Expert explains why you're flushing the toilet wrong - and the right way to do it

Many might not give a second thought to their actions while flushing, but closing the lid beforehand can help prevent the spread of germs throughout your bathroom

Bathrooms are a hotbed for nasty bacteria.

To maintain our health, we're advised to wash our hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water and regularly clean our bathrooms. However, there's one common practice in your bathroom that could be spreading germs unknowingly.

A woman sparked a debate about whether it's better to use your foot or hand to flush the toilet, realising she was among the few who opted to kick the flush button to avoid contact with germs.

Yet, another ongoing argument is whether to close the toilet lid or leave it open? Better Homes and Gardens has unearthed research suggesting that it's best to close the lid before flushing, regardless of how spotless you believe your toilet is.

Many might not give a second thought to their actions while flushing, but closing the lid beforehand can help prevent the spread of germs throughout your bathroom. As far back as the 1950s, scientists discovered that flushing the toilet generates 'bioaerosols', airborne collections of biological material.

Over time, these aerosols settle on nearby surfaces, spreading faecal organisms - so if your toothbrush is anywhere near your toilet, exercise extra caution. As Covid-19 heightened public concern about how viruses might spread through toilet flushing and contaminated surfaces, scientists are persistently investigating the potential risks of these bioaerosols.

Regardless, your toilet lid is there for a purpose - so you might as well utilise it properly.