---
title: Why You Should Always Close Your Toilet Lid & 9 Healthier Home Tips
description: Discover 10 simple cleaning tips for a healthier home, from closing the toilet lid to choosing non-toxic products. Small habits make a big difference!
---

[The Betty Blog](https://twobettysclean.com/the-betty-blog)

# [Why You Should Always Close Your Toilet Lid & 9 Healthier Home Tips](https://twobettysclean.com/the-betty-blog/why-you-should-always-close-your-toilet-lid-9-healthier-home-tips)

 Written by [Anna Tsantir](https://twobettysclean.com/the-betty-blog/author/anna-tsantir) | November 11, 2026

You want your home to feel fresh, clean, and healthy — of course you do! And you do your best to make sure it does. But there are a few sneaky spots that even the best of us can miss, and it’s all too easy to fall into habits that leave your home less clean than you’d like.

The good news? A healthier home doesn't have to mean spending hours scrubbing every nook and cranny. Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference.

We've rounded up 10 simple tips for a healthier home — ways to keep your home cleaner and more pleasant to live in. Some might surprise you, and others are good old-fashioned reminders worth repeating.

## 1. Close the Toilet Lid Before Flushing

We might as well start off with a banger.

Did you know that, when you flush the toilet, “tiny water droplets and mist shoot up and spread into the air, [as far away as 5 feet](https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553%2823%2900820-9/fulltext)?” Yep. Sorry about that mental image. 🤢Those water droplets can send bacteria and viruses (like *E. coli,* salmonella, shigella, streptococcus, and staphylococcus) onto the surfaces of your bathroom. *Eww*.

Closing the toilet lid before flushing can help reduce the amount of water droplets that escape during a flush, leaving less bacteria behind.

## 2. Wash 👏 Your 👏 Hands 👏

Ok, this one is a no-brainer (or, at least, it should be). But keeping those hands clean is one of the best ways to keep yourself and your family healthy and your home cleaner. Washing your hands properly (especially after using the bathroom) helps reduce the spread of germs.

Just think about how many surfaces you touch in the course of a regular day: light switches, doorknobs, appliances … The cleaner your hands are, the less grime and bacteria you’ll spread around as you move throughout your home.

**For best results: Use soap and warm water, and rub hands together for at least 20-30 seconds. Don’t forget to scrub under your nails!**

Also, fun fact: Soap is one of the most important inventions of all time. When soap came on the scene, it completely revolutionized public health, reduced disease, and enabled modern societies to thrive. That little bar of soap really does a lot of heavy lifting!

***Learn more about the*** [***fascinating history of soap in this blog***](https://twobettysclean.com/the-betty-blog/from-babylon-to-bubble-baths-the-history-of-soap)***.***

## 3. Disinfect Your Toothbrushes

Ok, we promise this whole article isn’t just about trying to gross you out. But this one just might.

Toothbrushes can be the breeding ground for a *ton* of germs. Our mouths are full of germs (and so is your bathroom — see tip #1). Even if you’re replacing your toothbrush as often as your dentist recommends, that still gives bacteria ample time to reproduce on your brush.

So, if you’re not already disinfecting your toothbrush every week, now’s the time to start.

First, rinse your toothbrush well after every use, and make sure it’s stored in a place where it can thoroughly air-dry (preferably in an upright position). To keep germs from spreading among your family’s toothbrushes, store them separately (or at least make sure they’re not touching).

To sanitize your brush, give it a soak in an antibacterial mouthwash or a [hydrogen peroxide solution](https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/how-to-clean-toothbrush) once per week.

## 4. Clean Your Cleaning Tools

In a similar vein, it’s important to routinely clean the tools you use to clean your home. Most of us already do this with some cleaning tools, like dishrags. But your mop, broom, duster, and even your vacuum cleaner also need some attention to keep them clean and effective.

Start here:

- Shake dusters outside to release the dust and dirt that clings to them.
- Machine wash rags (add a little vinegar to your wash for better disinfection!).
- Replace or sanitize sponges every couple of weeks.
- Sanitize mop heads, broom heads, and scrub brushes by removing any debris and soaking them in hot soapy water, plus a little disinfecting solution.
- Clean out your vacuum filter regularly
- Empty your vacuum’s dust canister or replace the bag when it’s about ⅔ full.

