Why You Should Consider Toilet Seat Covers?
When Better Homes and Gardens—an authority on everything from decor to hygiene—publishes bathroom advice, it’s worth paying attention. In a recent article, they tackled a long-standing debate: Should you flush the toilet with the lid up or down?
The answer? It’s all about minimizing the invisible mess we don’t see—but definitely don’t want on our toothbrushes.
When it comes to bathroom hygiene, one debate has people split: should you flush the toilet with the lid up or down? While the answer might surprise you, experts also want to bring attention to another often-overlooked layer of protection—toilet seat covers.
According to Better Homes & Gardens (BHG), and experts like Shari Cedar (CEO, AK Building Services) and Arianna Castro (P&G), the answer is pretty clear: flush with the lid down—and consider using a toilet seat cover for added protection.
What Happens When You Flush?
Bathrooms, especially public ones, are a hotspot for germs. Experts like Shari Cedar, CEO of AK Building Services, and Arianna Castro from P&G, confirm that every flush creates an aerosol plume—a mist of tiny, invisible particles that can travel through the air and land on nearby surfaces.
Flushing isn’t as innocent as it seems. Each time you flush, it creates what's known as an aerosol plume—a fine mist of bacteria-laden droplets that can shoot out of the bowl. BHG(Better Homes & Gardens) cites research from the University of Colorado showing these particles can travel at 6.6 feet per second and rise up to 5 feet high within 8 seconds.
That means anything near the toilet—like your toothbrush, towels, or makeup brushes—could be exposed, even if the bowl looks clean.
So, does closing the lid help?
Lid Up or Down: What's Safer?
The short answer: down.
BHG(Better Homes & Gardens) reports that even though closing the lid doesn’t stop 100% of the particle spread, it greatly reduces how far germs can travel.
Even though recent research published in The American Journal of Infection Control shows that closing the lid doesn't eliminate the spread of germs, it does help reduce how far particles travel. So, while not a perfect solution, flushing with the lid down is still a smarter, more hygienic move—especially in shared spaces.
Why Toilet Seat Covers Are Your Secret Hygiene Shield?
Here’s where things get more interesting. While lid-down flushing is a preventive step, it doesn’t help once you sit down. Here’s where toilet seat covers come in, and why Better Homes & Gardens recommends layering your hygiene habits.
That’s where toilet seat covers—like the ones from LooREADY—come in.
Disposable toilet seat covers provide a physical barrier between you and potentially contaminated toilet seats, especially useful in public restrooms where lids are rarely available or used. Here's why they matter:
1. Added Protection from Germs
Toilet seats are touched by multiple users, and bacteria can linger. LooREADY toilet seat covers are made to be flushable, biodegradable, and quick to use, making them perfect for everyday travel, public restrooms, offices, and events.
2. Environmentally Responsible
Worried about adding waste? Don't be. LooREADY covers are made from eco-friendly materials that break down naturally in water—meaning they're safe for plumbing and septic systems. Unlike plastic or synthetic alternatives, these covers are a sustainable choice for hygiene-conscious people who also care about the planet.
3. Compact and Convenient
Small enough to fit in your bag or even pocket, LooREADY covers offer peace of mind when you're on the go. Whether you're using a gas station restroom or an airplane lavatory, you’ll always be prepared.
Final Thoughts: Hygiene Is Layered
Whether you're at home or on the move, BHG emphasizes that good bathroom hygiene requires more than just one habit. It’s about layering simple yet effective practices:
-
Close the lid before flushing to reduce the reach of aerosol plumes.
-
Disinfect regularly, including the toilet, lid, and surrounding surfaces.
-
Improve airflow in your bathroom with exhaust fans or open windows.
-
Use toilet seat covers like LooREADY for that extra shield of hygiene, especially in public or high-traffic restrooms.
Your health and the planet both matter—and with a few mindful steps, you don’t have to choose between them.
Always Be LooREADY.
