You need to learn how to clean a toilet if you want to keep your home and toilet in tip-top shape.
It is a necessary chore that no one particularly enjoys.
Don’t clean it and, well, you’ll try to avoid your toilet like you’re in a public bathroom.
Don’t do that.
Very much like laundry and other household chores that require more than just a wipe-down.
However, maintaining a clean and hygienic toilet is essential for a healthy home environment.
Regular cleaning of the toilet bowl, tank, and seat can prevent the buildup of germs and bacteria that can make everyone in your house sick.
The Basics of How to Clean a Toilet
To start, you want to ensure you have ALL the supplies you need or you’ll find yourself having to stop in the middle of the whole process.
This includes some good rubber gloves, an effective toilet brush, quality toilet cleaner, and something to disinfect it afterward.
Once you have gathered all these supplies, it is time to take the necessary steps to clean a toilet.
Before putting any toilet cleaner in the bowl, let’s get you prepared.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Supplies
Toilet Brushes
When it comes to cleaning a toilet, a good toilet brush is essential.
Look for a brush with sturdy bristles that can easily reach all areas of the toilet bowl.
A brush with a long handle can also help you reach under the rim and other hard-to-reach areas.
It’s best to choose a brush with a holder that allows it to dry out between uses, which can help prevent the growth of bacteria.
Cleaning Solutions
There are many cleaning solutions available for cleaning a toilet, including bleach, vinegar, and commercial toilet bowl cleaners.
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill germs and bacteria, but it can also be harsh on the skin and eyes.
Vinegar is a natural cleaner that can help remove stains and odors, but it may not be as effective at killing germs as bleach.
Commercial toilet bowl cleaners are formulated specifically for cleaning toilets, and they often contain powerful disinfectants and cleaning agents.
When choosing a cleaning solution, consider your personal preferences, as well as any health concerns or sensitivities you may have.
Gloves
Cleaning a toilet can be messy and unpleasant, so it’s a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands.
Choose gloves that are durable and waterproof, and that fit snugly to prevent water and cleaning solutions from seeping in.
Latex or nitrile gloves are a good choice, but if you have a latex allergy, choose gloves made from an alternative material.
Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after removing your gloves to prevent the spread of germs.
Preparing the Toilet for Cleaning
Before you learn how to clean a toilet, it is important to prepare the area to avoid any mess or damage.
Here are a few steps to follow:
- Gather Supplies: Start by gathering all the necessary cleaning supplies, such as gloves, toilet cleaner, scrub brush, and paper towels or cleaning rags. Keep them within reach.
- Flush the Toilet: Before cleaning, flush the toilet to remove any loose debris or particles.
- Apply Cleaner: Apply the toilet cleaner to the inside of the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner’s label.
- Clean the Exterior: While the cleaner is working, use a disinfectant spray and a clean cloth to wipe down the exterior of the toilet, including the tank, lid, and base.
- Scrub the Bowl: After the cleaner has had time to work, use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl thoroughly. Pay special attention to the rim, where most of the dirt and bacteria tend to accumulate.
- Rinse and Dry: Once the bowl is clean, flush the toilet and rinse the brush with clean water. Wipe down the exterior of the toilet with a dry cloth or paper towel.
By following these steps, you should know how to clean a toilet and develop your personal preference along the way.
Cleaning the Toilet Bowl
As much as no one likes or wants to know how to clean a toilet, it’s a definite must and one that should be done properly.
You can clean your house fast, but if you have to clean your bathroom and toilet, don’t expect to hit any Guinness World records.
Instead of going about things like everyone else, follow these tips to ensure you learn how to clean a toilet the right way.
Applying the Cleaner
To clean a toilet bowl, the first step is to apply the cleaner.
There are many different types of toilet bowl cleaners available on the market, including liquid, gel, and powder cleaners.
Choose a cleaner that is suitable for your toilet bowl material.
To apply the cleaner, squirt it around the inside of the bowl, making sure to get it under the rim and around the waterline.
Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended amount of time, usually 10-15 minutes.
