Most of us prefer to be clean, and we take as many precautions as possible to protect ourselves from bacteria and germs in public places. One of the places we worry about the most are public restrooms.

Many of us lay down toilet paper or protective covers on the toilet seat when we use public restrooms. We think we’re doing this for our protection, but in reality, we’re putting ourselves at risk of some more serious consequences.

Not only does putting toilet paper on the seat not cleaner, it actually increases the risk of spreading germs and bacteria. Toilet seats are made of materials to stop bacteria and germs from spreading, and they are designed to prevent the spread of germs too.

Experts claim that toilet seats are not a vehicle for the transmission of any type of infectious agents. But there seems to be a gap between the people that know this and the people that market toilet seats.

So the big question is, if toilet seats don’t harbor germs, where are the bacteria and germs? Shockingly, they live in the toilet paper. Nearly everyone who uses the restroom fondles the toilet paper with their dirty hands.

Another thing you need to know is that germs fly out of the toilet after every single flush. When this airborne bacteria is flying around the restroom guess where it lands? You got it – the toilet paper!

So the next time you are in a public restroom, the best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands after using the toilet. Wet your hands and lather up with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Yikes! I’ll bet you didn’t know that! Be sure to share this with your family and friends.