One thing that can get people talking in German bathrooms is the choice between a closed or an open toilet lid. While opinions are divided, hygiene experts do have a clear recommendation.
In addition to sufficient privacy, people want cleanliness above all when using the toilet. However, there is often disagreement about what to do once the toilet has been used: should the toilet lid be closed or left open?
In addition to aesthetics, proponents of a closed toilet lid cite hygienic reasons. But is this really the case?
Toilet water can spread bacteria and germs
In fact, the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) recommends always keeping the toilet lid closed – and not only that: before you flush, you should put the lid down to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs.
This is because when you flush, some of the toilet water turns into droplets. These can splash around the bathroom and settle on surfaces such as toothbrushes, towels or door handles.
Clean the toilet regularly
However, hands must always be used when opening and closing the toilet lid. Bacteria can also be transmitted in this way. The BZgA emphasizes the importance of washing your hands regularly to prevent infections, for example with gastrointestinal viruses or the coronavirus.
At the same time, it is important to clean your own toilet regularly in order to eliminate any possible build-up of germs. In public toilets, the toilet seat should be cleaned with disinfectant or a mixture of soap and water before use. After all, the person who used the toilet previously may not have closed the lid when flushing.
