Quick: How do you clean your bathroom to keep yourself healthy? You may wash your hands or wipe down surface, both of which are vital. However, there's another bathroom habit you should avoid to keep from spreading germs (and uh, other stuff) to yourself and others.
The One Bathroom Habit Infectious Disease Experts Are Begging You to Never, Ever Do
The bathroom habit that an infectious disease expert says today to never, ever do: Leaving the toilet lid open when you flush. Close that bad boy STAT before flushing!
"Leaving the toilet lid open when you flush can cause several health and hygiene concerns, largely due to the aerosolization of germs and bacteria that occurs when the toilet is flushed," says Dr. Dahlia Philips, MD, medical director of MetroPlusHealth’s Partnership in Care (PIC) Special Needs Plan.
Ahead, she shares how this happens, how to keep your toilet lid clean and other crucial bathroom habits.
Here's What Happens When You Flush With the Toilet Lid Up
Dr. Philips explains that water droplets—and fecal matter—can become aerosolized and spread throughout the bathroom.
"This is commonly referred to as 'toilet plume,'" she says. "It can release tiny particles of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens into the air, which can settle on nearby surfaces such as sink handles, towel racks, bath mats, toothbrushes and countertops."
I mean, think about all the times we touch handles, or when we dry our hands on a towel before making dinner. Yikes!
Besides being just straight-up gross, those particles can contain harmful microorganisms, Dr. Philips continues. Those can include E. coli, salmonella, norovirus and other gastrointestinal pathogens that can cause infection and/or spread to people in your household.
How Often Should You Clean the Toilet Lid?
So flushing with the lid down is the way to go … but doesn’t that mean the lid will get super gross? All of the particles will just go there instead, right?
Well, yes—but at least the toilet lid is just one space to clean, versus all the spaces around it, you know?
It's one you'll want to disinfect on a fairly frequent basis, too. "The toilet lid is an important area to clean regularly as it is a high-touch surface that can harbor germs, bacteria and viruses," Dr. Philips says.
Specifically, the CDC suggests cleaning it at least weekly.
However, if someone is sick or the toilet is used by multiple people, Dr. Philips recommends cleaning it more often—perhaps every few days or daily. This is especially important with certain illnesses that are highly transmittable, she says, like a Clostridium difficile infection.
"Cleaning must involve sanitizing daily with the use of bleach products, if not multiple times a day," she added.
Other Ways to Prevent Disease in the Bathroom
Besides the simple tip to close the toilet lid before flushing, what are other clean and healthy bathroom habits?
Dr. Philips recommends:
Cleaning high-touch surfaces (the toilet flush handle, sink faucets, doorknobs and shower handles) at least once a week
Incorporating ventilation to prevent mold and mildew growth (which can lead to respiratory problems)
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the toilet or touching a high-touch surface
Replacing towels regularly
Not sharing personal hygiene items, such as toothbrushes, razors and towels
"The bathroom is a high-risk area for the transmission of diseases, but with regular cleaning, proper hygiene, and a little attention to detail, you can significantly reduce the risk of illness," she concludes. "The key is consistency, cleaning regularly and adopting healthy habits like closing the lid before flushing, washing your hands properly and disinfecting high-touch areas."