"Toilet Lid Debate: Does Closing It Before Flushing Make a Difference?"
Research from the University of Arizona and Reckitt Benckiser debunks the belief that flushing the toilet with the lid down prevents the spread of viral particles, finding that it does little to stop pathogens from contaminating surrounding surfaces. The only effective prevention methods were disinfecting the toilet and using a scrub brush. The study showed that closing the lid before flushing led to elevated contamination levels in certain areas, and using a disinfectant during cleaning significantly reduced viral contamination on adjacent surfaces. Regular disinfection of toilets is emphasized to reduce contamination and prevent the spread of viruses.