Is It Safe To Sit On The Lid Of A Toilet Seat?

You may have heard rumors that sitting on the lid of a toilet safe is unsafe, whether public or private. Some people prefer to hover over the lid, fearing the risks of putting their weight on the seat itself. But is it unsafe to sit on the lid of a toilet seat, or is that just a rumor?

For the most part, you should be fine if you sit on a toilet seat lid. They may be dirty, but that’s not as much of a concern as the toilet lid not being designed to support significant weight. Sitting should be fine, but don’t stand on it or stack heavy things on it or the lid could break.

And while not sitting on the seat may be inconvenient, it can save you some trouble in the future. So let’s take a closer look at sitting on the lid of a toilet seat, as well as the risks and the different kinds of seats. 

Should You Sit on the Lid of a Toilet Seat?

Shocked young woman looking at control line on pregnancy test while sitting on toilet

If you can avoid it, it’s best to avoid sitting on the lid of a toilet seat—especially in a public toilet, where many people you don’t know have used it. Instead, stand or hover to ensure no contact with the seat.

Even in your private bathroom, it’s still best to avoid sitting on the seat due to the damage it can cause—but if you’re the only person who uses your toilet or cleans it frequently, the risk is significantly lessened.

Regardless, don’t panic if you’ve been sitting on the toilet seat, as it’s unlikely to cause immediate issues.

Types of Toilet Seat Lids

Different toilet seat lids will take different levels of damage from use. Here are the main ones to consider.

Plastic

Plastic toilet seats (on Amazon) are the cheapest and easiest to clean but prone to the most damage. If you get a plastic toilet seat, try to avoid sitting on it for prolonged periods, as it may suffer more wear and tear than other materials.

Porcelain

Porcelain tends to be heavier and might provide a more sturdy seat if you’re looking for something that will last a long time. In addition, it has to be replaced less often than plastic, so while it may be more expensive in terms of upfront cost, the finances will even themselves out over time.

Wood

Wood is a slightly more unusual but valid choice for a toilet seat. Wood is handy for those that want a more customized toilet seat and is also sturdier than plastic, though not quite as hardy as porcelain.

What are the Risks of Sitting on a Toilet Seat Lid?

Closeup woman sitting on toilet in the morning

Now that you know that you can sit on a toilet seat but should avoid it where possible, you need to know the risks to make an informed choice.

Bacteria

Bacteria is a huge concern when using a public toilet. Because so many people touch the toilet, and you cannot verify how often it was cleared, you could pick up anything from the surface. As a result, some public toilets may provide seat covers, so you don’t have to make contact with the seat itself.

Damage

It’s always possible that you might damage the toilet seat by sitting on it, especially if it’s misaligned or old. This is particularly true of toilet seats made of plastic, which are more susceptible to breaking.

Wear and Tear

Even if you have a sturdier toilet seat, it will become worn out over time as you keep sitting on it. So the more you can avoid putting weight on the toilet seat, the longer the seat will last.

Is it Safe to Stand on a Toilet Seat Lid?

Whatever you do, do not stand on a toilet seat lid. The risk of damage to the seat is significantly more but not only that; you could damage the entire toilet—which could be an expensive repair. Instead, find another platform or get a stepping stool if you need to reach something.

Overall, you shouldn’t worry if you’ve been sitting on a toilet seat. Everything will probably be fine. However, where possible, avoid sitting on toilet seats in public restrooms because there are more bacteria, and if you can avoid sitting on your seat at home, it will last longer.

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