For years, we’ve been told to close the lid before flushing the toilet. It makes sense, since when the toilet flushes, it releases what's called a “toilet plume” or a spray of microscopic bacteria.

Just like the great debate over which way the toilet paper roll goes, there is a similar spat over flushing: lid open or closed? Scientists have weighed in with their own woeful conclusion: Neither is ...

Flushing toilets releases invisible particles into the air. A study shows closing the lid reduces this spread. Larger droplets hit the lid, limiting travel. This is not a perfect shield. Regular ...