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Not Flushing Your Toilet A Certain Way Leads To Disgusting Truth

Not Flushing Your Toilet A Certain Way Leads To Disgusting Truth

Lid. Down!

Michael Minay

Michael Minay

It's a simple operation, isn't it? You need a number one, or number two, you sit down, do your business, check your phone (you shouldn't do that by the way), and then re-dress yourself, before pressing the flusher, and walking away.

Now there's always the 'seat down' rule once you've finished (come on LADs, be polite), but how many of you put the lid down too? If you don't, you should.

It's been revealed by Business Insider that flushing your toilet, lid up, can cause germs to spray all over your bathroom.

You see, when you flush the toilet, the swirling water that removes your deposit, mixes with the waste itself and shoots 'aerosolised faeces' into the air. Lovely.

Credit: PA

The phenomenon is known as 'toilet plume' and will see you not only remember to close the lid, but probably padlock it too, for they can reach up to 15ft in the air.

For more modern toilets it's not so much an issue, but for older ones the risk is definitely there.

Microbiologist Philip Tierno told Tech Insider: "It is a good idea to lower the seat, especially if the bathroom is used by multiple people."

The spread of the toilet plume is particularly concerning when you realise it could reach the sink, the floor, and maybe even your toothbrush.

Credit: PA

A lot of us keep toiletries close to the toilet, but it would appear now is the time to re-think. That cabinet doesn't seem too bad now does it?

Business Insider says: "The microbes also remained on the toilet bowl's porcelain surface after multiple flushes, and while the number of microbes decreased after the first few flushes, the population levelled out and remained until it was scrubbed off."

If there isn't a lid, as can be the case in some public places, then Tierno advises leaving as soon as you've pressed to flush.

And, never forget kids, to wash your hands after you've been.

Credit: PA

It's a bit of research to make you think twice about using the loo. Just like when you had to pay for it. At train stations we expect it, in your own rented flat? Maybe not.

But, one tight landlord has done such a thing, and fitted a coin-operated system to his tenant's toilet.

He took to Reddit to ask whether it was a legal decision, not that many people were sympathetic towards him.

Bit 'shit' that, innit!

Featured Image Credit: PA