‘Poo Plumes’ In Public Toilets Are All Too Real. Here’s How To Avoid Them.

Posted on 21/02/2026 by Boris Clair

Using a public toilet is rarely a joyous occasion. They’re filled with sights and smells that can strike fear in the hardest of hearts (and stomachs), and still, most of us have to venture into them at some point if we ever want to live a life outside of our homes.

So how can we make our time in a public bathroom better or safer or, at the very least, less gross?

That’s what we – that’s Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson, hosts of HuffPost’s Am I Doing It Wrong? podcast – asked microbiologist Jason Tetro, aka The Germ Guy, to school us on when he dropped by our studio.

“Every time I talk about toilet seats and toilets, I’m always saying, ‘Well, it’s not germy – everything is germier than a toilet seat,’” Tetro told us. “[I’m basing that on] studies that were done back in the 1970s and controlled laboratory environments that were mimicking the home… [but those toilets] also had a lid.”

That lid, which is absent from the vast majority of toilets in public restrooms, is key, he said, to containing what scientists call a “poo plume” – the droplets and aerosol particles that can spray up to six feet out of the toilet when we flush.

“As a result of [there not being a lid], there’s that plume that comes from the toilet that ends up on the seat, and no matter where you go, you’re always going to find that about 50% of the [public restroom] toilet seats at any given time are going to have some kind of poo germs on them in the range of
hundreds [of particles],” he said.

Those poo particles can contain E. coli, salmonella, or even norovirus, all of which, if present in high enough concentrations, can make us sick – but not from sitting on the toilet seat.

“We do see potentially some low level of all sorts of different types of bacteria and viruses that could potentially cause an infection, but the reality is, unless you have a cut, then there’s really no opportunity for that to get into your skin to cause a problem,” Tetro, the author of The Germ Files and The Germ Code, explained.

However, droplets in the air are a different matter altogether. That’s why he says flushing the toilet is the first thing he does before using it to “get a fresh” bowl and he never stays in the stall after flushing.

“Make sure that you kind of get out of the stall for 30 seconds to let whatever was aerosol or the droplets to fall and then you can go back in,” he said, noting that he actually does this himself before he uses a toilet in a public restroom.

“So here’s the problem: if it’s norovirus or some of the more really troublesome bacteria like E.coli 0157:H7, then you may actually end up getting exposed to a high enough level that it could potentially cause infection,” he warned.

That’s because the droplets from the plume could land in your mouth or nose – which is even more of a danger if you’re standing in close proximity to a public restroom toilet that features an extremely powerful flusher.

“So if you’re gonna go for the clean or for the fresh bowl, make sure that your face is nowhere near that plume,” he added.

Once you’ve finished your business, don’t stick around in the stall after you’ve flushed either – unless you want to be showered by a plume of your own poo particles.

We also chatted with Tetro about the germiest part of a public restroom (spoiler: it’s not the toilet seat), what to do if there’s no soap in the bathroom, and much more.

Listen to the full episode above or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more from Jason Tetro, visit his website here.

Need some help with something you’ve been doing wrong? Email us at AmIDoingItWrong@HuffPost.com, and we might investigate the topic in an upcoming episode.

‘My Boys, 8 And 11, Still Bath Together – My Friends Think It’s Inappropriate’

Posted on 13/08/2025 by Boris Clair

A parent has asked if they should be enforcing separate bath times now their sons are eight and 11 years old – and it’s proven to be a divisive topic.

Writing on Mumsnet’s Am I Being Unreasonable forum, the parent said their sons “adore each other and are pretty much inseparable, which also includes bath time”.

“I have never had a problem with them bathing together as that’s what they choose to do, but some of my friends who have children of a similar age have started making comments that it isn’t appropriate,” they said.

In particular, the parent’s friends have taken issue with the eldest son sharing a bath because he is approaching the age of puberty (the average age for girls to start puberty is 11, while for boys it’s 12).

The parent pointed out that they’re not making their children share a bath – they simply like bathing together. “I give them [the] option to bathe alone if that’s what they’d prefer, but they don’t want to,” they added, before asking if they should be enforcing separate baths.

Some commenters were of the opinion that their comes a certain age – usually when kids start secondary school or hit puberty – where it might be wise to start implementing privacy around bathing.

“I think this is [a] time where as their parent you start encouraging them to bathe alone. I do think it’s too old now and your eldest needs to start having some privacy,” said one respondent.

