Flushing with a lid on: Arizona scientists debunk common toilet hygiene myth

Research as early as the 1950s has confirmed that flushing toilets can cause a multitude of bacteria to be released, leading to possible norovirus infections, rotavirus infections, and even transmission of Covid-19. How can we protect ourselves from this?

Many assume that by merely closing the toilet lid, the release of dangerous bacteria can be substantially reduced. However, the recent findings of scientists from the University of Arizona challenge this belief.

The scientists implemented a test which involved placing the MS2 bacterium in chosen public and private toilets. The toilets were then flushed with both closed and open lids. The results they gathered were striking.

"No empirical benefits of closing the toilet lid during flushing in reducing viral contamination of toilet surfaces were demonstrated," the scientists concluded in an article published in the "American Journal of Infection Control".

So, it appears that flushing the toilet with a closed lid isn't as beneficial as some might think.

Also read: Are you hanging your toilet paper roll correctly? Most people aren't and by doing it wrong, you're spreading millions of germs this way

Is it possible to maximise protection against bacterial spread produced by our toilets? Apparently, there is a way. Scientists at the University of Arizona concur that simply washing the toilet bowl with water falls short. Regular disinfection is crucial too.

Nevertheless, a specific cleaning solution and a brush need to be used to achieve this. Regular cleaning isn't just for maintaining a sparkling toilet, it's also essential for eliminating a substantial amount of bacteria that can significantly influence our health. In addition to cleaning the inside of the bowl, it's important to also cleanse other parts, including the toilet lid.