Bathrooms are usually humid, small, and poorly ventilated, so many people choose to leave the bathroom door open after use to help with air circulation. However, is this actually the right solution?

Whether to keep the bathroom door closed or open for better ventilation is a topic that many people care about and often discuss. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and to make the right decision, we need to consider several factors such as hygiene, convenience, aesthetics, and feng shui.

Should the bathroom door be kept closed or open?

If you want your bathroom space to be airy and dry after each use—especially those with combined toilet and shower areas—you can install additional windows or a mechanical ventilation system on the walls or ceiling. After using the bathroom, close the door and turn on the ventilation system or open the windows; the room will dry more quickly.

Should you close or open the bathroom door when not in use?

Today, bathrooms often include the toilet inside, so some people prefer keeping the door closed after use to prevent bacteria, odors, and mold. Meanwhile, others prefer leaving it open for better airflow.

Aside from the bathroom door itself, experts also recommend keeping certain items inside the bathroom properly closed to limit bacteria and odors from spreading. These include the toilet lid, the laundry basket, and the trash bin.

Regarding the toilet, scientists have conducted many experiments proving that if you don’t close the toilet lid before flushing, it can release a large amount of bacteria into the air. One example is an experiment by researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder. They used specialized blue laser light to illuminate the toilet area during and after flushing while the lid remained open.

The results showed that many droplets and aerosols containing bacteria were released into the air—something invisible to the naked eye. These bacteria can cling to objects, personal items, or even the human body, causing skin problems or entering the respiratory tract. Therefore, it is best to close the toilet lid before flushing.

Finally, regular bathroom cleaning should be maintained daily or at least once a week. This helps prevent bacteria buildup. A properly cleaned bathroom—and home in general—helps maintain a healthy and comfortable living environment.

Bathrooms need to be kept clean and well-ventilated

Benefits of keeping the bathroom door closed

Maintains privacy: Closing the bathroom door ensures privacy and comfort for users.

Prevents odors: A closed door helps prevent unpleasant odors from spreading to other areas of the home, keeping living spaces fresh.

Better feng shui: Closing the bathroom door helps limit the spread of negative energy and preserves positive energy in the home according to feng shui beliefs.