Another said: “I’d be enforcing separate bath times. I’d do it in a gentle way rather than make them feel they were wrong for it but they do need to know that bathing together isn’t appropriate.”

But there were also many commenters who didn’t see any issue. “Personally I think as long as they are happy, it is fine,” said one respondent.

“In the UK we are quite conservative about nudity, which influences people’s views. It would seem odd if you prevented then having a bath together when they are used to it. I imagine your eldest will decide to stop soon enough without your interference.”

Another said: “I imagine your elder son will decide soon enough that he doesn’t want to share anymore. I think if the boys are both happy with it then it’s fine.”

Is there an age when siblings should stop bathing together?

First up, consider safety

There is no strict clinical or legal age when children should start bathing independently, Dr Patapia Tzotzoli, clinical psychologist and founder of My Triage Network, told HuffPost UK.

“Readiness depends more on maturity, motor skills, and safety awareness than age, and parents should adjust for each child’s needs,” she explained.

In the UK, safety guidance states children under the age of five must never be left alone in the bath. Yet “between about five and eight years, parents need to stay nearby for supervision”, warned Dr Tzotzoli.

You can be gradually handing over tasks, such as teaching them how to properly wash themselves and wash their hair, during this time.

“The goal is to build autonomy and competence over time. Parents can start by framing bath time as their private time, important for relaxation and self-care. They should talk about privacy and use correct anatomical terms when discussing private parts with their children,” said Dr Tzotzoli.

“By around 8-10 years, many children can manage the full routine independently with an adult nearby and periodically checking on them,” the psychologist said.

A survey found the average age that adults believed a child could bathe alone was 7.5 years old.

Former sex education teacher Kathleen Hema suggests parents can start offering separate baths once safety isn’t a concern. “This age can be different for each child and when parents feel there is no safety risk,” she explained.

See how your kids feel about it

Once they’ve reached an age where safety is less of an issue, it’s worth telling your children they can bathe separately if they want – perhaps to gauge how they would feel about it, and whether they would want to.

“There’s nothing inherently wrong with siblings bathing together. Nor is there anything wrong with siblings bathing separately,” Hema told HuffPost UK.

“If the kids aren’t respecting each other during bath time (not respecting boundaries), then there is a reason to end it. Or if one kid says they want to bathe separately, then there is a reason to end it.”

It’s important to set boundaries from a young age around not touching other people’s genitals – including siblings.

“Ensuring safety and comfort for all siblings is the parent’s job,” Hema continued. “Parents can check in with their kids by reminding them they can shower separately whenever they want.

“They can also discuss privacy and what that means to them and let their kids know that they can request privacy at any time.”

Erica Miller, clinical psychologist and director at Connected Minds NYC, previously told Scary Mommy in her experience, children “begin to express more of a desire for privacy around 10 years old”.

Although she noted “this may come earlier for girls than boys who often begin puberty earlier”.

Ultimately, the time when siblings might no longer want to have a bath together can depend on a range of things – a child’s comfort levels, maturation, desire for more privacy, or simply wanting more space (it can be a tight squeeze in the tub as kids get bigger!).

If a child decides they no longer want to bathe with siblings, the important thing for us to do as parents is respect that wish.

The Cute Reason Dogs Love Digging In The Bin (And How To Stop It)

Posted on 31/07/2025 by Boris Clair

There is nothing worse than coming home from a busy work day, putting down your bag, and walking into the kitchen to see the contents of the bin are quite simply… all over the place.

Then your pooch looks at you with those sweet eyes and their tail wagging and you just cannot stay mad at them, even if their favourite hobby is nothing short of disgusting.

Why do they do it, though? Especially if there isn’t actually any food in there? Is it for the love of the game?

Well, kind of.

Why dogs love to dig in the trash

“Never forget that dogs are descended from grey wolves,” said BBC Science Focus Magazine.

They may feel like our furry babies but in reality, these domesticated pups still have a little wildness in their bones.

The experts added: “Our pampered pets have inherited the wolves’ keen sense of smell and scavenging tendencies, making ‘playing’ with rubbish a favourite pastime for some.

“Wild wolves also roll in strong-smelling substances, such as faeces, to mask their scent when they’re hunting.”

This will also sound familiar for dog owners who find themselves regularly scrubbing fox poo off their dog’s paws (and coat). Lovely.