Scrubbing the Bowl
After the cleaner has done its thing, it’s time to scrub the bowl.
Use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl, paying special attention to the areas with stains or buildup.
Be sure to scrub under the rim and around the waterline as well.
If you’re having trouble removing stubborn stains, consider using a pumice stone.
Wet the stone and gently rub it over the stain until it disappears.
Be careful not to scratch the toilet bowl surface.
Rinsing and Flushing
Once the bowl has been thoroughly scrubbed, it’s time to rinse and flush.
Use a bucket or pitcher to pour water around the inside of the bowl, rinsing away the cleaner and any remaining debris.
Then, flush the toilet to ensure that all of the cleaner and debris have been removed.
Repeat the process as necessary until the bowl is clean and free of stains and buildup.
Remember to always wear gloves and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using toilet bowl cleaners.
Cleaning the Toilet Rim and Seat
Wiping the Rim
To clean the toilet rim, start by wetting a cleaning cloth with a toilet cleaning solution.
Then, wipe the rim thoroughly, making sure to reach all the nooks and crannies.
It’s important to clean the rim regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria, germs, and gunk, which can cause bad odors and some sick people.
If you notice any stains or discoloration on the rim, you can use a more abrasive cleaner or a pumice stone to remove them.
Be careful not to scratch the porcelain, as this can cause permanent damage and more money coming out of your pocket.
Sanitizing the Seat
To sanitize the toilet seat, first, wipe it down with a disinfecting wipe or a cloth soaked in a sanitizing solution.
Make sure to clean both the top and bottom of the seat, as well as the hinges and any other areas that come into contact with skin.
If the seat is particularly dirty or stained, you may need to use a more powerful cleaner or a scrub brush to remove the buildup.
Be sure to rinse the seat thoroughly with water after cleaning to remove any residue.
Remember to clean the toilet seat and rim regularly to maintain a hygienic and pleasant bathroom environment.
Maintaining a Clean Toilet
Maintenance of your toilet or any other parts of your home is a must unless you like throwing money away.
Doing so will allow your toilet to last a really long time.
Not to mention a nice, clean throne to handle your business.
Here are some other tips on how you can maintain your toilet.
Regular Cleaning Schedule
To keep a toilet clean, it is important to establish a regular cleaning schedule.
This will help to prevent the buildup of grime and bacteria, which can lead to unpleasant odors and potential health hazards.
A good rule of thumb is to clean your toilet at least once a week, although households with more frequent use may require more frequent cleaning.
Proper Usage and Hygiene
In addition to regular cleaning, proper usage, and hygiene can help to maintain a clean toilet.
Encourage household members to use the toilet properly by avoiding flushing non-biodegradable items, such as wipes and sanitary products, down the toilet.
I repeat: do not flush any baby wipes, paper towels, or female hygiene products.
These items can clog pipes and lead to costly repairs.
It is also important to practice good hygiene when using the toilet.
Encourage household members to wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet to prevent the spread of germs.
Additionally, consider keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer near the toilet for added convenience.
Then again, just wash your hands with soap and water.
By establishing a regular cleaning schedule and promoting proper usage and hygiene, it is possible to maintain a clean and hygienic toilet.
Conclusion – Now You Know How to Clean a Toilet
Cleaning a toilet is an essential task that should be performed regularly to keep your toilet looking and feeling fresh.
By following the steps outlined in this guide on how to clean a toilet, you can now clean your toilet easily and effectively.
It is important to remember that using the right cleaning products and tools is crucial to achieving the desired results.
Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive tools, as they can damage the toilet’s surface and your home’s plumbing.
Regular cleaning can also help prevent the buildup of limescale and other stubborn stains that can be difficult to remove.
Additionally, using a toilet bowl cleaner tablet or in-tank tablet can help keep the toilet bowl clean and fresh between cleanings.
Overall, cleaning a toilet may not be the most glamorous task, but it is an important one that should not be neglected.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and using the right cleaning products and tools, anyone can keep their toilet clean and spotless.
Okay, I don’t know about spotless, but at least not look and feel like a public restroom.
