Article: When you enter the public bathroom, select a stall with a clean seat and bowl, if you can. If the toilet is spot-free and white, you can use it without adding the cover. Toilet seats are not a threat for germs or disease unless they are very dirty or in rough condition.  When you are in a bathroom with multiple stalls, feel free to look at a few and go with the cleanest one. You can base your decision on overall cleanliness and personal opinion. If the toilet seat is dirty, it’s a good idea to use a cover. Do this if you see any drops of liquid, dirt, or debris on the seat or around the toilet bowl. If you have a scratch or blemish on your bottom, it’s a good idea to use a toilet seat cover, as germs are more likely to spread through open wounds. In these cases, toilet seat covers work well as another layer of defense against bacteria. Items like sponges, cutting boards, and kitchen counters often have more germs than a toilet seat. In general, toilet seats are rather clean comparatively. Keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to use a toilet seat cover. Disposable toilet seat covers can be wasteful and harmful for the environment, so try to limit how often you use them.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Inspect the toilet to determine its overall condition. Cover the toilet seat if there is visible urine or debris. Opt for the toilet seat cover if you have any cuts or open wounds. Understand that other household items often have more germs.