How to stop dogs from rummaging through bins

The pet experts over at Pets4Homes advise:

Keep your dog out of rooms containing bins unless supervised, using doors or baby gates as barriers.
Use bins with secure, childproof lids that cannot be easily knocked off by your dog.
Anchor outdoor wheelie bins to walls or fences and add catches to prevent your dog from tipping them over (remember to release catches on bin collection day to avoid issues).
If your dog tends to go after other people’s bins during walks, consider using a well-fitting muzzle and keep them on a lead when near bins.

Good luck!

Here’s How Often You’re Actually Meant To Replace Your Toothbrush, And Oh Dear

Posted on 27/01/2025 by Boris Clair

I only recently realised that you’re not actually meant to “scrub” your teeth with an electric toothbrush ― instead, we’re meant to glide the head gently over each tooth, neither moving it up or down nor side to side.

This comes after I learned you’re meant to floss your teeth far deeper than first thought and that the floss picks I’ve relied on for so long are nowhere near as good as the string kinds.

I’ve even messed up using mouthwash.

All of which is to say it’s not so surprising that I’ve just discovered how often you’re meant to change your toothbrush or toothbrush head.

What do the experts say?

You should get a new toothbrush every three to four months, according to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Health information site Healthline agrees, adding that electric toothbrush heads might need to be changed as often as every 12 weeks ― especially if you apply a lot of pressure to your toothbrush.

By that stage, they say, the bristles may have started to warp, mesh or mat.

That’s an issue because, according to toothbrush manufacturer Philips, “brush head bristles are designed to reach between your teeth, and pressing too hard actually mashes them, rendering them incapable of doing their intended job”.

A 2012 study found that bristle flaring ― that spread-out look your brush gets after a while, especially if you brush hard ― results in less effective brushing, leaving way more bacteria and plaque behind than a fresh brush would.

No matter how long it’s been since you last changed your toothbrush or brush head, the NHS recommends changing it as soon as you notice any wear.

Should I change my toothbrush after being sick?

Healthline says that ideally, yes ― especially if you’ve had a disease like strep throat or viral infections that affect your throat and mouth.

But they add that trying to “sanitise” your brush, for example by dipping it in mouthwash or very hot water, can actually spreads more germs than it kills off.

For everyday use, simply running tap water over your brush when it’s done is the best method, they add.

Well, at least I’ve got one single dental hygiene rule right…

The Simple Reason Why You’ve Been Storing Your Cheese Wrong

Posted on 04/07/2024 by Boris Clair

Have you found that no matter how well you seal plastic food bags, cheese always tends to go off inside of them very quickly?

Yes, me too. I find myself reaching for the cheese a couple of days later, only to see that it’s suddenly inedible.

Well, it’s not because we haven’t sealed them effectively, according to one medical expert. It’s much more simple than that and in part comes down to the types of cheese we’re having.

Dr Karan Rajan explained in a recent TikTok video that if you’ve been wrapping your cheese in food bags, you’ve been setting yourself up for failure.

How to properly store cheese

So if, like me, you thought that most foods could be refrigerated in the same way, this will be a cold awakening. (Sorry.)

Dr Rajan explained: “Once you finish gobbling your cheese like a hungry little rat, try and avoid putting your cheese in a plastic bag. Especially softer cheeses which have a higher water content.”

These include Havati, Mozzarella, and Gouda.

He said: “This is because moisture can get trapped in the plastic bag and cover the cheese surface. This provides a breeding ground for bacteria and mould — and not the tasty kind.”

Instead, Dr Rajan recommends using cheese paper, which actually is a thing, yes. Alternatively, parchment paper is a good choice, too.

If you are still keen to use plastic bags, Dr Rajan recommends first wrapping the cheese in wax, parchment or cheese paper before placing it inside of the bag.

Fortunately, harder cheeses like Parmigiano can withstand plastic bags no problem.

He did also point out that you could just eat the food very quickly, ‘for science, of course’ and to reduce food waste.

Of course.

The Nasty Truth About ‘Poo Plumes’ — And How To Protect Yourself From Them

Posted on 03/05/2024 by Boris Clair

A wise philosopher once noted, “everybody poops,” and if you live in the United States and many other parts of the world, you’re probably using a toilet when you do.

So just how germy are they? And what can we do to keep our toilets, our bathrooms, and ourselves as faecal-matter-free as possible?

That’s what we — Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson, hosts of HuffPost’s “Am I Doing It Wrong?” podcast — asked microbiologist Jason Tetro, aka “The Germ Guy,” when he recently chatted with us about the grossest parts of our bathrooms and how to vanquish the bad germs that might be thriving in them.

