Here’s Why You Should Never Put Toilet Paper Down On The Seat

Public restrooms can be both a blessing and a curse. Sure, they’re helpful when you desperately need one… but you never know if you’ll swing open the door to a clean stall or a disgusting, germ-filled mess.

As a precaution, most of us have learned to line the seats with toilet paper, thinking somehow that this flimsy barrier will protect us from anything lurking on the porcelain. That couldn’t be farther from the truth—and it could even increase your contact with germs! Here’s why:

One of the most germ-infested objects in a public bathroom is also the only one you need to touch: toilet paper.
You might think that covering the toilet seat with toilet paper will protect you from germs, but you’re actually doing something much more disgusting.
Toilet paper is actually a bacteria hotbed, while the seats are surprisingly pretty germ-free. In fact, they’re designed to avoid picking up bacteria, so it’s unlikely you’ll get sick from a dry toilet seat.

Toilet paper, on the other hand, is a perfect breeding ground for germs. Why? Well, whenever the toilet flushes, it sprays germs all around the stall—including onto the paper roll. And by covering the seat with paper, you inadvertently force yourself to come into contact with more bacteria!

While we’re on the subject, do you know those electric hand-dryers? They’re just as bad as toilet paper. The dirty water that runs off people’s hands when they dry them actually drips to the bottom… and recirculates around the room once the driers are turned on again.

So even if you aren’t touching anything, all those icky germs are still floating in and around the machine. Sure, it’s better for the environment, but stick to paper towels if you want to practice better hygiene.

These new revelations might make you panic, but fear not! Just keep them in mind the next time you’re in a public bathroom. (Consider carrying some hand sanitizer, too!)


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