Closing the toilet lid after using it and before flushing is something that hygiene experts recommend, but in reality, many people overlook it. They underestimate the importance and the actual impact of this small gesture. Some even think that closing the lid is not necessary at all.
Should you close or leave the toilet lid open after using it?
The correct answer is to close it after every use, whether it’s for urination or defecation. The reason is that when you flush the toilet, the water pressure can cause bacteria and microorganisms inside to spray out into the air. They can stick to toothbrushes, towels, and other personal hygiene items in the bathroom.
According to TS Janet Hill, a microbiologist and member of the National Plant Research Council of Canada, “Larger droplets and bulkier matter may not travel far above or around the toilet, but tiny droplets can stay in the air for some time.
Toilets contain bacteria and other microorganisms from feces, urine, and even vomit, and they can survive in small water droplets. Each gram of human feces contains billions of bacteria, as well as viruses and even some types of fungi. The easiest way to prevent them from covering your bathroom is to close the toilet lid.”
Should you close or leave the toilet lid open after using it? The correct answer is to close it. (Image: Ideal Home)
Many dangerous infectious bacteria and pathogens have also been found in toilets, including the flu virus, E. coli bacteria, salmonella bacteria, hepatitis A virus, and the virus that causes shingles.
E. coli bacteria, in particular, can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and in severe cases, septicemia, circulatory disorders, and renal failure. They infiltrate the bloodstream, causing damage to the heart, kidneys, and brain…
That’s why you should never hesitate to close the toilet lid after using it, regardless of how clean your toilet is. “There’s a reason toilets have lids,” Hill says. “They keep the surrounding area clean and protect human health.”
When you flush the toilet, the water pressure can cause bacteria and microorganisms inside to spray out into the air. (Image: Science I HowStuffWorks)
Other precautions to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination from toilets:
– Keep toothbrushes or other personal hygiene products away from the toilet.
– If you use a public restroom, leave immediately after flushing the toilet. “If you’re in a public restroom, keep it as clean as possible by not lean over the toilet when flushing and wash your hands immediately after,” advises TS Janet Hill.
– Clean the bathroom and toilet daily to keep everything fresh and prevent the accumulation of dirt, which can harbor harmful bacteria.
If your bathroom has shower curtains, remove them weekly, wash them, and let them dry in the sun. As for the bathroom floor, even though it will get wet again, experts recommend wiping it dry after each use to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Before letting it dry, clean it with specialized cleaning solutions and use a brush to thoroughly clean it.
If there are mats under the toilet and in the bathroom, it is best to wash and dry them as well.
It’s not just items in the bathroom that carry a certain amount of bacteria. Everything around us does. The only thing we can do to remedy this is to diligently clean and tidy up every day and replace anything that shows signs of damage or mold.
Common mistakes when using the toilet:
– Not drying the toilet brush: If the toilet brush is always wet, it becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. So after each use, make sure to dry it by any means necessary.
– Not sanitizing the toilet brush holder: Every two months, it’s necessary to disinfect the toilet brush holder to eliminate bacteria.
– Spending too much time sitting on the toilet: Many people have the habit of bringing their phones to read or browse the internet every time they go to the bathroom. However, doctors warn that spending too much time on the toilet can potentially lead to hemorrhoids.
According to VTC news
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