Listen to the full episode by pressing play:

“There are trillions and trillions and trillions of microbes that are essentially part of you,” Tetro, the author of “The Germ Files” and “The Germ Code,” told us. “The majority of them happen to be in your gastrointestinal system … As you might expect then, the majority of germs that we’re going to encounter in any household happen to be in the toilet.”

Many of those microbes are harmless, but some can make us sick. Even though our toilets do a great job of capturing and eliminating our waste, rogue “poo particles” (a decidedly non-scientific term Michelson used) can still escape the bowl — especially if we don’t shut the lid when we flush.

“This first started [to be studied in 1976], and the whole idea was, is there something that’s coming out of the toilet when you flush it if you don’t keep the lid down?” Tetro said. “[Back then we called it] a ‘plume.’ So it’s not ‘poo particles,’ it’s a plume of droplets in the air.”

Scientists placed petri dishes around a toilet, flushed it multiple times, and looked to see if anything sprouted.

“Sure enough, within six feet of that toilet, you had microbes that were growing because that’s the droplets’ span,” Tetro said.

“Let’s jump to today, because we now have had the ‘Austin Powers’ movies, and as a result of that, what are we going to use to be able to identify poo droplets? A freakin’ laser,” he said laughing.

After using lasers to map toilet plumes, scientists confirmed that they can launch as high as six feet in the air and the spray can land as far as six feet from the bowl.

“Within six feet of your toilet is usually your toothbrush,” Tetro noted. “When you think of it from that perspective, then you start to begin to realise that if you’re not closing the lid, then what ends up happening is that plume of droplets that contains your poo particles are getting onto things that are going to be touching your face and going inside of your mouth.”

That’s bad news because, as Tetro explained, “those fecal microbes can potentially cause infection and other problems.”

Though a partial plume could still escape from the sides of the seat even with the lid down, Tetro assured us most of the spray would be contained.

“If you keep the lid closed and you do end up with a little bit of a plume coming out of the sides, it’s just essentially gonna drop,” he said. ”[Just] make sure that you’re cleaning the floor around your toilet.”

What about cleaning the toilet itself?

“If you were to be able to swab a [toilet bowl] and then run that on a petri dish, you’re probably going to get a bunch of bacteria, but most of those are going to be environmental because it’s from the water,” Tetro said. “The reason for that is because toilets do what they’re supposed to do, which is to remove whatever is in the bowl — other than the plume — and take it down into the drain. So, in that sense, you really don’t need to worry too too much about contamination and growth and all that stuff.”

What we do need to worry about are biofilms, which are caused by bacteria in the water and often form as rings in our toilet bowls (and other places like our bathtubs and shower heads).

“They become very sticky and that’s where the poo bacteria can essentially start to accumulate,” Tetro said. “So what you want to do is try and prevent any of these biofilms from forming. It takes about three days to start creating a biofilm that isn’t visible, but could start being sticky. So if you really wanna be clean about it, then you want to be cleaning about every three days.”

However, Tetro said that it takes about seven days before “any of that stickiness could lead to poo sticking around,” so he advised cleaning our toilets once a week.

“The only time that I would say that you would want to do it more than that is if someone does have a gastrointestinal infection,” he added. “We’ve seen Salmonella survive in a toilet bowl up to seven weeks… [so] if you have any GI issues, then you really should be cleaning up later on that same day.”

We also chatted about the parts of our bathrooms with the most germs (they probably aren’t the spots you’d guess), how often we should be washing our towels (and the gross reason they start to smell), and much more.

So listen to the full episode above or wherever you get your podcasts.

Make sure to subscribe to “Am I Doing It Wrong?” so you don’t miss a single episode, including our investigations of the ins and outs of tipping, how to apologise or vanquish your credit card debt, how to find love online or overcome anxiety, tips for online shopping, taking care of your teeth and pooping like a pro, secrets to booking and staying in a hotel, how to deal with an angry person, cooking tips from celebrity chef Jet Tila, shocking laundry secrets, the tips and tricks for cleaner dishes, getting your best workout and more.

For more from Jason Tetro, visit his website here.

Need some help with something you’ve been doing wrong? Email us at AmIDoingItWrong@HuffPost.com, and we might investigate the topic in an upcoming episode.

