Nearly half the population of the UK are now cleaning their toilets more frequently as a result of the global pandemic, according to Harpic.

However, only 45 per cent say they close the lid of the loo before flushing. One toilet flush produces thousands of tiny aerosol droplets which may contain bacteria and viruses capable of contaminating surfaces up to six feet away, according to Harpic.

The company used high-speed specialist camera technology to capture images of droplets and particles leaving a toilet in a bid to raise awareness of the issue.

''There has never been a more important time to take extra care around our homes,'' said a Harpic research and development associate. ''Although the risks associated with germ spread in unhygienic bathrooms are high, the solution to keeping them clean is simple.''

The company advises householders to close the lid when flushing and to wear gloves when cleaning the toilet as an extra level of protection. It also advocates the use of toilet cleaning products that can remove the limescale where germs can collect.

The Harpic study revealed that 45 per cent of Britons are deep cleaning their bathrooms more frequently in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, while 44 per cent are mopping the floor more often.

A total of 47 per cent of respondents said they were unaware of any risks involved when failing to close the lid when flushing. However, 95 per cent of those who were made aware of the high-speed flush images said they would close the lid in future.