People are now going more creative when it comes to their home decor, keeping in mind aesthetics against functionality and hygiene. Where the ’toilet flowers’ trend shows the creativity level of people in terms of their decor to keep up with the floral arrangements, providing both beauty and hygiene concerns in the bathroom decor.Recently, this new bathroom decor idea has taken social media by storm: the so-called “toilet flowers” trend. It involves placing fresh flowers directly inside the toilet tank, the water reservoir located behind the toilet bowl. While it may initially sound whimsical or creative, this practice raises several practical and hygienic concerns.
What is ‘toilet flowers’ trend
Unlike traditional floral arrangements that sit on a vanity or shelf, the “toilet flowers” are inserted inside the clear water tank itself. People arrange cut flower stems in the water-filled tank so they appear as though floating inside a transparent vase. The idea is to create a surprising and unique visual that guests might find memorable a way to elevate a plain bathroom into something Instagram-worthy.The trend was popularised by influencers such as TikTok user @thedailynelly, who demonstrated the hack by showing flowers neatly arranged inside her tank and claimed it would astonish visitors.
Why toilet flowers might not be as fresh as they look
Although visually novel, this trend immediately triggered criticism online and from experts. The main reasons include:
- Hygiene concerns: The toilet tank contains water that is directly involved in flushing waste. Introducing organic matter like flowers and flower food into this environment can feel unsanitary to many. There’s also the question of bacteria buildup and odor, as the tank is not a clean water source like a vase.
- Plumbing risks: Cut flower stems and the additives in floral water can interfere with the toilet’s flushing mechanism. The stems may block or damage the flushing parts, leading to poor flushing performance or costly repairs.
- Maintenance difficulties: Unlike a vase, which can be cleaned and refilled easily, the tank is a sealed system. Any debris, dirt, or decay from the flowers can accumulate inside and be hard to remove without professional help.
Why professionals say ‘toilet flowers’ could lead to costly repairs
According to New York Post reports, professional plumbers and floral designers alike have advised against this practice. Plumbers warn that introducing organic material into the toilet tank can cause clogs and malfunctions over time. Floral designers note that flower food and water additives can be corrosive or harmful to plumbing components. For instance, one commenter shared that her husband was a plumber and strongly discouraged the trend, emphasizing the increased risk of plumbing issues and extra maintenance costs.
Safer alternatives to brighten your bathroom
For those who love flowers but want to keep their bathroom functional and clean, experts recommend traditional options:
- Place a vase with fresh flowers on top of the toilet lid or on a bathroom shelf or counter. This keeps the flowers visible and adds charm without risking plumbing damage.
- Use artificial flowers or decorative plants designed for bathroom environments, which require less maintenance and pose no risk to plumbing.
- Incorporate floral-scented candles or diffusers to enhance the atmosphere without physical water or plant material near the toilet.
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