Keep Your Makeup In A Makeup Bag? We’ve Got Grim News For You

Posted on 21/02/2024 by Boris Clair

We are in our rot era. We’re letting ourselves be a little more slobby, a little more gross, a little less refined because you know what? Life’s too short. So who cares if our lipstick is a bit old or if we can’t remember the last time we cleaned our makeup brushes?

Well, it turns out our bodies might.

While we’re leaning into being a little less refined, we could be putting our health at risk, according to Saffron Hughes, the makeup artist at FalseEyelashes.co.uk.

While we may think of makeup as something that we do for fun or quickly put on before going out, it’s actually always interacting with our skin and this means that if we don’t take good care with it, we could be encouraging anything from blemishes to E. coli.

The makeup hygiene mistakes we have all unknowingly been making

Storing our makeup in makeup bags long-term

I know, I know, what are they for, then?

Well, Hughes said: “Dead skin cells and bacteria from your brushes are transferred to your makeup bag after every application. Shockingly, researchers have found that 90% of makeup bags are contaminated with superbugs, such as E.coli, due to improper cleaning.”

Screaming.

Instead of keeping your makeup in a bag, when you’re home, keep it in drawers or on a dressing table as the more robust materials used to build these are easier to clean than a fabric makeup bag.

Don’t have to tell me twice.

Leaving lids open inside the makeup bag

This isn’t likely to be something you’re doing intentionally but it’s always worth a second check that you’ve definitely put the lid back on properly after using your favourite mascara or lippie.

Hughes said: “Accidentally leaving makeup product lids open is a silent invitation to bacterial growth. So, when you use a makeup product, double-check that the lid is tightly shut to prevent moist air from entering the product and creating the perfect humid conditions for bacterial growth.”

Hughes added that wet conditions, such as bathrooms, are bad places to store makeup, for the same reason.

Not cleaning your actual makeup products

Um. I’ll be real with you. I didn’t know this was a thing.

Hughes said: “Whilst everyone knows the importance of regularly cleaning their makeup brushes, dust, dead skin cells, and product build-up can accumulate on your beauty products themselves.”

“The same study previously mentioned found that E.coli, fungus, and staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as a staph infection can be found on beauty products – all of which can cause skin infections.”

Never cleaning where you store your makeup

Hughes said, “As well as cleaning your makeup products, you should clean where you store them otherwise you’ll be placing clean products into a potentially germ-infested area.”

She added that once you have cleaned, ensure that the drawers or surfaces are fully dry as, “the moist air can enter your makeup products and produce the perfect humid conditions for bacterial growth.”

Not cleaning your beauty blender after every use

Over the past few years on TikTok, people have been cutting open their beauty blenders and sponges just to find that mould was thriving inside of them.

Speaking on this cursed phenomena, Hughes said: “This happens for a number of reasons; firstly, the porous structure of beauty blenders and makeup sponges allows them to absorb dirt, oils, and leftover makeup residue, creating an environment where mould is likely to grow if the beauty blender isn’t regularly or adequately cleaned.”

The makeup artist went on to warn that when mould combines with dirt and grime, it clogs pores which can, “bring on an array of other skin problems, including breakouts, skin irritations, redness, and more.”

She advises that sponges and blenders should be cleaned thoroughly using a mild soap or specialist cleanser made for blenders after each use.

Disregarding expiration dates of makeup products

Hughes warned: “The first thing you should always do before opening any new beauty product is check the label. On the label, you will find a small jar symbol with a number followed by the letter M inside.

“The number followed by the letter M determines how long the product will work best and how long it should be used once opened and exposed to air.

“After this timeframe, the products will decline in quality and can become a breeding ground for bacteria. So if it’s a product that you’re less likely to finish using during the timeframe, make a note of when you opened it to avoid disappointment.”

She added that after this timeline, the products will decline in quality and become a breeding ground for bacteria. So, if it’s a product you’re unlikely to finish in the timeframe, make a note of when you opened it to avoid disappointment.

Ignoring changes in textures or smells of products

Hughes said, “One way of determining if your product has expired is by the smell. If the product now has a new distinctive odour that it didn’t have before, then it’s time for it to go.

“Another way you can determine if your product has expired is if the texture has changed. If your liquid products have thickened or become clumpy, then they need to be disposed of. Cosmetics also begin to separate, and this becomes very visible.”

She added that the colour of a product can be a tell-tale sign of expiration. This is because cosmetics oxidise when exposed to air. The longer they are sat for, the more likely they are to oxidise.

