The Gross Truth About Flushing with the Toilet Lid Open
We all use the toilet, but for many of us, how we flush the toilet may simply be a subconscious habit. Should you leave the lid up or put it down before hitting that flush button? While often debated, there’s more to this act than simple preference or bathroom etiquette.
What is a Toilet Plume?
When you flush your toilet, it’s not just water and waste swirling down the drain. That powerful flush generates a surprising amount of force, spraying what scientists call a “toilet plume.” A toilet plume is an invisible aerosol spray of tiny water droplets that can become contaminated with bacteria and viruses from within the toilet bowl.
How Far Does Toilet Plume Spread?
Research and slow-motion imaging techniques have shown that toilet plume can travel farther than you’d think! Here’s what you need to know about the reach of these droplets:
- Distance: Droplets from an open-lid flush can travel up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) from the toilet.
- Persistence: Unfortunately, toilet plume doesn’t just vanish. The contaminated droplets can linger in the air for upwards of six hours.
Is Toilet Plume Really Gross?
You bet it is! Any guesses on what sort of things could be riding those water droplets?
- Bacteria: Each flush might launch microscopic amounts of dangerous bacteria such as E. coli or C. Difficile into the air. These, especially in weakened individuals, can cause illnesses like diarrhea, UTIs, or more serious infections.
- Viruses: If someone with a stomach bug recently used the toilet, you might be sharing more than just the bathroom after they flushed. Virus particles can attach to these droplets, too.
What’s the Big Deal?
If these contaminated water droplets linger in the air and spread over your surroundings, here’s where the potential for grossness starts to set in:
- Toothbrushes: Think about where your toothbrush is sitting. Is it within spitting distance (quite literally) of your toilet? It could be getting an unhygienic misting regularly.
- Towels: If you have hand towels or even bath towels close by, those fluffy surfaces are prime landing spots for toilet plume.
- Makeup products & skincare: Tiny droplets on those open lipsticks, makeup brushes, or skincare containers are definitely not part of your beauty routine.
- Contact lenses: Imagine the horror of putting a contact lens in your eye that landed in the mist after a flush.
Closing the Lid to Reduce the Spread of Harmful Germs Throughout The Toilet
This brings us to the simple act of closing the toilet lid:
- Does it actually work? Yes! Putting the lid down prior to flushing helps contain the majority of that energetic flush within the toilet bowl itself.
- Are there still germs? Of course – germs exist just about everywhere. However, there’s a huge difference between minimizing your exposure and directly misting all your bathroom belongings.
Simple Habits for Hygienic Bathrooms
Besides closing that lid, consider these habits to optimize bathroom hygiene:
- Wipe up spills – around the toilet: Accidental splashes happen – clean them up quickly to prevent contamination.
- Clean your bathroom regularly: A weekly scrubbing routine keeps things in check. Don’t neglect the often-forgotten spots like light switches, door handles, and the area around the toilet base.
- Replace or wash bathroom linens frequently: Hand towels and bath mats should be in the laundry rotation with every couple of uses.
FAQs
1. Do all toilets create the same amount of toilet plume?
Toilets do differ in how forcefully they flush and how much potential spray they might generate. Older toilets can have a bit more “oomph” in their flush than newer water-efficient models.
2. If I put the lid down but don’t flush right away, are germs still a concern?
A closed toilet bowl reduces germ spread potential, but some bacteria or viruses may linger just inside the rim and bowl, even with the lid down. If someone who is ill has used the toilet, flushing (regardless of whether the lid is up or down) will still generate some contaminated spray.
3. Will keeping the bathroom fan on stop the toilet plume from spreading?
Using your bathroom fan is still a good idea! While it might not prevent all droplets from spreading, it helps clear the air faster.
The Bottom Line
Leaving the toilet lid open during flushing probably isn’t going to make you instantly sick. However, it’s an unhygienic habit that’s best avoided. The next time nature calls, spare a moment to close the lid before you flush!
