Three bathroom items you should never share, experts warn

A hygiene expert from Griffith University has warned that some everyday bathroom items—like towels, razors and toothbrushes—can hide dangerous germs for a long time, even after they look clean.

Writing for The Conversation, Professor Thea van de Mortel explained that bacteria, fungi and viruses can survive on materials like cloth, plastic and metal for days, months or even years. That means sharing these items can quietly spread infections.

Towels: a hidden germ trap

A US study found that high-school football players who shared towels were eight times more likely to get infected with Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), a bacteria that can cause skin problems like boils or impetigo—and in rare cases, serious blood infections.

Another study showed that families who shared towels with an infected child spread the bacteria more easily across the household.

Even showering doesn’t remove all germs. Bathrooms stay warm and damp, which helps bacteria grow. Van de Mortel warned that antibiotic-resistant species can survive and make future infections harder to treat.

Toothbrushes: more than just yours

Sharing toothbrushes is a big no. Since brushing can cause small gum bleeds, using someone else’s brush can pass on blood-borne viruses like hepatitis C.

Viruses such as herpes simplex (HSV-1) and Epstein-Barr (which causes glandular fever) can also spread through saliva left on toothbrushes.

Studies show HSV-1 can survive for up to six days on plastic surfaces, and many toothbrushes carry bacteria like E. coli and Pseudomonas.

Razors: sharp but risky

Razors can cause tiny cuts that let viruses and bacteria enter your bloodstream. Sharing them can spread infections—and even the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes common skin warts.

Who’s most at risk?

Infants, older adults, people with diabetes or weak immune systems, and those taking immune-suppressing medication are at greater risk of catching infections from shared hygiene items.

While using someone else’s towel or razor once might not make you sick, doing it often increases your risk.

Experts say the safest habit is simple: keep your hygiene items to yourself. It’s an easy way to protect your health and avoid unnecessary infections.