Last Updated on November 10, 2022 by acechapman
Wooden toilet seats look elegant and sophisticated, but many people fear they are not sanitary. Sanitation should be your top priority when it comes to your toilet seats.
Wooden toilet seats can be very clean if properly maintained. Keep your wooden toilet seats clean and free from germs by reading the following.
Are wooden toilet seats safe?
Wooden toilet seats can be very clean due to the protective coating that is placed on their outside. A wooden toilet seat can be sanitary as long as it is clean and the protective coating is not removed.
Wood is very absorbent by itself. Wood absorbs liquids and germs very easily. Wooden toilet seats are treated with a protective coating to prevent them from absorbing liquids or germs.
When choosing a toilet seat, hygiene is a key factor. Toilet seats are susceptible to bacteria and germs so it is important to choose a seat that is both easy to clean and non-absorbent. Toilet seats that are not clean can be contaminated with germs and bacteria, and smell bad.
How wooden toilet seats can become unhygienic
Toilet seats, whether wooden or plastic, can only be considered sanitary if the protective coating remains intact. The protective coating can be scratched and the toilet seat could become unhygienic. The toilet seat may become unhygienic if it is used for a long time or soiled with an abrasive cloth.
Wooden toilet seats can also become dirty if not properly cleaned. As with any toilet seat, wooden toilet seats should be cleaned on a regular basis. The seat will become contaminated with bacteria if it is not cleaned regularly.
How to Maintain a Wooden Toilet Seat Sanitary
It is important to regularly clean a wooden toilet seat with the right supplies in order to keep it clean. You could let bacteria hide on your toilet seat if you don’t clean it or use the wrong products.
Clean
Cleaning your wooden toilet seat daily is the first step in keeping it clean. Your toilet seat is exposed to liquids whenever you get out of the shower, or when you spray hairspray.
Regular cleaning of the wooden toilet seat is necessary to ensure that the protective coating remains intact. Wipe off any spillages or accidents on the toilet seat to prevent them from soaking into the seat.
You can use Murphy’s Oil Soap to clean and protect wooden toilet seats. Although it doesn’t disinfect, it can pick up any water or spills from the wooden toilet seat. It will also prevent the wooden toilet seat from drying out.
Disinfect
Next, disinfect your toilet seat to keep it clean. The toilet seat is the most vulnerable place to bacteria. You need to disinfect it. Although you can disinfect the toilet seat as frequently as you like, we recommend that it be cleaned at least once per week.
Use a sponge or cloth to clean your wooden toilet seat. After cleaning the toilet seat, wipe it clean with a dry cloth.
You can use disinfecting products on your wooden toilet seats
Dish Soap
Dish soap is a mild detergent that disinfects wooden toilet seats without causing damage to their surface or protective coating.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Another great disinfectant is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria, mold, and fungus by destroying cell walls. Hydrogen peroxide can be used straight from the bottle or mixed with water. Allow it to sit on the toilet’s surface for a while. Rinse it off, then dry the toilet seat.
Avoid using cleaning products that could strip the protective coating of wooden toilet seats. Your wooden toilet should not be cleaned with bleach, vinegar, or any abrasive cleaners. These products can damage the wood material and protective coating.
Protect
Protecting your wooden toilet seats from damage is the third step in maintaining a clean and sanitary toilet seat. Protecting your toilet seats will ensure the protective coating remains intact, so you can continue to use them for many years.
You can protect your toilet seat by not completely submerging it in water or cleaning products. The protective coating on the toilet seat can wear down, and the wood could absorb the liquid. Before you place any cleaning product, water, or other liquid on the wooden toilet seats, we recommend that you use a towel, cloth, or sponge to apply it.
If you notice cracks or crevices in your toilet seat, it is important to replace them immediately. It will be difficult to repair cracks and become unsanitary, so it is better to replace the seat.
Also, keep your toilet seat hydrated to help protect it. You can use Murphy’s Oil Soap to prevent the wood from drying out. The protective coating may crack if the wood becomes too dry.
Wooden vs. Plastic Toilet Seats
Comfort
It doesn’t matter what material you choose, a good toilet seat should be comfortable to use. Wooden toilet seats are more comfortable than plastic because they keep you warm all year. Although heated plastic toilet seats are available, they tend to be more expensive than wooden ones.
Hygiene
Both plastic and wooden toilet seats are both hygienic and sanitary. However, plastic toilet seats are easier to clean and less likely to harbor hidden germs. Wooden toilet seats require more attention and cleaning.
Durability
No matter what material, a good toilet seat should last several years. Wooden toilet seats will be more susceptible to rot, while plastic toilet seats may break faster. It doesn’t matter what material you choose, ensure that the toilet seat is high quality so it won’t easily break.
Cost
Plastic toilet seats are often more affordable than wooden ones. However, you can find specialty toilet seats made from plastic that are more costly than regular wooden ones.
Can you recoat protective finish on your wooden toilet seat?
You can protect your wooden toilet seat by painting it with paint that is specifically for toilet seats. This will extend the life of your wooden toilet seats.
Wrapping Up
Both wooden and plastic toilet seats have their pros and cons when it comes to sanitation. This comparison guide will help you choose between a plastic or wooden toilet seat.
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