This Morning’s resident GP, Dr Amir Khan has issued a stark warning to anyone who doesn’t flush their toilet ‘correctly’.
In a new post on Instagram, the docotor, who has regularly appeared on the ITV talk show, asked if his followers are closing their toilet lid before flushing.
He said everyone “definitely should”, otherwise expect a ‘5ft bloom of bacteria’ in your bathroom than can land on nearby surfaces – including your toothbrush.
Failing to close your toilet’s lid when flushing can send “millions of particles” into the air, he explained.
“This toilet plume can launch those particles five feet or more up and away from the toilet bowl,” he warned. These droplets linger in the air for several minutes.
He added that if you’re not feeling well and have been sick in the toilet, these “contagious particles” spread in the exact same way. He said: “It can spread to the walls, the floors … or even a nearby toothbrush.”
To avoid this grim encounter, people are advised to keep toothbrushes away from any toilets, if possible. Some claim that keeping them in a cabinet can grant a little peace of mind.
According to Bathroom City, a toilet’s flushing system is designed to push the contents of the bowl forcefully into the drainpipe through a downward motion.
However, the high pressure generated during the flush cycle also throws up a fine spray of microscopic particles in the air.
Studies show that putting the lid down won’t stop the spread fully, due to some particles being “so tiny”.
However, adding that extra barrier of protection will help reduce the spread and limit how far escaped particles can travel.
The best thing people can do to limit any toilet germs from spreading is to disinfect the bowl regularly and always remember to flush with that lid down.