On November 19, bathrooms across the globe take center stage for a cause that is, quite literally, close to home: World Toilet Day. It’s a day that may sound quirky at first blush, but as millions pause to consider the health and dignity tied to something as basic as a clean toilet, the significance becomes impossible to ignore. The observance, initiated by the World Toilet Organization (WTO) in 2001 and later recognized by the United Nations in 2013, aims to raise awareness about the importance of sanitation and the dire need for safe toilets for all.
This year’s World Toilet Day theme, “sanitation in a changing world,” underscores just how dynamic—and precarious—the issue of hygiene has become. According to NDTV, despite advances in technology and infrastructure, countless people worldwide, including in India, still struggle to access clean, safe toilets on a daily basis. The consequences of this gap are not just inconvenient; they’re dangerous, especially for women and girls who face increased health risks and limited opportunities due to poor sanitation.
Why does a clean toilet matter so much? For starters, inadequate sanitation is a breeding ground for infectious diseases. As NDTV reports, illnesses such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A are all linked to unsanitary conditions. “Women and girls suffer more due to lack of proper sanitation, increasing health risks and limiting opportunities,” the outlet notes. The risks are compounded in rural areas and urban slums, where public and shared toilets are often unsafe and unhygienic, forcing many to wait long hours or seek out dangerous alternatives.
But even in homes or offices that appear spotless, the threat may be lurking just beneath the surface. As highlighted by NDTV and further explored in a guide on Ayurvedic hygiene practices, germs and bacteria settle quickly on toilet seats, flush handles, taps, and even the floor tiles. Sometimes, the most dangerous culprits are invisible: mold hiding behind tiles, mildew growing in damp corners, and waste particles trapped under the rim of the bowl. These can trigger everything from stomach infections to skin allergies and respiratory issues.
So, what can be done? The answer, according to experts and traditional wisdom alike, is both simple and powerful: adopt thorough, consistent hygiene habits and make use of safe, natural cleaning products. NDTV lays out a comprehensive list of hygiene tips for women to help prevent infections and protect overall health—advice that holds true for everyone, regardless of gender.
First and foremost, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after every toilet use is crucial. It’s a small act with big impact, significantly reducing the spread of germs. For those using public or shared toilets, cleaning the seat with toilet paper or a sanitizing wipe before sitting can help avoid direct contact with bacteria. Another often-overlooked step: closing the toilet lid before flushing. This prevents the so-called “toilet plume,” a spray of tiny droplets that can carry germs onto surfaces and into the air.
To reduce the risk of UTIs and vaginal infections—common and painful conditions—NDTV recommends always wiping from front to back, using gentle techniques to avoid microtears in sensitive areas, and rinsing the external genital area with clean water after urinating. It’s equally important to avoid scented or harsh soaps on intimate areas, as these can disrupt the body’s natural pH and increase infection risk. Instead, plain water is often best.
Carrying personal toilet supplies—like tissues, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes—can be a lifesaver when venturing outside, especially in places where hygiene may be compromised. At home, regular cleaning of the toilet and surrounding surfaces, including flush handles, door knobs, and taps, is essential. Disinfecting these high-touch areas helps minimize exposure to germs for everyone in the household.
Menstrual hygiene is another critical aspect. Changing sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups every few hours and disposing of them properly in covered bins prevents infections caused by prolonged moisture and bacterial growth. As NDTV cautions, “If these [infections] are left untreated, it can lead to severe health complications.”
Ayurvedic wisdom offers additional tools for maintaining a healthy bathroom. According to a guide focused on natural cleaning, scrubbing every part of the toilet bowl—including the inside, outside, rim, lid, and tank—with a cleaner that sits for at least 20 minutes can dissolve stains and kill 99.9% of germs. Patanjali’s Green Flush Toilet Cleaner and Green Flush (Low HCL), both free from harsh chemicals, are highlighted as effective options for those seeking natural alternatives.
The surrounding environment matters, too. Floors, tiles, and washbasins should be cleaned regularly, ideally with plant-based products like Patanjali Gonyle Floor Cleaner, which uses ingredients such as Pavitra Gomutra Ark and essential oils. Proper ventilation is another unsung hero of bathroom hygiene; keeping windows open or installing an exhaust fan helps prevent moisture buildup and mold growth. For a final touch, natural essential oils—think lemon, tea tree, or lavender—can keep the bathroom smelling fresh without the need for synthetic fragrances.
But why all this fuss about toilets? As the Ayurvedic guide puts it, “A clean toilet is not just hygiene. It is dignity, safety, and good health. And we all need that.” The impact of clean toilets ripples outward: reducing disease, improving comfort, protecting children and elders, and creating a healthier environment both inside and outside the home.
World Toilet Day, then, is more than a symbolic gesture or a date on the calendar. It’s a call to action—a reminder that something as mundane as bathroom hygiene can have life-changing consequences. Whether it’s through scrubbing tiles, closing lids, or simply washing hands with care, each small step adds up to a safer, more dignified world for everyone.
As November 19 comes and goes, the hope is that these lessons will linger long after the day’s end. Because in the end, the health of our families and communities may depend on what happens in the smallest room of the house.