People tend to underestimate this small gesture because they don’t truly appreciate its importance and its actual impact. Some even believe that closing the toilet lid isn’t really necessary.
Should you close or leave the toilet lid open after using the restroom? The accurate answer is to close it after each use, whether for urination or bowel movements. The reason behind this is when flushing the toilet, the water pressure can propel bacteria and microorganisms inside it out into the air. These can cling to toothbrushes, towels, and other personal hygiene items in the bathroom.
Dr. Janet Hill, a microbiologist and member of Canada’s National Plant Council, states: “Larger droplets and aerosols may not travel far above or around the toilet, but very small droplets can remain suspended in the air for some time.
Toilets harbor bacteria and other microorganisms from feces, urine, and even vomit, which can exist in the droplets of water. 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.”
Numerous dangerous infectious bacteria and pathogens have been found in bathrooms, including flu viruses, E. coli bacteria, salmonella bacteria, Hepatitis A virus, and the virus causing shingles.
Among these, E. coli bacteria cause gastrointestinal problems, with symptoms like diarrhea, fever, nausea, or in severe cases, septicemia, circulatory collapse, and kidney failure. They invade the bloodstream, damaging the heart, kidneys, and brain.
Therefore, never hesitate about whether to close or leave the toilet lid open after using the restroom; close the lid regardless of how clean your toilet bowl may be. “There’s a reason for a toilet lid,” says Hill. “It helps keep the surrounding area clean and protects human health.”
Some mistakes in using the restroom:
- Not drying the toilet brush: If the toilet brush remains constantly damp, it becomes an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, make sure to dry it thoroughly after each use.\
- Not disinfecting the toilet brush holder: It’s important to disinfect the toilet brush holder every two months to eliminate bacteria.
- Spending too much time sitting on the toilet: Many people have the habit of bringing their phones to read news or browse the internet while using the restroom. However, doctors warn that spending too much time in the restroom can lead to hemorrhoids.
