Human Scale:
2. Personal Hygiene in the Bathroom

03/25

The washbasin also plays an important role in personal hygiene.

However, there are two to three additional functional zones that play an equally central role in hygiene: the shower or bathtub and the toilet. Shower toilets offer a new level of quality for everyday hygiene. However, cleaning drains and washbasin surfaces is just as important as cleaning the body. And hygiene actually starts before that: in the water pipes that supply us with water for showering, washing and drinking. Here, particular attention must be paid to avoiding standing water and the formation of germs. However, the industry now also ensures high standards for the daily quality of drinking water, for example with water filters in private households.

Activity	Realisation	Bathroom planning
Showers	Showers, shower surfaces, bathtubs with integrated shower zone, floor / wall drain	Shower area: storage/hanging space for cleaning and care utensils; floor-level shower tray reduces barriers Safety thanks to non-slip surface; provide strainer for shaving/hair washing in the shower
Going to the toilet	WC or shower toilet, XXL version for overweight people, possibly also adapted to body dimensions	WC seat with soft-closing mechanism, seat heating, orientation light, odour extraction system Shower toilet improves personal hygiene and promotes independence when care is required
Wash your hands	Fitting (single or double-lever mixer)	Touch-free fittings, hygienic and easy-to-clean surface, easy accessibility Hygiene is the most important requirement for a bathroom
Brush your teeth	Toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes	Enable power supply, in some cases several times for families Separate tray useful, container for replaceable toothbrushes
Clean interdental spaces with dental floss	Mirror, magnifying mirror	Storage options on the washbasin or mirror cabinet; cosmetics bin Easily accessible mirror surface makes cleaning easier
Use mouthwash	Shelf, drawer, cupboard compartment	Provide storage space Place out of reach of children
Using the oral irrigator		Space at the washbasin with power connection Clarify the technology affinity of bathroom users
Clean ears	Shelf, drawer, cupboard compartment	Provide storage space, cosmetic bin to match the interior style Place out of reach of children
Inserting or removing contact lenses	Washbasin as storage surface, mirror	Contrasting surface on the washbasin
Intimate hygiene with a water jet	Shower toilet, bidet with tap, hand shower with various spray types. jet types	Plan a space-saving solution with a shower toilet or bidet Provide a power connection at the WC as a precaution
Change tampons	Waste bin, storage space	bucket
Cleaning the menstrual cup	Washbasin	Personal storage space and drying area Creating privacy towards other users
Changing nappies	Changing unit	Ergonomic open space, observe safety Rarely used in German bathrooms*
Beard trimming, wet shave	Washbasin (preferably with option for water storage), mirror	Very good lighting, easy-to-clean drain; personal space (for drying and storage) Storage option in the washbasin for added convenience
Treat skin blemishes	Freedom of movement, (full-length) mirror	Seating, easy to clean Towels within easy reach
Shave legs, intimate areas, armpits	Seating required	Bench/stool/pouf, floor with (washable!) carpet Creating an alternative to the bath rim
Clean teeth (3rd brushing)	Glass at the washbasin, toothbrush	Ultrasonic cleaner with power connection; storage compartment with door Establish privacy towards other users or guests

*Source: VDS bathroom baseline study #germanbathrooms 2024