Kelly Ripa Was Right: "Put the seat down, you f---er."
TV host Kelly Ripa is known for her humor, but it seems her bathroom decor might be dropping some serious hygiene wisdom. Hanging above her toilet is a framed embroidery that reads: "Put the seat down, you f---er." It’s funny, a little aggressive, and, as it turns out, probably great advice for keeping your bathroom clean (People).
Now, while Kelly’s message was likely aimed at a certain demographic known for leaving the seat up, she may have unknowingly touched on a much bigger issue—the infamous "toilet plume." If you’ve never heard of it, brace yourself. This is the reason why science says you should always flush with the lid down.
The Nasty Secret Hiding in Your Bathroom
Picture this: You flush the toilet. You don’t think twice about it. But what if I told you that tiny, invisible particles of whatever was just in that toilet are now swirling through the air—possibly landing on your toothbrush? 🫣 Welcome to the nightmare fuel that is the toilet plume.
British media has been sounding the alarm about this for a while. According to The Independent, flushing with the lid up can send bacteria and viruses into the air, where they can travel and settle on nearby surfaces, including your sink, towel, and even your soap (Independent).
Meanwhile, The Guardian advises that closing the lid before flushing is an essential bathroom hygiene habit, calling it "the perfect flush." They warn that keeping the lid up releases an aerosol plume of microbes, some of which can hang in the air for hours (The Guardian).
Still not convinced? A separate article from The Guardian even featured a family debate about whether or not the teenage son should be required to put the lid down before flushing—and let’s just say, science wasn’t on his side (The Guardian).
The Science That Will Have You Reaching for the Lid
This isn’t just media hype—scientists have been studying toilet plumes for years, and the findings are unsettling.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people believed that sitting on a public toilet was harmless. You might not have thought twice about it—unless the seat was still warm, in which case, yikes. However new research has shifted our understanding of pathogen spread, and public restrooms are now considered high-risk areas for contamination, especially when ventilation is poor.
Spreading germs can happen anywhere—shaking hands, using public transportation—but some environments amplify the risks. Just like colds and flu spread more easily in the winter, scientists now confirm that pathogen spread is greater in public toilets.
So, what happens when you flush?
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The Toilet Plume Effect: Every time a toilet is flushed, an aerosolized plume of toilet water rises into the air. This invisible mist contains a cocktail of bacteria, viral particles, fecal matter, and urine droplets, which settle on surrounding surfaces—including the toilet seat, soap dispenser, and even exposed toilet paper in dispensers. (Yes, the very paper that’s supposed to protect you.)
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Bacteria Everywhere: Research published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that flushing with the lid up can propel bacteria up to 25 centimeters (almost 10 inches) above the toilet seat (AJIC).
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Lid Down? Still a Problem: Another study found that while closing the lid reduces visible splash, microscopic contamination still happens—meaning regular disinfection is key (PMC).
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Visualizing the Plume: Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder used lasers to track toilet plume movements, capturing images of how quickly bacteria spreads post-flush (Nature).
If you just made a face while reading that, you’re not alone. Toilet plumes don’t discriminate—they settle on everything. Including your phone, which, let’s be honest, you probably took in there with you. 😬
So, What Should You Do?
If you’ve made it this far without running to disinfect your entire bathroom, congrats! Here’s how you can fight back against the toilet plume and keep your space cleaner:
✅ Always flush with the lid down (Kelly Ripa was right).
✅ Keep your toothbrush far away from the toilet (seriously, relocate it now).
✅ Clean your bathroom surfaces regularly—especially near the sink and toilet.
✅ Use a high-quality toilet seat cover (like LooREADY) to protect yourself from invisible nasties.
LooREADY is an innovative, travel-friendly toilet seat cover designed to provide a protective barrier against contaminants commonly found in public restrooms. Unlike traditional paper seat covers, LooREADY features advanced Ecopolymer Technology, which not only shields against invisible bacteria and viral particles but also helps maintain restroom infrastructure.
LooREADY’s unique formulation is water-soluble, designed to lubricate pipes and break down fats, grease, and oils, helping to alleviate maintenance costs, reduce paper waste, and keep blockages to a minimum. Whether you're commuting, traveling, or using a restroom outside of your home, LooREADY provides an added layer of hygiene and peace of mind.
Unlike traditional paper toilet seat covers, which are so thin that people often layer them—leading to blockages—LooREADY is designed to be far more effective. This is a key reason why paper seat covers are rarely found in countries where plumbing infrastructure isn’t as robust as in the USA. Additionally, paper seat covers absorb bacteria, potentially increasing pathogenic spread rather than preventing it.
And forget about plastic! Who on earth wants to use a single-use plastic toilet seat cover, increasing unnecessary waste when such a better option is available? Not to mention, having to pick up a used plastic seat cover and hunt for a trash bin is hardly an appealing experience. LooREADY eliminates these issues with a flushable, hygienic, and environmentally conscious solution.
The bottom line? What happens in the toilet doesn’t always stay in the toilet. Next time you flush, make sure you’re not giving your bathroom an unwanted bacteria shower. 😳🚽
Citations & References
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People Magazine – Kelly Ripa's Hilarious Home Decor Item
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The Independent – Toilet Lids & Bacteria Spread
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The Guardian – The Perfect Flush: Why You Should Close the Lid
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The Guardian – Should You Close the Lid? A Family Debate
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American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) – Toilet Plume Bacteria Spread
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PMC Research – Lid Down? Still a Problem
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Nature – Laser Imaging of Toilet Plume
