Follow us
October 7, 2026

Toilet lid up or down? What the science says about bathroom hygiene

Every time a toilet is flushed, tiny airborne droplets can spread beyond the bowl and land on nearby surfaces — a phenomenon known as a toilet plume. The question of whether to close the lid before flushing has a practical answer, but the full picture of bathroom hygiene is more nuanced than a single habit.

What happens when you flush with the lid up

The movement of water during flushing generates very small droplets that become airborne. These particles, collectively referred to as a toilet plume, can travel beyond the rim of the bowl and settle on surrounding surfaces.

See the rest on the next page ⬇⬇
Advertisement
Advertisement
Share on Facebook