Small numbers of faecal organisms, not removed by flushing, can persist in the toilet, particularly where there is a build-up of scale on the surface

Immediately after cleaning the toilet, clean and dry cloths and other cleaning utensils.

Closing the lid of the toilet bowl before flushing helps prevent germs from spreading to nearby surfaces.

The toilet is designed to remove faecal waste safely from our homes.

Other waterborne organisms can persist and grow in toilet water, e.g. under the toilet rim. These microbes are not normally harmful to health but some can cause unpleasant odours.

Using the toilet is one of the key moments for hygiene if someone has a gut infection, when potentially harmful organisms can spread to our hands and other surfaces.

If you have a gut infection, potentially harmful organisms can be spread to hands and other surfaces (lid, handle) whilst using the toilet.

Cleaning utensils used for the toilet should only be used in the toilet area.

To clean the toilet brush, place it in the toilet bowl, pour toilet cleaner over it and rinse during the flush after half an hour.

If someone has recently had a gut infection, clean and disinfect the toilet once or even twice daily to protect others.

Harmful microbes can survive in damp cloths etc and other microbes can grow that cause unpleasant odours.

You can save water by selecting the water saver option on a dual-flush toilet.