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For years, we’ve been advised to shut the toilet lid before flushing. This advice seems logical, as flushing the toilet releases something called a 'toilet plume,' a fine mist of bacteria. This plume, which may contain E. coli, lingers in the air for up to six hours and can spread across the bathroom, contaminating surfaces.
While closing the lid before flushing seems like the right way to prevent the spread of germs, new research suggests that keeping the lid down might not be as effective as we once thought.
Mesh Cube/Getty ImagesStudy Insights
A recent investigation by the American Journal of Infection Control explored whether closing the toilet lid could reduce the spread of viral aerosols and prevent cross-contamination in bathrooms compared to leaving the toilet seat open. In this study, an RNA virus was introduced into toilet bowls before flushing, and the viral contamination in the toilet and nearby surfaces was documented.
The findings revealed that there was no significant difference in viral contamination levels on bathroom surfaces whether the toilet lid was up or down when flushed.
The only notable difference observed was the effect of using a disinfectant after each flush. This recent study suggests that disinfecting the toilet and surrounding surfaces after each flush may be essential, or at the very least, cleaning the toilet brush after use can help mitigate the spread of contamination.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean and Germ-Free Bathroom
Regardless of whether you prefer to leave the lid open or closed after flushing, the key takeaway from this study is clear: keeping your toilet clean is essential for maintaining a germ-free bathroom.
The process starts with regularly cleaning your toilet bowl. This study found that cleaning after every flush is the best way to eliminate germs, but if that's not possible, make sure to clean the toilet at least once a week. If anyone in the household is sick, more frequent cleaning is necessary.
To clean the toilet bowl, a commercial bleach-based cleaner is a reliable option, paired with a long-handled brush to scrub the rim and inside the toilet. For the toilet's exterior, use a bathroom cleaner and finish by disinfecting with wipes or a spray.
It's also a good idea to deep clean your entire bathroom regularly, not just the sink and countertops but also the walls, shower curtain, and ceiling to remove dirt, grime, and germs. Don’t forget to clean all your bathroom cleaning tools, like the toilet brush, with bleach after each use to kill any remaining bacteria.
