The simple act of flushing the toilet is routine in everyday life. However, most of us don't think twice about whether we should flush with the toilet lid down or up. You should know that this seemingly insignificant action can have a significant impact.
"Basically, yes [you should keep the lid closed] - especially when you haven't just peed," Ann Russell, author of How To Clean Everything, explains to the Guardian.
"When you flush the toilet, it can spread very fine particles of water into the bathroom," she added.
Some 2022 studies found that contaminated particles can spread up to 1.5 meters from the toilet and linger for up to six hours.
The difference in the amount of bacteria spread when you flush the toilet with the lid closed is 12 times less.
"It's good practice – but let's be honest, you're not going to die if you don't," added Russell.
