Putting toilet paper on a public toilet may not be as hygienic as you think

Public toilets are a place most of us prefer to avoid at all costs. However, we cannot deny that they are incredibly necessary—especially during times when our bladder just can’t hold it together anymore.

All of us have used a public toilet at least once in our life, if not more. And we all have our own unique ways to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Some peopledisinfect the toilet, others (who cannot pee while standing up) squat over the toilet in order to avoid direct bowl-to-skin contact, and cover the seat with layers of toilet paper.

The last technique is probably the most frequently used, but it is actually a very bad idea.

Why putting toilet paper on a public toilet is a bad idea

Don’t believe us? Kelly Reynolds, a public health researcher at the University of Arizona told USA Today that ‘toilet paper doesn’t stop germs from getting through.'

Bacteria and other viruses are far too small and can easily get through the thin cover that you have carefully placed. Moreover, Reynolds added that:

The risk of transmitting germs from your skin to a toilet seat is unlikely.

What’s worse is that putting paper on the toilet actually provides the ideal surface for germs to settle on, as opposed to the toilet bowl where they can’t breed.

As you can see, putting paper on the toilet is not very useful. However this is also another thing you should beware of when using public restrooms and it’s apparently the most ‘dangerous’ part of the whole experience.

Toilet plume: The most dangerous thing about using public toilets

Don’t take this tip lightly because a strange phenomenon called ‘toilet plume' can leave you exposed to many harmful bacterias.

Toilet plume refers to the splashing of faeces when flushing. It also happens when one urinates while standing up. The micro-pieces of faeces are then propelled into the air as an aerosol and it settles on surfaces around—meaning you can even unknowingly catch them with your hands.

Here's what you should do after using a public toilet

That’s why the best thing to do is to wash your hands well and try to wash them outside of the bathroom. This way you won’t be touching the light switches which may also have some pieces of faeces lying around. Lastly, make sure to follow the 20-second rule while washing your hands!

Read more:

⋙ Sexual health: Can you catch an STI from a public toilet?

⋙ This is why you should not flush a tampon down the toilet

⋙ Garlic is the secret to a clean toilet

This article has been translated fromGentside FR.

Sources used:

USA Today: What happens when you don't use a toilet seat cover?