If you’ve noticed you are looking a bit more orange than usual, your makeup may be out of date!

The Most Hygienic Way To Pee On A Plane

Posted on 10/01/2024 by Boris Clair

With a new year, many people are making plans for their holidays in 2024 and it’s safe to say we’re excited to hop on a plane.

Still, the idea of spending hours in a metal tube with dozens ― if not hundreds ― of strangers understandably might not feel super-appealing. Being forced to share a small number of tiny bathrooms with them is even less so.

Thankfully, there are ways to minimise the spread of germs in the lavatory. Below, health and travel experts break down the most hygienic way to use the bathroom on a plane.

Disinfect surfaces.

“As an infection prevention specialist and someone who travels a lot, I have a routine when I fly,” said Michelle Barron, the senior medical director of infection prevention and control at UCHealth in Colorado. “When I sit down in my seat, I use a disinfecting wipe to wipe down the armrests, tray table and anything else that someone may have touched. Then I use hand sanitizer to clean my hands. The same routine works for a bathroom.”

Barron advised using disinfectant wipes on any lavatory door handles, lids and sinks before touching them.

Philip M. Tierno, a professor of microbiology and pathology at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, noted that although skin is a natural barrier to germs, he suggests traveling with a small tube of disinfecting spray for areas like the airplane bathroom.

“I would use Lysol spray on the seat before sitting on it,” Tierno said, then wait about a minute and wipe it off with a paper towel or face tissue. “The friction caused by the rubbing process as you wipe helps remove most debris there as well as many germs.”

Touch as little as possible.

Make sure you have a barrier between your bare hands and any surfaces you have to touch.

“The restroom likely holds a higher number of germs, and it is used by more people,” Barron said. “So it is important to limit contact with surfaces and use a disposable item like a paper towel to touch any door handles, toilet lids or handles, sinks, etc.”

Jagdish Khubchandani, a professor of public health at New Mexico State University, advised putting tissues on the toilet seat or paper seat covers if they’re available. Dispose of them when you’re finished.

“This helps maintain hygiene and saves others who follow a lot of hassle,” Khubchandani said. “Open the door with the tissue paper or wipes when exiting the lavatory. Put these tissue papers in trash.”

Consider not using the toilet paper to wipe.

“My biggest airplane bathroom hack is using the airplane tissues instead of the toilet paper,” said Brenda Orelus, a flight attendant and founder of Krew Konnect.

Earlier this year, Orelus posted this bathroom hack in an Instagram reel in which she explained that toilet paper is generally more exposed to liquids because it is usually located at a lower level.

“The tissue paper is typically located at eye level on commercial aircrafts,” Orelus told HuffPost. “Significantly increasing the likelihood that any liquid splashed on it is in fact just water.”

Close the lid before flushing.

We know that infectious microbes can spread through “toilet plumes” ― the dispersal of particles caused by flushing a toilet. These toilet aerosols can be vectors for diseases, including COVID-19.

There’s a simple way to help combat this.

“You can close the toilet’s lid before flushing to avoid spreading germs into the air during the flush cycle,” Barron said.

Practicing good health hygiene on a plane will also keep your bathroom trips as clean as possible.

Wear shoes.

“On long duration flights, I have noticed people ― often, kids ― walk barefoot towards or into the bathroom,” Khubchandani said. “This is a very unhygienic tendency with potential for infection if someone has skin cuts and injuries on their foot. Also, you stay with the germs on your skin from the restroom for the entire flight unless you wash feet, which doesn’t happen much.”

He also suggested rolling your hems at the bottom if you’re wearing sweatpants or other long, loose garments to avoid droplets of urine, bits of tissue or other waste from getting on your clothes.

“Everything from the waist down is in an area where turbulence can lead to poor aim,” Orelus noted. “So no, it’s unlikely the liquid on the floor is water.”

Sanitise your hands.

Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water is an important way to prevent the spread of germs. However, studies have suggested airplane lavatory water can be quite poor in quality.

“The reservoir of water in the bathroom tank can be grossly contaminated,” Tierno said. “As such, I would use 62% alcoholic gel to sanitize your hands rather than using the bathroom sink water.”

Avoid touching your face or mouth in the bathroom before cleaning your hands. The same goes for other steps of your travel journey.

“I’d also recommend keeping hand sanitiser nearby to use before and after eating or touching your face,” Tierno said.

