This Eye-Opening Study Will Change Your Bathroom Habits Forever

If you’ve never thought about closing the toilet lid before flushing, prepare to be shocked. A recent experiment captured in a disturbing viral video has people reconsidering their bathroom hygiene. The footage reveals what really happens when you flush without shutting the lid—and it’s not pretty.

From invisible clouds of germs to poo particles landing on your toothbrush, science has now provided undeniable evidence of why this habit needs to change. After watching this, you’ll never look at a toilet the same way again.

The Hidden Germs Lurking in Your Bathroom

Let’s face it—germs are everywhere. Whether we like it or not, they exist in the air, on our hands, and on every surface we touch. Our immune system does an excellent job of keeping them under control, but knowing that microscopic bacteria and fecal particles could be flying around your bathroom? That’s enough to make anyone feel queasy.

Scientists have studied this phenomenon for years, and recent research confirms that flushing with the lid open allows bacteria to spread far and wide. This means those germs could end up on your hands, face, sink, and even inside your mouth.

Still skeptical? Let’s break it down.

The Science Behind the “Toilet Plume” – It’s Worse Than You Think

A viral video shared by Science X: Phys.org, Medical Xpress, and Tech Xplore on YouTube (watch it here) shows exactly how germs are dispersed during a flush. In the experiment, scientists used green lasers to capture the moment microscopic particles were propelled into the air. The bright green laser beams made the normally invisible aerosol plumes shockingly visible, showing how toilet water droplets shoot up into the air with surprising force.

The experiment revealed that these particles can reach up to five feet above the toilet bowl within seconds, creating a swirling cloud of bacteria that lingers in the air for several minutes. The sheer volume of germs expelled in one flush was far greater than most people would imagine — even those who thought they had a clean bathroom.

TikTok creator @DIYMAN_PRO conducted a similar experiment, using neon liquid and black light technology to reveal just how far toilet germs can spread. The ultraviolet light showed that the aerosolized particles settled on nearby surfaces, including the toilet seat, walls, sink, and even the floor. Watch the full experiment on TikTok here.

Further research has suggested that these plumes could carry harmful bacteria such as E. coli, C. difficile, and norovirus, which are known to cause gastrointestinal illnesses. This makes the simple act of closing the toilet lid not just a hygiene tip — but a potential life-saving habit.

How Far Do Toilet Germs Travel? The Answer Will Shock You

If you thought these bacteria would stay near the toilet, think again. The TikTok experiment and additional scientific studies suggest that when a toilet flushes, tiny aerosolized droplets can travel up to six feet!

That means your sink, soap dispenser, towels, and even your toothbrush could all be covered in invisible toilet spray.

One particularly disturbing revelation? Even if you keep your toothbrush far from the toilet, it’s still not safe. Researchers have found that particles settle all over the bathroom, meaning your toothbrush, face towels, and makeup brushes could all be at risk.

I’m never using a toilet again (**Science X**)

A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control (read it here) confirmed that aerosolized bacteria from toilets linger in the air and spread quickly.

John Crimaldi, an engineering professor at the University of Colorado, was part of a groundbreaking 2022 study that examined this issue. He told Business Insider (read the article) that his team’s “jaw dropped” when they first saw the results.

“We had no idea and no reason to believe that the bacteria would spread as far and as high as they did,” Crimaldi admitted.

The study, published in the Scientific Reports Journal, detailed the energetic and chaotic movement of toilet plumes. Researchers observed that the particles move unpredictably, making it almost impossible to contain them without a lid.

Crimaldi himself confessed that the study completely changed how he sees toilets:

“You go to the bathroom, you flush, and everything disappears. You think, ‘Boom! Works great!’ But then you see the videos, and you realize, ‘Oh… maybe not so great!’”

“Now, I look at toilets with suspicion,” he added.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

By now, you’re probably wondering: What can I do to avoid the toilet plume?

Germs from the toilet are seen flying out of the loo when it is flushed. (**TikTok/DIYMAN_PRO**)

Here are a few simple yet effective tips to minimize exposure to bathroom bacteria:

1. Always Close the Lid Before Flushing

The easiest and most effective solution is to close the toilet lid before flushing. This simple habit reduces airborne bacteria by up to 60%.

2. Store Your Toothbrush and Towels Wisely

Keep your toothbrush inside a closed cabinet and your towels away from the toilet area. Bacteria can linger in the air for up to 30 minutes, so the farther these items are, the safer they’ll be.

3. Clean Your Bathroom Regularly

Use disinfectant wipes and sprays to clean toilet seats, handles, and sinks. A weekly deep-cleaning routine can significantly cut down on bacteria buildup.

4. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly

Hand hygiene is crucial. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and warm water to remove bacteria.

5. Consider Installing a Toilet with Built-in Lid Technology

Some modern toilets now come with automatic lid closures and UV-light sanitization features, which help reduce bacteria spread. If you’re renovating your bathroom, it might be worth the investment!

Social Media Buzz – How the Internet Reacted

When the videos went viral, the internet couldn’t stop talking about it. People on social media have been sharing their horror and promising to never leave the toilet lid open again.

Here are some of the top posts:

Twitter Reaction

🚽 “Just saw the toilet germ video… my toothbrush is in the bin now. I’m closing the lid from now on.”
— @ToiletTruths
View Tweet

TikTok Reaction

💡 “I always thought my mom was crazy for making us close the lid before flushing… now I owe her a HUGE apology.”
— @CleanFreak101
Watch Video

Reddit Discussion

🔥 “PSA: Close your toilet lid before flushing! This study ruined my day.”
— u/HygieneHero
Join the Conversation

Final Thoughts – Change This One Habit for a Cleaner Bathroom

Toilets may seem harmless, but science tells a different story. The simple act of closing the lid before flushing can protect you from germ exposure, bacteria spread, and potentially even illness. This small change can drastically improve bathroom hygiene and reduce the risk of harmful bacteria landing on surfaces you use daily, like your toothbrush, towels, and even your skincare products.

With overwhelming evidence from videos, studies, and expert opinions, it’s clear that toilet plumes are real and they’re nasty. Even though these particles are invisible to the naked eye, they can pose a health risk—especially to those with weakened immune systems, young children, or elderly family members.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to make closing the lid a permanent habit. Not only does it protect your health, but it also contributes to a cleaner and more hygienic bathroom environment. By taking just a few extra seconds each time you flush, you’re making a big difference in preventing the spread of germs.

Your toothbrush—and your health—will thank you.

Featured Image Credit: TikTok/DIYMAN_PRO / Getty Stock Images