Learn how to clean a toilet with this simple guide. Discover how to remove stains, germs and odors to ensure that your porcelain throne is fit for royalty.
Cleaning the toilet isn’t very appealing to most people. It’s one of the most frequently-used seats in the house, so it’s no surprise that it can be a breeding ground for germs.
But, having a toilet fit for royalty — it is known as the porcelain throne after all — isn’t difficult. Here’s a simple guide for getting a spotless commode in just a few easy steps.
How To Clean A Toilet
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Gather Toilet Cleaning Products
It’s always best to round up the supplies you’ll need to clean the toilet before you begin the chore. You definitely don’t want to be running around the house to retrieve something after you’ve started.
Here’s a list of supplies you should have:
- Rubber gloves
- Disinfecting spray or wipes
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Toilet bowl cleaner brush
- Pumice stone on a stick
- Paper towels or cleaning cloths
- Sponge or brush
Best Way To Clean The Toilet Bowl
Begin by applying toilet cleaner to the inside of the bowl. Make sure you get under or as close to the rim as possible. You can opt for a store-bought brand like Lysol or DIY your own. I love the angled head of the Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner bottle for this reason.
Here’s a list of non-toxic cleaning product brands, if you’re looking to make the switch.
No matter which cleaning product you choose, use generously and let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes or the length of time specified by the manufacturer. This gives the product time to work killing germs and removing stains and odors.
Clean the Outside
While cleaning the commode, don’t forget about the outside and surrounding areas. Studies have shown that with each flush of the toilet, particles are launched into the air and settle on nearby areas. (I know… yuck!)
So, spray or wipe down the following areas with disinfecting spray or wipes:
- Outside of the toilet base
- The tank
- Handle
- Under the seat
- And, surrounding floor and walls
I personally prefer wipes because it’s an easy one-step thing — disinfect and toss the used wipes. There are a couple more steps if you choose to use a disinfecting spray.
If using spray, leave it to sit for a few minutes. Most people spray and wipe away immediately but, just like the toilet bowl cleaner, you need to give the product time to work.
After spraying, wipe down the toilet and surrounding areas. I recommend using paper towels so you can dispose of those nasty things rather than having to try to sanitize them later. But, the choice is totally yours.
Remove Toilet Bowl Stains
Turn your attention back to the inside of the toilet and grab the toilet bowl cleaner brush. Scrub the bowl interior and under the rim.
If you notice hard water stains in the toilet, these are most likely caused by minerals in your water. Use the pumice stone on a stick to remove these. The stick is great because you won’t need to put your hands in the toilet.
Here are some other ways to remove hard water stains in the toilet.
Best Way To Clean A Toilet Tank
Mineral build-up can occur inside the toilet tank as well. To remove this, pour 4 cups of white vinegar inside the tank and allow it to sit for an hour.
Turn off the water to the toilet and flush it so you drain the tank. Use a sponge or brush to scrub the interior. Then, turn the water back on, allow the tank to fill and flush the toilet to rinse the tank.
Sanitize and return Your Tools
Don’t just stick that wet grimy toilet brush back in the holder, take a moment to sanitize it and allow it to dry thoroughly first.
I like to wedge the toilet bowl brush handle under the toilet seat so that the bristles are over the bowl. Pour some cleaning solution over the head of the brush, then rinse with water. Leave the brush right there until it dries.
You can also clean the canister that the brush sits in by adding some cleaning solution to that as well. Once you’re done, dump the contents into the toilet and flush.
Return your cleaning supplies to their rightful storage spots and you’re all done!
Now you know how to clean a toilet thoroughly, don’t stop there. Use this handy free bathroom cleaning checklist to make the rest of the bathroom spotless.