It is generally recommended to keep the toilet seat and lid completely closed when not in use. This practice contains the “toilet plume”—a fine mist of bacteria and viruses that a flushing toilet can spray into the air.
When you close your toilet seat lid with water in the bowl, there is no air circulation. The stagnant moisture in the bowl along with dead skin cells or any organic matter on the toilet seat (which is food source for mold) gives way for mold to begin to form on your toilet seat and inner lid.
Before mass-produced toilet paper arrived in the mid-1800s, people worldwide relied on readily available natural materials or whatever scrap paper was on hand. The exact choice varied wildly by region, climate, and socioeconomic status.
Yes, it is highly recommended. A raised toilet seat makes sitting and standing significantly easier and less painful during your recovery. It prevents you from bending your recovering knee too deeply, which is crucial for managing pain and protecting the joint.
Yes, closing the toilet lid before flushing is more hygienic as it prevents the "toilet plume"—a violent, aerosolized spray of water droplets and microscopic pathogens (like E. coli or norovirus) from launching up to six feet into the air and settling on nearby surfaces like toothbrushes and countertops.
The most advanced washlets can mix the water jet with soap for an improved cleaning process. The washlet can replace toilet paper completely, but many users opt to use both wash and paper in combination—although use of paper may be omitted for cleaning of the vulva.
While it's not a perfect precaution, it makes a real difference. A 2020 study sampled aerosols after flushing with the lid up and down and found that doing it lid-down slashed the bacteria-containing aerosols by up to 50%.
Avoiding common pitfalls after knee replacement—such as skipping physical therapy, overexerting too soon, or neglecting pain management—is crucial for a successful recovery. Proper care requires a balance of rest, consistent movement, and following medical advice to avoid complications.
You should avoid sitting in a recliner after a hip replacement primarily because it forces your hip to bend past a safe angle, dramatically increasing the risk of joint dislocation.
After a knee replacement, you must avoid high-impact activities, sports with a high risk of falling, and movements that put excessive stress on your new joint. Permanent restrictions are rare, but your orthopedic surgeon will typically advise against the following to protect the implant:
Many traditional Amish communities consider manufactured toilet paper an unnecessary luxury and use resource-saving alternatives instead. In outhouses, families often repurpose old newspapers, magazine pages, or catalogs (like the Sears and Roebuck catalog). To make the paper soft enough to use, they crumple it vigorously multiple times.
Yes, an estimated 70% of the world does not use dry toilet paper to wipe. Instead, many cultures across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe prioritize washing with water.
Muslims use water instead of, or in addition to, toilet paper to clean themselves after using the restroom. This practice, called Istinja, is rooted in Islamic hygiene and purity laws.
The Japanese practice of hanging futons and pillows outside to “air out” isn't just traditional — it kills mold and mites that love humid bedding. Wipe down bathrooms after every use. Exhaust fans during showers, wipe tiles and mirrors, keep surfaces dry. Bathrooms are ground zero for household mold.
Yes, you can absolutely put vinegar in a toilet bowl! It is a cheap, natural, and highly effective way to break down mineral buildup, eliminate odors, and clean the porcelain without causing any damage.
To make your toilet smell good, start by eliminating the source of odors. Scrub the bowl and under the rim twice a week with disinfectant, clean the base of the toilet on the floor, and replace a porous plastic seat if urine odors linger. Once clean, maintain freshness with simple targeted hacks.
The Don'ts
You likely sleep better in your recliner because the upright or semi-reclined position naturally supports your breathing and reduces physical pain. Specific factors make recliners more accommodating than flat beds for many sleepers:
Always lead with your non-operated (good) leg when getting into bed, and bring your operated leg in last.
At six weeks, most people can walk for 10 to 30 minutes at a time (roughly a quarter-mile to a mile) without relying on a walker or cane. However, recovery varies greatly; some patients manage short outdoor neighborhood strolls, while others are still primarily walking indoors due to swelling or stiffness.
Knee-strengthening diets focus on reducing joint inflammation, supporting cartilage production, and building bone density. A joint-friendly diet is built on five key food groups:
Alternative surgery options include stem cells, PRP, nerve blocks, therapy, and minimally invasive care. Knee replacement alternatives protect joints and focus on healing. Non-surgical knee treatment often has a shorter recovery than surgery.
Yes, toilet flushing releases a "plume" of microscopic water, urine, and fecal particles into the air, a phenomenon commonly known as the toilet plume. These invisible particles can travel as fast as 6.6 feet per second and reach up to 4.9 feet above the toilet within seconds.
When you don't close the toilet lid, flushing creates a "toilet plume"—an invisible, highly energetic spray of microscopic water droplets, bacteria, and viruses. These aerosolized particles can shoot into the air, linger for several minutes, and settle on nearby bathroom surfaces like towels, counters, and your toothbrush.
These items should NEVER be flushed down the toilet: