Is it worth closing the lid on a toilet before flushing?

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.

Ilikepornaddict ,

I seem to recall that Mythbusters episode proving the exact opposite. They showed that fecal matter definitely gets sprayed all over the bathroom when the lid is up when flushed.

slackassassin ,

I watched that episode recently. They just proved that there are shit particles everywhere, and the expert agreed.

Deebster OP ,
@Deebster@lemmyrs.org avatar

You may be right; it was about 20 years ago I watched it. Perhaps their conclusion was it happens just as much when the lid is down.

hmancuso , (edited )
@hmancuso@lemmy.world avatar

I think someone urgently needs to come up with one of these solutions:

  1. The foot-operated lid;
  2. The toilet with flush and suction;
  3. The Jedi throne (a Jedi-style toilet lid activated by hand movements) and lastly
  4. 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.
MrPoopyButthole ,

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.

hmancuso ,
@hmancuso@lemmy.world avatar

Jim’s a clever guy. We could even seek inspiration in some trash cans that have embraced the pedal idea. Can you believe we’re in the 21st century, surround by ai systems, risking extinction for various reasons, and unable to solve the toilet seat conundrum?

shawnshitshow ,

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!

Beryl ,

I think this video should convince you it’s absolutely worth it.

Deebster OP ,
@Deebster@lemmyrs.org avatar

That's a great demonstration, and also makes me want to go clubbing.

Sal ,
@Sal@mander.xyz avatar

Woah, cool video! I think this video deserves its own post. I just need to figure out which scientific community it is most relevant to … Physics? Epidemiology? Hmmm 🤔

SoleInvictus ,
@SoleInvictus@lemmy.world avatar

Great video. Clearly, the only viable option is to never flush again. All of our work toilets lack lids, so we’re just gonna start stacking turds.

/s

WEAPONX ,

But how do i use the brush then, if the lid is closed? Don’t you use the brush while simultaneously flushing the toilet?

Reborn2966 ,

you don’t, most of the time is not needed. if it is, a sencond lighter flush with the brush thing will take care of everything that is still there. with a controlled flush you just let some water run.

andthenthreemore ,
@andthenthreemore@startrek.website avatar

Er, no. Because if you do that the brush just gets covered in shit.

dreadedsemi ,

I close the lid as neutral of keepibg the seat up or down. Just close the lid and everyone has to lift seat/lid

Twink ,

I won’t lie, if you don’t close the lid and I know it, we’ve nothing to ever speak about because that’s disgusting and please stay away from me, I don’t want your toilet aura near me. 💀

Deebster OP ,
@Deebster@lemmyrs.org avatar

toilet aura

I guess your downvoter is pro toilet aura.

Twink ,

They’re lashing out because of the amount of bacteria coating them.

Spzi ,

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.

Deebster OP ,
@Deebster@lemmyrs.org avatar

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.

Tigerfishy ,

I mean, we still CLEAN our toilets when they’re still just visibly stained with hard water or whatever causes rings and whatnot, so I can see the feeling better about being a huge component

Renacles ,

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.

Deebster OP ,
@Deebster@lemmyrs.org avatar

Yes, toothbrushes live uncomfortably close to the loo in my house too.

A friend gave me some light banter about closing the lid = under my wife's thumb but it's absolutely about me attempting to keep the toilet business contained to the toilet!

Jaarsh119 ,

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.

Tigerfishy ,

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

Lemmesee ,

I’m pretty sure it was mythbusters

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