Touching public toilets

[Chesterfieldsofa]

Not something that I particularly want to do. I have no problem using them, quite happy to plonk my lardy arse down on the seat, but I've just been to Birch Services on M62 and discovered a new 'hygenic' toilet that has to have the lid closed when flushed to 'stop germs' and so you have to open the lid to use.

I'd rather not tbh. I just want to wee and go, although to be fair it made me give my hands and extra good wash.

AIBU to want the loo to stay 'hands free'?

Does the lid actually seal the loo completely airtight during flushing?
Because my professor of bacteriology at medical school many years ago said that lids on loos made the problem worse. The aerosol plume of bacteria was now pressurised by being selectively squirted out through a narrow gap, and sprayed further round the cubicle than if the lid was left open. He said there were studies that demonstrated it.
And I agree with the PP who said nobody would bother re-lifting the lid to check all evidence had flushed away. So you will often arrive in a cubicle to find floating turds that may have been brewing and stinking for hours, depending on how often the cleaners go in. Nice.

AIBU to want the loo to stay 'hands free'?

Not at all. Want away!

I want world peace but I doubt I'll get it

I agree, I have better things to do than faff about with a bloody toilet seat

First reply in and it’s the good old ‘race to the bottom’ post.

Personally I suspect that it's a little-studied cause of STI infection
Personally I suspect you don’t understand how dangerous complete nonsense statements like that are. It’s the biggest load of bullshit I’ve ever heard but some people will believe you.

If you could catch stis from toilet seats then you would see them, in small numbers, in ALL people who use toilets...so you know, toddlers, celibate people.

Personally I suspect that it's a little-studied cause of STI infection. Consequently I try to avoid using public loos.

Constantinople, that is one of the most bonkers statements I've ever read. The clue is in the name - sexually transmitted. Not toilet transmitted.

Ive never understood the hysteria over toilet seats. I mean how often do you hear about someone getting a bum cheek infection?

I hate it when you get in and realise the lid is down...and have to lift is to discover what unholy horror is lurking below

and more importantly you know YOU are going to get the blame for it when someone see you exiting the Cubical of Stench with the Bowl of Much Blockage.

I always make an announcement if the lid is down! "Oh no...THE LID IS DOWN....." so no one thinks it was me.

Does the lid actually seal the loo completely airtight during flushing?

I don't know - it sounded a bit 'aircraft loo' when it flushed.

I've never understood the hysteria over toilet seats. I mean how often do you hear about someone getting a bum cheek infection?

I've ever been bothered about my backside either - I'd just rather not have to lift lids if someone has pissed/pooped down the front of the seat and/or bowl and you can't see it until your hand is in it.

Too much over stressing over germs. It was a never a 'thing' years ago.

Meh it’s a few germs. It won’t kill you.

Just wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

I understand these type of loo are “greener” as they use less water to flush so should be more widespread IMO

I have come across door sanitizer a few times. They are fixed above the door handle and blast the handle with sanitizer every time it's used. Great for restaurant toilets.

Awful lot of germ paranoia on here. There are germs everywhere and all the time. Just wash your hands and get on with your day.

Ah, Fluffphlox, my mistake, people don't die from e coli then?

Well yes they do but I think that’s usually from food. I think normal hygiene routines are enough. Not all this ‘flush with your foot’ malarkey.

Did you read that report the other day about the trays used for putting your stuff through security at airports? Apparently they were filthier than all the loo surfaces in airports, and covered in viruses etc. Also shopping trolley handles are generally mucky, often with e coli on them. Just saying that loos aren't necessarily the worst culprits, although, I too don't like touching any surface in a public loo particularly. If I have a long sleeved top on I always pull it down over my hand as protection, and try and open doors with my elbows. God, I must look like some obsessive.

Don't know about the hygiene/aerosol aspect but the information from the company is here: www.propelair.com/save/?id=2 if others want to assess it.

I had to have my right cheek removed after a nasty infection caught from touching a toilet seat, hence my user name.

It's a good job that you only sat on it - you could've lost a hand!

I refuse to use public toilets. People don't wash their hands so germs get spread all over the place. Plus I've been in to many ladies toilets where there is used sanitary products/blood and poo all over the floor and walls.

Do you go all day at work without using the loo, Fire&Flames? Egads. Bladder of steel.

Fluffiphlox this is what the BHS page says: E. colican spread when an infected person doesn’t wash their hands after having a bowel movement. The bacteria are then spread when that person touches someone or something else, like food. Nursing homes, schools, and child care facilities are particularly vulnerable to person-to-person spreading.

British Horse Society or British Home Stores?

Thanks. I’ll bear it mind. I’ve got to nearly 61 with just the regular precautions. (Handwashing and some occasional hand gel stuff when I’ve been on the Tube).

‘Bear it in mind’ even.