Most people tend to flush the toilet without closing the lid. As a result, they have no idea that they are exposing themselves and others to numerous health risks. Here are some of the reasons why you should close the toilet lid before flushing:.
Reason 1: To Prevent Germs and Bacteria From Spreading
The toilet is one of the most germ-infested areas in the house, and it’s imperative to keep it as clean as possible constantly. Closing the toilet lid before flushing helps to prevent germs and bacteria from spreading out into the bathroom.
When you flush, tiny particles from fecal matter and urine splash into the air, creating a mist. The mist lands on the toilet seat, floor, towels, and even toothbrushes, which can cause the spread of viruses and bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.
Reason 2: To Reduce the Spread of COVID-19
COVID-19 has reminded us that we need to be cautious of our surroundings. Although the virus spreads mainly through respiratory droplets, new studies suggest that it can also be spread through fecal contamination.
According to a team of researchers at Yangzhou University in China, COVID-19 can be found in feces and can be transmitted through fecal matter.
The study found that flushing a toilet can create a large plume of droplets that can contain the virus, and this plume can stay in the air for several minutes.
To reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, it’s essential to close the toilet lid before flushing. This can help prevent the spread of the virus within the household and community.
Reason 3: To Avoid Damaging Your Bathroom
Have you ever noticed water droplets on the walls, on the toilet seat, or on the floor just after flushing? These droplets can eventually damage your bathroom by causing mold and mildew to grow, which can lead to health problems.
By closing the lid while flushing, you can avoid this problem. The lid helps to contain the water droplets and reduce the amount of moisture in the air, preventing mold and mildew growth.
Reason 4: To Save Water
Did you know that closing the toilet lid before flushing can also save water? When you flush with the lid open, all the water is used to create that plume and is then wasted.
This can also be problematic if you have a low-flush toilet or reside in a place with a water shortage.
Closing the lid before flushing reduces the amount of water that is required, which can help you save money on your water bill and conserve this precious resource.
Reason 5: To Keep Your Pets Safe
If you have pets in your house, they tend to drink water from the toilet. When you flush without closing the lid, the water that splashes out can contain harmful chemicals like chlorine and other cleaning agents that can make your pets sick.
Closing the lid when flushing can help protect your furry friends from getting ill.
Reason 6: To Respect Others
Flushing the toilet with the lid open can create unnecessary noise that can be disturbing to people who are sleeping or working in adjacent rooms.
Closing the toilet lid while flushing is a simple way to ensure that you don’t disturb others in your home or office.
Reason 7: To Maintain Proper Hygiene
Closing the toilet lid before flushing is an excellent hygiene practice that can help you maintain cleanliness in your home. Being mindful of the germs that can be spread when you flush is imperative to good hygiene.
It’s important to remember that closing the toilet lid is not just about personal hygiene; it’s about the health and well-being of everyone in your house or office.
Reason 8: To Prevent Accidents
Flushing the toilet with the lid open can be an invitation to accidents, particularly if you have curious children or pets in the house. Children or pets can fall into the toilet, which can lead to a serious accident.
Closing the lid before flushing can prevent such accidents from happening, especially if you have small children or pets in your house.
Reason 9: To Avoid Clogging
Flushing bulky items down the toilet can clog the pipes and make a mess in your bathroom. Closing the toilet lid when flushing can prevent the clogging of pipes by preventing any debris from falling in.
Reason 10: To Promote a Cleaner Environment
Finally, closing the toilet lid while flushing is ultimately an effort to promote a cleaner environment.
By being aware of the germs and bacteria present in the toilet, we can take steps to reduce the spread of disease and promote good hygiene while also caring for the environment and our loved ones.