If you’ve been in a spat with a partner, family member, or roommate regarding the toilet seat, you’re not alone.
This has been a longstanding debate and point of contention, leaving people arguing about the correct approach to bathroom etiquette.
Typically, men are taught to lift the seat up when using bathrooms, given that it’s easier for them to use the loo standing up. This is one way or preventing fall out or germs and bacteria on the toilet seat, which is where people sit while answering nature’s call.
It’s become somewhat of a cultural reference or joke, being addressed by various experts and curious minds as one of those things people argue over. But it’s worth wondering what the proper etiquette is on the matter.
It’s more sanitary to leave the seat down
Simply put, the visual and functional benefits of leaving the toilet seat down prevents a lot of awkward and unsightly views as well as keeps urine stains and bacteria in control. Spills and accidents happen; aiming can be hard; health conditions like urinary incontinence or having a lot of people in the same space can lead to gaps in cleaning.
It’s just an act of being considerate about others’ comfort and right to use the bathroom at the end of the day, which is why it’s best to keep the seat down.
There’s no alternative to touching the seat any way
If you’re worried about having to touch the seat to 1) lift it 2) put it back down, in either scenario, you’re going to be touching it.
Before you urinate and lift it up, or before you sit on it and put it down, you will have some contact. It’s not less or more ‘gross’ this way—and you should wash your hands after a trip to the toilet anyway!
If you’re that concerned about having to touch the seat once you’re done with business, use a square of toilet paper to do it.
It’s safer to have the seat—and sometimes lid—down
Each time you flush the toilet, you release fecal matter, bacteria, and germs into the air, as well as vapor from the waste.
These germs fly onto the rim, seat, and any other objects, including toothbrushes and other surfaces. It’s important to put the lid down when you flush, or the seat at the very least, to prevent bacteria from spreading more.
Toilet seats also work to make sitting safer and easier. If you have kids or pets in the house, having the seat up could be dangerous for them because they can fall in easier without knowing better. Adults can also fall in and get stuck or injured if they’re sleepy or rushing to the bathroom and don’t notice the seat is up!
The conclusion? Keep your toilet seat down, whether you’re using a public restroom or you’re at home.
It’s a good practice to have and to pass on to other men in your life.
Make things even easier and go the extra mile; order toilet waste sheets from our website. Designed to clean and maintain the hygiene of your toilet bowl, these are perfect for shared bathrooms such as at home or work.
The toilet waste sheets breaks down in your toilet and works to dissolve the fecal matter too. They can help make toilet hygiene use, and cleaning routines easier and simpler for everyone involved!