Should I cover the toilet with a toilet lid? Flush the toilet cover

 2:04pm, 20 May 2025

If the toilet lid is opened when flushing, the instantaneous cyclone in the toilet can bring bacteria or microorganisms up to 6 meters high in the air and suspend it in the air for several hours, and then land on the walls and toothbrushes, mouthwash cups, and towels.

toilets, people use every day, but if you are not careful, they may also become the source of disease. Dr. Terno pointed out that if the toilet lid is opened when flushing, the instantaneous cyclone in the toilet can bring bacteria or microorganisms up to 6 meters high into the air and suspend in the air for up to several hours, then landing on walls and items. Nowadays, most families use the toilet, wash, and shower in the bathroom. Toothbrushes, mouthwash cups, towels, etc. live in the same room with the toilet, so they are naturally susceptible to bacterial contamination. Therefore, you should develop the habit of covering the toilet lid when flushing.

The bacteria on the toilet ring should be focused on cleaning. Professor Yu Qingfu of Fudan University School of Public Health pointed out that the survey found that 32% of toilets had dysentery bacteria on them, and one of them was called "Song Nei" and survived on the toilet ring for up to 17 days. Another experimental report also pointed out that 100 million polio viruses were put into the toilet bowl, and 3,000 viruses were splashed on the seat ring. At the same time, many people like to put a velvet washer on the toilet in winter, which makes it easier to absorb and retain pollutants, and the possibility of spreading diseases is greater.

The toilet is a channel for dirt and is also something we must use every day. If you do not master the correct use and cleaning methods, it is likely to become the culprit of disease. Here are the things you should pay attention to when using and cleaning the toilet:

1. Be sure to cover the toilet with a lid.

There are a lot of bacteria in the toilet, so we must cover the toilet when flushing it. According to New York University's Philippe Ternault research, if the toilet lid is opened when flushing, the instantaneous cyclone in the toilet can bring bacteria or microorganisms up to 6 meters high in the air and suspend it in the air for up to several hours, then land on walls and items. In most families' bathrooms, not only toilet utensils, but also some items related to washing and showering, such as toothbrushes, mouthwash cups, towels, etc. These items are most susceptible to bacteria suspended in the air. Therefore, we should develop the habit of covering the toilet lid when flushing.

2. Focus on cleaning the toilet ring.

An experimental report once pointed out that if 100 million polio viruses were put into the toilet, there were 3,000 viruses splashing on the seat ring. A professor from the School of Public Health conducted a survey and found that 32% of toilets have dysentery bacteria, of which dysentery bacteria, named “ Songnei” can survive on the toilet ring for up to 17 days. If you put a velvet washer on the toilet, it will easily absorb and retain pollutants, making the toilet more likely to spread diseases. Because the toilet ring has many bacteria and the most in contact with people's skin, it should be the key target for cleaning. The method is to wipe it with diluted household disinfectant every one or two days. It is best not to use cloth gaskets. If you must use them, you should clean and disinfect them frequently. If conditions permit, you can change to a toilet with antibacterial function and splash-proof design.

3. Regularly clean the dirt in the toilet.

Toilets are tools used to excrete feces. Sometimes there will be still residues after flushing. At this time, you must use a toilet brush to clean them in time, otherwise it will easily form yellow stains, which will cause conditions for breeding mold and bacteria. When cleaning, lift the toilet ring and spray the inside with toilet cleaner. After a few minutes, use a thin brush to thoroughly brush, including the inner edge of the toilet and the depth of the pipe opening. In addition, we can also place gradually dissolved automatic toilet cleaner in the water tank or hang a wall-mounted disinfection hydrant to achieve the effect of cleaning, descaling, disinfection and sterilization through each flush.

4. Try not to set up wastebaskets.

We are often worried that throwing toilet paper into the toilet will cause clogs, so we will set up a wastebasket next to the toilet to store used toilet paper. This habit is not good because it will cause bacteria to spread with the air. In addition, few people can clean it up at any time, and at least they will store it for a day or two. The longer the time, the more bacteria it will breed. In fact, as long as the toilet paper is not too thick or too tough, it can usually soften quickly in the water and flush away with the water after being thrown into the toilet, which will rarely cause blockage, so we should try not to place wastebaskets next to the toilet. If you have to use it, you should also choose a cover to prevent bacteria from spreading and deal with used toilet paper in time.

5. Keep the toilet brush clean and dry.

We often need to use toilet brushes to keep the toilet clean, but if we don’t pay attention to the cleanliness and dryness of the toilet brush, it will also become a source of pollution. Since every time we brush dirt, dirt will inevitably be stained on the brush, we should rinse the water again, rinse it clean, drain the water, spray disinfectant, or soak it regularly with disinfectant and place it in a suitable place. Do not place it in a corner or in an airtight container, and it is best to hang it up.