Do you use those paper toilet seat covers in a public bathroom? Don’t bother.

Paper toilet seat covers may seem like a good idea – but they’re hardly worth the trouble. 

According to Charles “Dr. Germ” Gerba, they really don’t protect us from whatever is on that seat. Those thin paper covers are porous and basically just absorb any moisture on the seat and deliver it to our seat. The only covers that provide any protection are those rotating plastic toilet seat covers.

Still, Dr. Germ says don’t be afraid to sit down. Most of the germs on a public toilet seat pose no more risk than that on the handle you used to get in there. Washing your hands thoroughly is the key to protection.