How to Clean Your Toilet: A Complete Guide for Sparkling Results
Toilet cleaning is a chore that nobody looks forward to. However, it is an essential task that needs to be done to keep the bathroom free of germs and bacteria. With a little extra elbow grease, any toilet can be cleaned thoroughly, leaving the bathroom smelling fresh and clean. In this guide, we will break down the proper way to clean your toilet.
Supplies Needed
Before we get started, we need to gather the necessary supplies. Here's what you'll need:
Toilet brush: A good quality toilet brush is a must-have. It allows you to get under the lip of the bowl, so all the grime and buildup can come off. Make sure it is in good condition and that you replace it if necessary.
Toilet bowl cleaner: The best toilet bowl cleaners have bleach inside, but there are also useful alternatives without bleach if you want. If you do not have the hand strength to squeeze the bottle, grab a toilet bowl cleaner that has a spray instead.
Surface disinfectant: It is not just the inside of the toilet that needs to be cleaned, but the outside as well. Additionally, remember to disinfect the toilet brush after using it, so grab a disinfectant spray that can be used for both purposes.
Wiping material: Anything to help wipe down the surfaces is needed. These can be either disinfectant wipes, a reusable towel, a sponge, or paper towels.
Rubber gloves: This is optional, but it is a handy tip. Rubber gloves keep your skin protected from cleaning chemicals and also help you feel more comfortable when your hands are in the toilet.
How Long Will This Take?
The time it takes to clean your toilet depends on the brand of bowl cleaner that you have purchased. It should only take between 15 to 20 minutes to clean the toilet. Some cleaning solutions instruct the user to let it sit in the bowl for 10 minutes before scrubbing it away, so make sure to read the label.
Step 1: Reduce the Water Level
If you want the toilet bowl solution to properly work, the water level needs to be reduced in the toilet. There are many ways to complete this, but one of the fastest ways is to fill an empty bucket with a half-gallon of water. Quickly pour this water into the back of the bowl and the flushing motion can be triggered without the need to refill the bowl with new water.
Step 2: Apply the Cleaning Solution
Start at the top of the bowl under the rim and apply the solution in a circle. The cleaner should drip down the sides. If squeezing the bottle is an issue, then purchase one aerosol spray can instead to complete this task.
Step 3: Scrub
After letting the solution sit in the bowl for the allotted time, take out the toilet brush and scrub away. Firmly scrub the grime for all surfaces it can reach. Also, to reduce the chance of anything splashing back, keep the brush’s head inside the bowl; then, flush the toilet.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Outside
Grab the chosen item for wiping the outside of the toilet and begin the cleaning process. Make sure to wipe down all the exposed surfaces. Moreover, pay close attention to the areas that are touched often. Also, many people forget about the back of the toilet but ensure to clean there as well because a lot of dirt and dust can build up there.
Step 5: Disinfect the Brush
After cleaning the brush, it's essential to disinfect it to prevent any bacteria or fungi from growing on it. To disinfect the brush, you can follow these simple steps:
- Fill a bowl or container with warm water.
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil or vinegar to the water. Both of these natural ingredients have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help kill any remaining germs on the brush.
- Place the brush in the solution and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
- After soaking, rinse the brush thoroughly with water to remove any leftover disinfectant.
- Gently shake the brush to remove any excess water, and then lay it flat to dry on a clean towel.
By disinfecting your brush regularly, you can ensure that it stays clean and hygienic for use on your hair. It's a simple step that can go a long way in preventing any scalp or hair infections.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
To complete the process, make sure to dispose of any used cleaning materials, wash hands thoroughly, and leave the toilet lid open to allow for proper air circulation.
Tips for Keeping the Toilet Clean
Cleaning the toilet every week is important, but some tips can help keep it clean in between cleanings:
Use a daily cleaner: A daily cleaner can help keep the toilet clean in between weekly cleanings. Simply spray the cleaner into the bowl and under the rim after every use.
Keep a brush nearby: Keep a toilet brush nearby and give the bowl a quick scrub every day. This will help prevent build-up and make the weekly cleaning process easier.
Use a toilet bowl tablet: Drop a toilet bowl tablet into the tank to keep the bowl clean and fresh between cleanings.
Close the lid: Closing the toilet lid before flushing can prevent bacteria and germs from spreading around the bathroom.
Use a toilet seat cover: A toilet seat cover can help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria while using the toilet.
Cleaning the toilet may not be the most exciting chore, but it is an important one. A clean toilet can prevent the spread of bacteria and germs, and it can make the bathroom a more pleasant place to be. With the right supplies and a little bit of elbow grease, anyone can clean their toilet properly and thoroughly.