Nothing says, “This is a clean house” like seeing a sparkling clean toilet in the bathroom. While cleaning the toilet probably isn’t anyone’s favourite chore, it must be done regularly to remove potentially infectious bacteria and prevent plumbing problems. Allowing build-up to accumulate in the toilet tank and bowl can cause clogs and reduce water flow from the jets under the bowl’s rim.
While it may seem gross, cleaning the toilet can be quick and easy if you slip on some rubber gloves and use the right tools and products. Store the supplies in the bathroom for even easier access. Keep reading to learn how to clean the toilet and remove stains.
How Often to Clean the Toilet
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A toilet should be cleaned at least weekly, and more often when someone is sick. Even toilets that are not used frequently should be cleaned often to prevent stains from hard water standing in the bowl. Frequent cleaning makes the task much easier, quicker, and less unpleasant than waiting until the toilet is gross and visibly dirty.
Clear the Space
Remove everything from the top of the toilet tank and anything on the floor around the base of the toilet.
Flush and Prep
Flush the toilet with the lid closed. Put on rubber gloves and gather your cleaning supplies.
Add the Cleaner to the Toilet Bowl
Apply a commercial toilet bowl cleaner that contains bleach to disinfect the bowl starting under the rim and coating the entire bowl. Close the lid. Allow the cleaner time—at least five minutes—to begin lifting stains before starting to scrub.
Clean the Outside of the Toilet
While the cleaner is working inside the toilet bowl, go ahead and clean the outside of the toilet. Use a bathroom cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime. Start at the top and wipe off the tank lid, the sides of the tank, the flushing handle or button, and the outside of the bowl. Don’t forget the area between the seat and the tank. Finish by cleaning the toilet seat lid and both sides of the seat.
To get a good clean, remove the seat and clean it separately.
Scrub the Toilet Bowl
Use a long-handled bristled brush to clean the bowl starting at the top under the rim. Scrubbing this area will not only remove soil but will help keep the water jets free from mineral deposits that can cause clogs. Scrub the entire surface of the bowl including the bend or trap. Flush to rinse.
Disinfect the Toilet
Now that everything is clean, it’s time to disinfect all of the outside surfaces of the toilet. You can use disinfecting wipes or a disinfecting spray. The keys to successful disinfection are using enough product and allowing it sufficient time to work. Read the labels. Most disinfectants recommend that the surface remain wet for at least five to 10 minutes. Pay careful attention to the handle and seat areas.
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