## 5. Keep the Clutter in Check

It’s tough to get your home really clean when you have to vacuum or dust around piles of books, toys, or random objects. Plus, all that clutter attracts dust, and dust holds onto odor … making your home dirtier and, well … stinkier (sorry, but it’s true).

Taking a few moments to put items away and tidy up before you bring in the cleaning tools will help you clean more efficiently. Bonus: you’ll enjoy your clean, tidy home much more!

## 6. Clean Doorknobs and Handles

High-touch surfaces like doorknobs, handles, and light switches can be easy to overlook when you’re cleaning. You’re used to wiping down countertops and mopping the floor, but these often-used surfaces are equally important to keep clean.

Since we handle doorknobs, cabinet handles, faucet handles, and light switches so often, grime and germs can build up quickly. To keep those germs at bay, make wiping down knobs, handles, and switches a regular part of your cleaning routine. Simply use a disinfecting cleaner and a microfiber cloth to give them a quick scrub. Easy peasy!

## 7. Give Your Cleaning Products Time To Work

Don’t wipe up your cleaning products right after spraying. Instead, give them a minute to do their thing. This is especially true with disinfecting cleaners, as they need a little time on the surface to, well … disinfect. Other cleaners simply need time to break down dirt, grime, and oils.

Think of it like letting your dishes soak for a few minutes before you scrub them.

How long you wait will vary depending on the product, but in most cases, 5-10 minutes will do the trick. Read the labels on your cleaning products before you use them, and make sure to give them the recommended amount of time to work before wiping them up.

## 8. Ventilate While Cleaning

Yes, even with non-toxic cleaning products! While natural cleaning ingredients like vinegar and essential oils can be better for your lungs than other cleaners, it’s still best not to breathe them in too much.

Open a window (just a crack will do), and turn on the bathroom or kitchen fan while you’re cleaning to keep your air ventilated. Good airflow will help rid your air of any fumes and — \*BONUS\* — will leave your home smelling fresh without the need for highly scented products.

## 9. Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

We know we talk about this a lot, but since we’re sharing tips for a healthier home, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention it again. Regular use of cleaning products with toxic ingredients like phthalates, triclosan, chlorine, and 2-butoxyethanol can cause all sorts of health problems.

Instead, opt for non-toxic alternatives like essential oil-scented sprays and solvents, diluted vinegar or alcohol, baking soda, Bon Ami, or borax.

***Learn more about our*** [***recommended non-toxic cleaners in this blog!***](https://twobettysclean.com/the-betty-blog/want-a-healthier-home-swap-these-toxic-ingredients-for-non-toxic-alternatives)

## 10. Maintain a Consistent Cleaning Schedule

Finally, one of the best ways to keep your home healthy and germ-free is to stick to a consistent cleaning schedule. Don’t wait for things to *look* dirty before you clean. After all, you can’t see bacteria, and dust and grime start to build up long before they become visible.

Clean your home on a regular basis, making sure your routine includes:

- Dusting
- Vacuuming
- Mopping
- Wiping down countertops, plus doorknobs, handles, and light switches
- Scrubbing the bathroom

In addition, make sure you add in other tasks periodically, like a [seasonal deep clean](https://twobettysclean.com/the-betty-blog/spring-green-clean-like-a-pro-your-ultimate-guide) and [cleaning out your fridge](https://twobettysclean.com/cleaning-services/one-time-cleans), oven, and dishwasher.

## A Healthier Home Starts with the Little Things

The secret to a healthier home? It's not about cleaning *more* — it's about cleaning *smarter*.

Little habits like closing the toilet lid, wiping down high-touch surfaces, and giving your cleaning products time to work can make a big difference. And you don't have to tackle all 10 tips at once! Start with one or two, build them into your routine, and go from there.

Of course, we know that keeping up with all the cleaning can feel like a full-time job (and who needs *more* to do??). That's where Two Bettys comes in. We're here to help you keep your home clean, healthy, and cared for, using non-toxic products that are better for people and the planet.

Because at the end of the day, your home should be a place where you can relax, recharge, and breathe a little easier.

**Want us to take your regular cleaning tasks off your plate? Or maybe you could use a one-time clean to get your routine back on track? Either way, our Bettys are here to help. Simply** [**get your instant quote here**](https://twobettysclean.com/instant-quote?hsLang=en) **and schedule your service.**

[View full post](https://twobettysclean.com/the-betty-blog/why-you-should-always-close-your-toilet-lid-9-healthier-home-tips)

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