This seems like something that should be true, but I think I remember seeing a Mythbusters episode where they decided it didn’t make a difference. That show was more about entertainment than science, so I wondered if there was a more rigorous study done? I’ve definitely seen splashes of water(?) come out from flushes so that alone seems to argue for closing lids.
I remember watching a video where they added some liquid visible with UV to the water and flushed, there were droplets everywhere including the tester’s face.
It’s not a study but it’s enough to make me close the lid, especially when my toothbrush is in the same room.
I saw the same or a very similar video.
Someone once tried to argue against it by saying it still got the droplets in the air with the lid closed so there’s no point. My counterargument was that it still contained a lot of the droplets by closing it and that it’s the most minor of inconveniences to close it so you should just do it anyways.
Ah the ol “it’s not 100% effective and guaranteed to work so you should actually do nothing about it” argument…a true classic in any situation
Seriously though…I never even considered all the splashing and I’m a grown ass adult :/ happily my and my daughters toothbrush live in the kitchen
I think someone urgently needs to come up with one of these solutions:
- The foot-operated lid;
- The toilet with flush and suction;
- The Jedi throne (a Jedi-style toilet lid activated by hand movements) and lastly
- The Terminator (a time-activated flames of hell) solution. The time-activated mechanism locks the toilet door after the user leaves and burns the entire compartment at solar flare temperatures.
In France they have public toilets that basically do number 4. The toilet gets completely cleaned automatically with hot water and detergent after you used it. It works by locking up after you unlocked the door after using it. If you hold the door for someone, they get the cleaning treatment.
Unfortunately, I’ve never been to France, but nothing beats a spotless clean public toilet. And, thanks for the tip: if someone holds the door for you, kindly step back. That alone should be highlighted in all tourist guides.
It’s written quite clearly on the door, but last time I used one I saved a tourist who would have had an unfortunate shower. She grabbed the door when I went out and was going in, I had to warn her and tell her to first let the door close so that the wash cycle would do its job.
Jim Jeffries had a whole bit on his show about his idea for a foot pedal that lifts and lowers the seat, just begging for anyone to make it.
Some day I’ll buy a bass drum kick pedal and a 3D printer and make it happen.
I’ve only found one product that does this, it’s all plastic, very expensive, and the reviews are terrible.
The real question is wether it has an effect which matters. Does it impact your health? Does something get damaged by becoming wet? Things like that.
I’m pretty sure there is next to no such effect. Which still does not mean this is the answer!
I think the actual answer is to do what feels better for you. This has probably a much bigger effect on your health than actual droplets.
Toothbrushes were mentioned, and I’d assume that the toothpaste does a good enough job at killing bacteria that it doesn’t make a difference, aside from that the bacterial load is probably low enough to be negligible.
But yeah, you don’t want to be thinking about putting a pooey stick in your mouth either.
Just think about all those public restrooms with like 8 toilets in a small area, all of which have no lids (not like anyone would put them down anyway) and use those super high pressure flushing mechanisms!
