 4 trips to the restroom. It’s easy to carry in an auto glove box, a purse, a briefcase, or a backpack. The plastic packet protects the toilet tissue if dropped on a restroom floor.

This is indispensable when traveling because in many parts of the world, there is no toilet paper. These are very handy to have. 4 stars. But I would have awarded five stars if the packet had contained twice as many sheets.

6 ) Sanitary Face Masks

Please don’t bother with masks that use a single elastic string to hold them to the face; two-string masks give a better fit. The standard issue mask for healthcare workers, construction workers, and nurses is the N95 sanitary face mask. It’s what I use.