You might think you know how to clean a toilet... but are you doing it the right way? Most people view toilet cleaning as a quick chore of "scrub and flush," but to truly sanitize the most-used fixture in your home, you need a systematic approach.
Cleaning a toilet effectively is about more than just removing visible stains; it’s about eliminating pathogens, preventing the buildup of mineral deposits, and ensuring the air in your bathroom remains fresh. To keep your bathroom sparkling and guest-ready, follow this expert-approved, step-by-step method.
1. Preparation and The "Wait Time" Secret
The most common mistake in toilet cleaning is rushing. Chemical cleaners require "dwell time" to actually kill bacteria and break down uric acid.
Step 1: The Internal Pre-Treat Start by lifting the lid and squirting a high-quality toilet bowl cleaner inside the rim. Ensure you are coating the entire bowl, specifically targeting the area under the rim where the water jets are located.
- The Secret: Do not scrub yet. Let the cleaner sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the acids or bleach in the cleaner to dissolve limescale and disinfect the surface without you having to use excessive elbow grease.
2. Sanitizing the Exterior: From Top to Bottom
While the internal cleaner is working its magic, turn your attention to the exterior. This is where most household germs—including E. coli and streptococcus—reside.
Step 2: Prepare Your Solution Fill the bathroom sink or a dedicated bucket with about a gallon of hot water. Add 1/2 cup of bleach (or a powerful disinfectant of your choice).
Step 3: The Wipe Down Dip a microfiber cloth into the mixture and wring it out so it is damp but not dripping. The order matters here: Always wipe from the top down to avoid cross-contamination.
- The Tank and Handle: Start with the flush handle (the most touched part) and the top of the tank.
- The Pedestal: Wipe down the sides of the porcelain base.
- The Lid and Seat: Clean these last. Pay special attention to the hinges and the underside of the seat, as these are high-splash zones.
Step 4: Managing Extra Buildup If you see yellowing or dust buildup around the floor bolts, spray a specialized bathroom cleaner on those spots. Many modern toilets have bolt covers that pop off; remove these to clean the hidden gunk that accumulates underneath. Let the spray sit for a few minutes before wiping.
5. The Interior Scrub: Finishing the Job
Now that the interior cleaner has had time to dwell, it’s time to finish the bowl.
Step 5: The Brush Work Use a sturdy toilet brush to scrub the bowl thoroughly. Focus on the water line and the area under the rim. The cleaner should have softened any stains, making them easy to sweep away. Once finished, flush the toilet to rinse the bowl and the brush simultaneously.
- Pro Tip: To dry your brush, wedge it between the toilet seat and the bowl so it drips into the water before you put it back in its holder. This prevents a pool of "dirty water" from forming in the brush canister.
6. How to Remove Stubborn Hard Water Stains
Continue reading by clicking the ( NEXT 》 ) button below !
