'Never Been the Same': Woman Starts Wearing Gloves to Gas Station After Seeing What a Customer Did to the Pump

A TikTok user's PSA about gas pump hygiene has gone viral after she shared a disturbing encounter that changed her gas station habits forever. The video has sparked conversation about the cleanliness of public surfaces and prompted many viewers to reconsider their own fueling routines.

TikTok user KRY (@krystxllmeth) posted a 24-second video on Wednesday that has garnered more than 143,000 views in just one day. The clip shows her inside her car before demonstrating how she now pumps gas while wearing latex gloves, explaining the unsanitary incident that motivated this change.

"I don't know who needs to hear this, but please start carrying gloves when you are going to the gas station," she says in the video. 

The creator then reveals what she witnessed: "I was at a gas station not long ago and I witnessed with my own two eyes a man at the pump in front of me reaching into his pants and aggressively scratching his [expletive] and then using that same hand to grab the pump to put it back."

Her reaction was immediate and lasting: "Ever since I saw that, I've never been the same."

Her concerns are backed by scientific research. A major study by Kimberly-Clark Professional tested surfaces in six major U.S. cities and found that 71% of gas pump handles were "highly contaminated" with microbes associated with illness and disease. Even more alarming, research published by Busbud found gas pump handles harbor an average of 2,011,970 colony-forming units (CFUs) per square inch—approximately 11,000 times more contaminated than a typical household toilet seat, which has only 172 CFUs per square inch.

Healthcare Workers Validate the Gas Station Sanitation Concern

The video struck a particular chord with healthcare professionals who frequently see the consequences of poor hygiene practices. User Vanessa, who identified herself as a healthcare worker, left one of the most-liked comments. "I'll tell you right now.. I work in healthcare.. people do not wash their hands nearly enough,” she writes. “I will NEVER pump gas without a glove or wipe.. and a reminder WASH YOUR HANDS often pls I'm begging."

The creator responded by sharing her own observations from working in finance. She writes, "I work in finance and every time I handle cash then wash my hands the water runs grey in the sink which is crazy because neither the money or my hands LOOK dirty to begin with. but yes so important to wash your hands often and i wish people cared more to do it!"

This exchange highlighted how contamination often occurs invisibly, making protective measures even more crucial. University of Arizona microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba, known as "Dr. Germ," explains that germs on people's hands can transfer up to seven times before leaving the skin, creating a continuous cycle of contamination.

Current and former gas station workers also chimed in with their perspectives. A user identifying as a cashier at a gas station wrote, "I'm a cashier at a gas station and I can literally FEEL when my hands are dirty. I hate it."

The creator acknowledged the particular challenges faced by gas station employees. "I bet, especially if you're handling cash!” she writes. “I know the feeling, it is the worst."

Gallery: Why Gas Pumps Spread Disease More than Anything Else

Broader Public Health Implications Beyond the Gas Station

The conversation expanded beyond gas pumps to encompass general public hygiene concerns. User Dee pointed out, "I'm sorry, but this doesn't only apply to gas pumps. Anything public (door handles, elevator buttons, hand rails) is gonna have the same issue."

The creator agreed, noting she had made additional videos addressing other public surfaces. "You're totally right,” she says. “I actually made another video mentioning that, just wanted to spread awareness and offer one more measure for peeps to stay safe!"

Research confirms this broader contamination pattern, showing that mailbox handles are 68% contaminated, escalator rails 43%, and ATM buttons 41%. The types of bacteria found are particularly concerning, including some that can cause skin infections, toxic shock syndrome, and pneumonia, and others linked to food poisoning and infections in newborns.

One commenter shared a particularly alarming story. "I seen a story of a lady carrying gloves now because she got drugged from the pump," they write. This comment received nearly 4,000 likes and prompted the creator to respond: "That's horrible even more of a reason to."

Alternative Protection Methods at Gas Stations

While gloves emerged as the creator's preferred solution, commenters shared various alternatives for staying clean at gas stations. Many mentioned using paper towels provided at pumps, with user Lilzen noting, "I use the paper towels they provide!" This comment received 180 likes.

Hand sanitizer remained the most popular alternative, with multiple users emphasizing its importance. User Sydney wrote, "I carry hand sanitizer and always use it after pumping." However, another commenter pointed out a limitation: "It ain't gonna sanitize poop."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC officially recommended using disinfecting wipes on handles and buttons before touching them, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol after pumping, and washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water upon arriving at destinations.

Some users advocated for more comprehensive approaches. User PixieWitch offered detailed advice. "Also remembering that if you touch stuff in public and touch your phone…your phone's dirty [as expletive]. Gotta sanitize with a quick isopropyl wipe every so often," they write.

The discussion also highlighted regional variations in gas station practices. User velvetrose commented, "I live in Jersey we don't pump our own gas," referencing New Jersey's full-service gas station requirements. The creator responded enviously, "I love that for you guys."

Medical Incidents at Gas Stations

The health concerns weren't purely theoretical. User "retired mermaid" shared a recent real-world consequence. They write, "A coworker of mine literally just pinched his finger on a gas pump a few weeks ago, and now he's being treated for CELLULITIS!!, which is caused by a bacterial INFECTION."

The creator expressed sympathy, writing, "Oh no wishing your friend a speedy recovery!!"

The workplace health implications of poor hand hygiene are significant. Studies show companies lose approximately $1,685 per employee annually due to absenteeism and presenteeism (employees coming to work while sick), much of which could be prevented through better hygiene practices.

Dr. Charles Gerba's research emphasizes, "Most cold and flu viruses are spread because people touch surfaces in their immediate area and then touch their faces, other objects and other people. Washing and drying your hands frequently throughout the day can help prevent your risk of getting sick or spreading illness around the office."

The video's caption included hashtags "#psa #healthandwellness #biohazard," emphasizing the creator's intent to educate viewers about potential health risks at gas stations.

Motor1 reached out to KRY via TikTok direct message for additional comment. We'll be sure to update this if she responds.