Have a Clean Toilet by Following These Steps
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What comes to mind when you hear the words clean toilet?
Do you automatically envision yours and feel a sense of assurance that your toilets are clean? Or do you think that there’s some work to do in that department?
If you’re in the latter category, you’re not alone. Most would prefer to do several other household chores than clean the toilet. It certainly can be a dirty job.
But it is a hotbed for germs and bacteria, so a clean one is a must.
At the end of the day, when you properly clean your toilet, you reduce the risk of a buildup of harmful bacteria. And you certainly don’t want to compromise your health.
Here’s the thing, having a clean toilet doesn’t have to take a lot of time. The key is to do it regularly, i.e., at least weekly. And to clean first before disinfecting.
As a quick refresh, there is a distinction between cleaning and disinfecting.
Cleaning: removing dirt and some germs from surfaces.
Disinfecting: killing germs on the surface.
Once again, it is important to clean first, before disinfecting.
So, let’s look at the steps to clean your toilet, and in my opinion, to do it properly.
Supplies:
- Gloves
To protect your hands from germs and bacteria.
Make sure that your gloves are designated for cleaning toilets only to prevent cross-contamination.
These long cleaning gloves will also protect your clothing - Microfiber cloth (or paper towel)
Fold the microfiber cloth in ½ to clean the outside with one side and the seat with the other. Alternatively, use a separate cloth for the interior or use a few sheets of paper towel. - Old toothbrush
Use this for some of the harder-to-reach areas, such as in-between the seat hinges and on the bumpers located on the underside of the seat.
- Toilet brush
To clean inside the bowl. - Scrub brush or scrub sponge
To clean underneath the rim. - Cleaning solution:
Castile soap and water in a spray bottle (1/4 cup of Castile soap and 4 quarts/1 liter of water) for the exterior.
Vinegar and baking soda (1 cup each) for the bowl and underneath the rim.
Or your preferred cleaner. - Hydrogen peroxide
Use as a disinfectant. This is not as harsh as bleach.
Store in a dark, cool place with the lid on tight. Hydrogen peroxide is sensitive to light and will lose its strength if not put away correctly. Read the instructions carefully before using this, for your safety.
How do you properly clean a toilet?
Preparation:
- Preparation is an important step in having a clean toilet. Start with removing all items on top of the tank so that nothing falls into the bowl while cleaning. And remove anything around the toilet to ensure you have enough space to clean and lessen the chance of getting other items wet.
- Reduce the water level in the toilet bowl by pushing the toilet brush into the drain a few times to give you a clearer view of the bowl. And decrease your chances of getting sprayed with water from the toilet. Pour your vinegar followed by baking soda (or your preferred toilet bowl cleaner) into the bowl, and under the rim. Close the lid to provide the cleaner with a chance to work.
Spray your cleaner on the outside of the toilet and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to provide some time for the cleaner to remove germs and bacteria.
Clean the outer area first
- Spray your Castille soap and water mix (or your cleaner of choice) on the outside of the toilet. Using the microfiber cloth, clean the flush handle (or push-button), tank lid, and the tank. Once you get down to the seat hinges, use the old toothbrush to clean this area. Clean on, in-between, and around the hinges. If you can open the hinges, clean them with the toothbrush.
Move down to the seat lid and the front and sides of the bowl. Clean the floor around the toilet area, especially the front, as this is where most germs collect around the toilet.
Clean the inside
- Lift the seat lid and clean the underside using the other side of your microfiber cloth, paper towel, or a fresh microfiber cloth. Then clean the surface of the toilet seat, and the seat interior.
Use the scrub brush to clean underneath the rim. If you’ve ever looked, you’ll notice that deposits can collect here and leave brownish stains, so, use some force to scrub this area thoroughly. And, once you’ve done that, grab the toilet brush and use it to clean inside the toilet bowl, including the drain.
If you have toilet ring, take a look at these tips to get rid of it.
Place the toilet brush under the seat, close the lid and flush the toilet leaving the brush there to dry.
Disinfect
- Spray your disinfectant (or use disinfectant wipes) on the outside of the toilet, the seat, the toilet brush, and the floor around the toilet area. Unless you’re going to use the toilet right after cleaning, no need to wipe the solution with a cloth, as hydrogen peroxide changes into water, and oxygen and the water will eventually evaporate. If you need to use the toilet right afterward, use a dry cloth to wipe the disinfectant after a few minutes.
Quick tips:
Throw your cloths in hot, soapy water, rinse them out right after using them and wash them right away. Otherwise, make sure you wash your cleaning cloths separately from your other laundry items.
Always keep the lid down when flushing the toilet to prevent aerosolizing (spraying).
Equip yourself with a cleaning caddy specifically for the toilet and place one in each bathroom for easy access.
Recap
With your dedicated toilet cleaning caddy already prepped with the previously mentioned supplies, you’ll be ready to take on this task at a moment’s notice. And in a few minutes, you’ll be done.
As you can see, a clean toilet is not difficult to achieve.