Should you close the toilet lid before flushing? Many believe that this is a necessary habit for maintaining hygiene. However, recent studies suggest that the situation is not so straightforward.
What is a "toilet plume"?
For a long time, it was thought that flushing with an open lid sends microscopic droplets containing bacteria, particularly E. coli, flying throughout the bathroom. These droplets settle on sinks, towels, and toothbrushes, potentially facilitating the spread of infections, writes RealSimple.
What do new studies say?
Researchers from the American Journal of Infection Control conducted an experiment – they added a virus to the toilet before flushing and then checked how contaminated the surfaces became. It turned out that a closed lid does not provide complete protection – microbes still spread, albeit in smaller quantities.
What really helps?
Closing the lid is beneficial, but the main factor for protection is regular disinfection. Cleaning the toilet and bathroom with specialized products significantly reduces the number of bacteria.
Basic hygiene rules in the bathroom:
Clean the toilet at least once a week, and even more frequently if someone in the house is ill.
Disinfect the lid, flushing mechanism, and seats using antiseptic sprays or wipes.
After each use, dip the toilet brush into a disinfectant solution to prevent the accumulation of microbes.
Once a month, do a deep clean – wash not only the fixtures but also the floor, walls, and mirrors.
To close or not to close?
Closing the lid before flushing is not a cure-all for microbes, but it can reduce their spread. Additionally, it makes the bathroom look tidier. Still, the key to cleanliness remains regular cleaning and disinfection.
Previously, we reported that two buttons on the toilet allow you to pay half as much for water.
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