Closing the toilet lid before flushing may seem like a minor detail, but it’s actually an action that makes a big difference in terms of hygiene and health. Although many people don’t pay attention to it or don’t consider it important, science has shown that this small gesture can prevent the spread of bacteria and protect both your bathroom and your health.
In this article, we explain why it’s essential to close the toilet lid when flushing, what happens when you don’t, and what additional steps you can take to keep your bathroom clean and safe.
1. What happens when you flush the toilet without closing the lid?
When you flush the toilet with the lid open, a phenomenon called “fecal aerosolization” occurs. This term refers to the release of small droplets of water contaminated with bacteria and other microorganisms present in the toilet.
When the discharge is activated, a force is generated that expels microscopic particles into the air.
These particles can remain suspended in the environment for several minutes.
It has been proven that they can reach a height of up to one and a half meters, depositing on nearby surfaces such as the floor, the sink, the walls, towels or even the toothbrush.
This effect is even more problematic in small, poorly ventilated bathrooms, where the concentration of microorganisms in the air can increase rapidly.
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