Why You Should Always Close the Toilet Lid When You Flush

While it seems insignificant, a small bathroom habit can lead to a spread of germs and harmful airborne particles. No matter how diligently you wipe countertops, launder towels, and sanitize surfaces, flushing with the toilet lid up might be soiling your bathroom.

Below, learn how consistently closing the lid can help limit germ spread and keep your space more hygienic, according to both medical experts and cleaning professionals

The Risks You Run By Leaving the Lid Open

It isn't just about aesthetics. According to experts, it pays to be aware: Neglecting to close the lid before you flush opens the space up to the spew of airborne germs. "A fine mist spews forth into the surrounding air," registered nurse Kelsey Pabst explains.

These tiny water droplets—aerosol plumes, according to commercial cleaning expert Shari Cedar—can be inhaled and cover towels, countertops, and, yes, even your toothbrush after a flush. Scientific studies confirm that particles can travel a whopping five feet from a flush with the lid open, and they are the perfect vehicle for the spread of germs.

The Case for Closing the Lid

"E. coli, C. diff, norovirus, and other gut bacteria have been detected in toilet plumes, studies find," Pabst says. Fortunately, our experts say that the average healthy person likely won’t be affected—but it is still a risk to be aware of. If you or someone in your household has an illness, like diarrhea or a stomach virus, your risk increases, and surfaces can become contaminated, Pabst explains.

Additionally, families with immunocompromised individuals, young children, or pets are at higher risk from the effects of toilet plume exposure, according to cleaning professional Derek Christian, and should take extra precautions, such as disinfecting the toilet seat and handle after each use.

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5 Bathroom Habits That Help Reduce Germ Spread

Although there isn’t a way to completely stop the spread of germs in this case, you can lower your risk with smart hygiene habits. Closing the toilet seat is akin to a seatbelt, according to Pabst. "It can lower the risk, but the risk is still always there."

Here are some additional ways to lower the spread of germs in your bathroom:

• Cover your toothbrush: This helps keep airborne particles and germs off the bristles and out of your mouth. You can store yours in a cabinet, under the sink, or with a cover.
  
• Ventilate the space: Improving ventilation (like running your exhaust fan or cracking a window) can help clear the air.
  
• Disinfect surfaces regularly: Maintain a regular disinfecting schedule for high-touch areas, like countertops, faucets, and door and toilet handles.
  
• Wash your hands thoroughly: A helpful reminder never hurts. Always wash your hands after using the restroom.
  
• Wait to use your phone: Christian says phones often harbor more bacteria than a bathroom floor. Avoid bringing yours into the restroom and wait to use it until after you've washed your hands.