Clean up after yourself.

“While going to the restroom, be considerate about others who may follow,” Khubchandani said. “We often don’t think about this or assume someone else will clean. This is disrespectful to other passengers and flight attendants if they have to clean up for us. So, flush as you go, dispose of trash in cans designated for waste, wipe the sink area and clean the toilet bowl if pieces of tissue or urine are spread around.”

He also advised using a different lavatory and notifying the flight attendant if you enter a bathroom and find previous passengers have left an overwhelming mess.

6 Unexpected Signs Your Pub Pint Glass Is Actually Filthy

Posted on 19/12/2023 by Boris Clair

’Tis the seasons for good food, great company, and yes, a trip to the pub. But as John Cutts, a glass expert at MeandMyGlass.co.uk, says, “it’s easy to get carried away with the celebrations without realising the pint glass you’re drinking from hasn’t been cleaned properly.”

Signs of dirt and oil aren’t always immediately visible when you get a glass, Cutts shared. Instead, telltale bubble and foam patterns might be a better way to give the grime away.

In fact, “A filthy beer glass can be easily identified if bubbles start to cling to the side and if the foam leaves an unusual pattern after taking a sip,” Cutts says.

So, we thought we’d share some of his tips:

1) Bubbles might cling to the side of your glass

This can be a sign of soap residue or grime, Cutts says. The bubbles cling onto the residue on the inside of the glass, causing them to gather on the side of your pint.

2) Look at the foam pattern on the glass

This is known as the “lacing test,” Cutts shared. “Once the glass has been filled and you’ve taken your first sip, take note of the pattern that forms. The lacing that the head will form should be even around the side and create rings as you continue to drink. Any unusual patterns indicate a dirty glass,” he shared.

3) A flattened head that goes away quickly

Nobody likes an overly foamy head ― but “if the head instantly flattens after being poured, it’s a sign that you’ve received a dirty glass,” Cutts says.

4) Check for particles at the bottom of your glass

Okay, it sounds obvious, but Cutts says that if you’re not sure about the state of your glass, checking the bottom of the pint for residue could be illuminating.

“Before taking a sip, lift the glass so you have a full view of any particles floating at the bottom,” he advises.

5) A discoloured rim

Discolouration around the rim of your glass could mean it’s still for some oil lingering on it, Cutts warns (delicious). “Visible marks like fingermarks and lipstick stains are also signs to be wary of,” he warns.

6) It’s all in the taste

Lastly, the final test is how your drink tastes. “If any of the obvious signs aren’t showing, the final and most prominent way to test a dirty glass is the taste of the beer itself. Make sure to have a small first sip to begin with so you’re not washing down a dirty pint,” Cutts warns.

Ah, the joys of socialising…

The 1 Sign You Should Check Your Home For Mould Immediately

Posted on 21/11/2023 by Boris Clair

According to housing charity Shelter, over a quarter of renters experience dampness and mould in their homes.

While these can be unsightly, difficult problems to address in the home, they can be incredibly damaging to your health, particularly over an extended period of time.

And according to Healthline, one of the signs of mould in the home that could sneak up on you is a consistently runny nose and congestion as well as irritated eyes.

If you find over time that these symptoms aren’t clearing up and worsen over time, it’s time to fully inspect your home for mould and dampness.

Signs of mould in the home

If you have been worried about the potential of mould in the home, now is the perfect time to address it as according to the BBC, it’s more likely to occur during colder months.

The signs of mould in the home include fuzzy black, white or green patches on the walls, and a damp and musty smell.

According to the UK Government, “Damp and mould primarily affect the airways and lungs, but they can also affect the eyes and skin. The respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death.”

How to clear mould in the home

If you rent your home, your landlord has a legal duty to address damp and mould issues and to check six weeks after action that the problems have stayed away. However, according to Ronseal, there are some things you can do to address the issues:

Fill a bucket with water and a mild detergent like washing up liquid. Or use a dedicated mould remover to make quick work of it
Dip a cloth in water and wipe the mould off the wall. Don’t brush it as this can release mould spores
Once you’ve removed the mould, use a dry rag to remove the rest of the moisture
Throw away the cloth and vacuum the room to make sure you’ve removed all of the spores

The sealant experts add, “If you have mould on soft furnishings like clothing or soft toys, they should be shampooed or professionally dry cleaned.”

Shelter has a wealth of advice and resources for renters facing damp and mould problems on their website.