Discover what cleaning pro have to say about this bathroom contend .
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Bathrooms are a breeding reason for bacteria , making it essential to rule way to keep this high - dealings spaceas clean as potential . While most people correspond that bathroom harbor source , there ’s an ongoing debate about the good path to flush — should the lid be up or down ?
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To get a definitive answer and learn how to reduce bacteria in the bathroom , we turn to cleaning experts to discover the proper flush technique . These pros are finally conciliate the disputation and partake in the most hygienic way to flush your toilet .
Should You Flush with the Toilet Lid Up or Down?
Shari Cedar , the CEO and atomic number 27 - owner of AK Building Services , an industry - conduct commercial-grade cleaning caller , explains an unsettling reality — each bang make an aerosol bomb plume , which can spread bacterium and computer virus to theair and surfaces in your can .
However , Arianna Castro , the scientific communication theory manager at P&G , take down that newly found information about this discourse was deal in a late updated discipline by The American Journal of Infection Control . The finding indicated that closing the lid before flushing does not significantly reduce the dissemination of viral mote , foreground the grandness of regular toilet disinfection to belittle contamination and forestall computer virus transmittance .
Furthermore , Castro emphasized that while shut down the toilet ’s lid while flushing might minimize the feather ’s ambit , it does n’t only eliminate the jeopardy of spread pathogen . Airflow continues to move bacterium around , and germs can lurk in toilet body of water for multiple flushes . That ’s whyregular disinfectionis all important .
What Is an Aerosol Plume?
An aerosol plume is a fine mist of airborne particles that can channelize pathogen ( like E. coli , C. difficile , noroviruses , and adenoviruses)—in the air and throughout the bathroom . Even if you think this is n’t happening , think again — aerosol plumes are always almost invisible to the naked eye . Its tiny particles can land on anything nearby , from toothbrushesto hand towel . A study from the University of Colorado even used high - powered optical maser to visualize the effect , record how promptly these microscopical invaders pass around . The field find that particles shoot out at speeds of 6.6 feet per second , pass on heights of 4.9 invertebrate foot within just 8 seconds .
" Even worse , some germs linger in the toilet water for multiple bloom , meaning the risk does n’t go away after just one bloom . And if you ’re using a public wash room without a lid ? That plumage is going everywhere , " Cedar enounce .
The Final Verdict: Lid Up or Down?
While we know that an aerosol feather from the can is veridical and that it can spread harmful pathogen , it ’s extremely debated if end the stool ’s hat has a meaningful impact on the contaminant of lavatory surfaces . That said , both Cedar and Castro agree that it does n’t hurt to keep the lid down while flushing .
" Based on available inquiry , I retrieve it is very advisable to flush the palpebra down to minimize the aerosolization of pathogens and promote better hygienics pattern , " Castro says . " However , because what is ultimately causing thespread of bacteriais airflow ( aerosol plumage ) , it is unsufferable to completely address the jeopardy by closing the privy lid alone . "
Castro says that closing the john lid before crimson should decrease the radius of aerosol container plume and belittle the likelihood of subatomic particle reaching respiratory zones , but it has not been try out . To lessen the number of pathogens pass around , she recommends disinfecting the lav , toilet pee , and lid frequently .
More Tips to Keep Your Bathroom Clean
Cedar shares other small ways to keep your lavatory and the holding in it sporty , even if you do exit the toilet lid while flushing . These comfortable labor can also make your bathroom smell fresher .
" Scientists are turn on bright toilet design , from improved loaded valve to UV sanitation systems , " Cedar say . " But for now , the best thing you may do ? Just shut the lid before you level . "
Goforth MP , Boone SA , Clark J , et al . impact of lid closure during potty even and of toilet arena clean on viral contamination of surfaces in United States public lavatory . American Journal of Infection Control . 2024;52(2):141 - 146 .
CU scientist glint visible light on what total up when you crimson . CU Boulder Today . issue December 8 , 2022 . https://www.colorado.edu/today/2025-04-07/cu-scientists-shine-light-what-comes-when-you-flush
