Brace yourself: if your toothbrush lives anywhere near your toilet, you might be brushing with more than just minty freshness. Yep—floating poop particles are real, and they’re not as rare as you’d like to think.
Every time you flush with the lid up, an invisible mist of tiny droplets—politely called a “toilet plume”—can shoot bacteria and other nasty bits several feet into the air. Studies show these microscopic particles can linger and land on nearby surfaces, including your innocent toothbrush perched by the sink.
It gets grosser. Researchers have found E. coli, norovirus, and other bathroom microbes on toothbrushes stored too close to toilets. While your mouth is already home to millions of bacteria, adding extra unwelcome guests from your toilet is a risk you don’t need.
So, what’s a hygiene-conscious brusher to do?
First, always close the toilet lid before flushing. This simple move dramatically slashes airborne germs. Second, store your toothbrush as far from the toilet as possible. Better yet, pop it in a cabinet or use a ventilated cover—just make sure it stays dry since damp bristles breed bacteria too.
And don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three months (or sooner if the bristles appear worn). Regularly disinfecting your toothbrush holder is also a smart move—studies show it’s one of the dirtiest spots in the entire bathroom.
A fresh mouth shouldn’t come with a side of toilet spray—lid down, brush safe, smile on.