Research has found that flushing the toilet with the lid down could reduce airborne particles by as much as 50%. In addition to the visible drops of water that are generated upon flushing the toilet, smaller droplets that are just micrometres (µM) in diameter also form and are propelled into the surrounding air.
While it was also found to make the droplets larger and more concentrated with bacteria, the broad consensus among scientists is that it's more hygienic to flush with the lid down.
Should the toilet seat be up or down? It should always be down along with the lid. Not only is it common courtesy, it also traps germs in while flushing.
' Researchers say flushing with the lid up releases a so-called 'aerosol plume' – a big cloud of vapour particles that carry bacteria and other pathogens. Some of these particles can zoom straight into your face, land on your skin, or even come into contact with objects around the bathroom - including your toothbrush.
#4 You should close your toilet lid before flushing
Mythbusters did an episode about this process and confirmed, unfortunately, that when you flush a toilet with the lid up particles of feces will be almost everywhere in your bathroom, including your toothbrush.
The research found that putting the toilet lid down reduced the number of both visible and smaller droplets during and after flushing by 30-60%. However, use of the lid also increased the diameter and concentration of the bacteria in these droplets.
It keeps everything much better contained,” Dr. Roberts says. “It's not perfect, but it certainly is better.” A 2021 research review published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research found that flushing without closing the lid leads to surface contamination of the toilet.
There are many ways to flush a toilet in Italy! You may find: 2 large buttons on top of the toilet or on the wall behind the toilet – the left button is for #2, the right button is for #1. A foot pedal on the floor next to the toilet.
The bidet is for washing your nether regions. That means specifically: you can use it to clean your butt, and/or your taint, and/or your genitals.
There is no common standard for toilets in Italy. In most cases, public toilets are basic but ok, with a toilet vase, a sink to wash hands, often a mirror and a hand dryier. In some cases, you will also find what we call bagni alla turca (Lit Turkish toilets).
To protect yourself from these harmful germs, it's important to always shut the lid before flushing. This simple step can significantly lower your risk of exposure to dangerous microbes. After flushing, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, as germs are still on and around the toilet lid.
Gut infection - Faecal-borne bacteria like E. coli, streptococcus, staphylococcus and shigella are the most abundant bugs found in a public toilet.
Bacteria generally do not survive well under conditions of desiccation; however, Newsom (1972) demonstrated the survival of Salmonella on surfaces for up to 9 days, Escherichia coli for up to 8 days, and Shigella for up to 5 days in faeces dried onto toilet seats.
Once a week at least.
Tetro says your bathroom is the ultimate bacteria host; E. coli can be found within six feet of the toilet and in the sink. To keep it at bay, disinfect the toilet and sink at least once weekly, and the bathtub every two weeks — more if you shower often.
These tiny water drops can carry pathogens such as E. coli, C. difficile, noroviruses and adenoviruses, and while many past studies have shown that these pathogens can live in the toilet bowl for dozens of flushes, the increase for potential exposure risk may be cause for concern.
So, yes, you can sit on that toilet seat with little fear, just make sure you wash your hands when you're done. And, of course, if you're not feeling that adventurous, there's always the paper cover thingies. (Though good luck getting them to stay positioned perfectly!)
Generally speaking, these infections aren't contagious. It's highly unlikely for anyone to contract a UTI from a toilet seat, because the urethra in males and females wouldn't touch the toilet seat.
Simply measure out half a cup's worth of bleach and pour it into your toilet bowl, using your toilet brush to scrub it into the bowl and beneath the bowl's rim, also allowing five minutes to pass before you flush it all away.
We cannot get a UTI from a toilet, as the urethra does not touch the seat. As long as the urethra does not come into contact with the seat, we are safe from certain infections. The toilet seat is not a common way for bacteria to enter our bodies.
Studies have shown that of all the surface areas in the bathroom, the floor is by far the dirtiest. That's because when we flush the toilet germs spread everywhere, and land on—you guessed it—the floor.
Infections might be the cause. You may have bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or an STI. Menopause-related hormonal changes, diabetes, or skin conditions are other possible causes. Or irritation from and allergic reactions to detergents and other products could be at work.
This is in addition to the bacteria found on the other parts that you have come into contact with, such as the flush handle covered in as much as 83 bacteria per sq. in and the toilet seat surrounded by over 295 bacteria per sq. in.