Did you know that not cleaning your toilet properly can spread millions of germs throughout your home? Cleaning your toilet might seem like a horrendous chore, but it’s necessary for a sanitary household. So, how exactly can you have a spotless toilet?

Learning how to clean the toilet goes beyond removing the stains from the bowl. You should disinfect it to remove the bacteria you can’t see, which can cause many health issues. This article will walk you through cleaning your toilet and explain how to remove the toughest stains. So, let’s dive in.

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Why Should You Clean Your Toilet?

Did you know you must clean the toilet regularly even if you’re not using it? Yes, even the guest toilet you barely use once in a blue moon should be wiped and scrubbed regularly.  Apart from the biological waste that should be flushed and cleaned, the sitting water in the bowl creates the perfect environment for bacterial growth. Cleaning your toilet guarantees that there will be no bad odours. You’ll also be able to detect any leaks or damage before it gets worse.

How Often Should You Clean Your Toilet?

Ideally, you can clean your toilet once a week. But if you live in a busy household with only one bathroom for the whole family, you might have to clean it daily. Dirty bathrooms are full of pathogens like E. coli and salmonella, which can cause various infections and diseases.

Cleaning the toilet includes cleaning all the other surfaces you touch, like the flushing handle and the seat. This way, you can guarantee that your bathroom is free of germs. So, try to clean your toilet as much as possible. It’s crucial to disinfect it every two to three days if someone is sick to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Why Do I Have Limescale In My Toilet?

Some people see stains in the toilet bowl and assume that people who use this toilet never flush regularly. This can be true, but even if you do, you might still have unsightly stains. If you have hard water, you’ll probably have limescale stains forming in your toilet bowl. As the water passes through the pipes, some dissolved minerals are left behind, forming stains that seem impossible to remove by simply flushing.

How to Clean Your Toilet

Before you start cleaning, you should prepare yourself with the necessary tools. You’ll need rubber gloves, a toilet brush, toilet cleaner, vinegar, baking soda, and a disinfectant. Here’s how to start cleaning.

  • Flush the toilet to remove the unclean water. Then, fill a bucket with water and pour it into the bowl to trigger the flushing action without new water filling the bowl.
  • Pour white vinegar into the toilet bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. White vinegar will help dissolve the stains so they can be easily scrubbed.
  • Pour the toilet cleaner into the bowl and follow the instructions. Start from the top down and use the spout to target the area under the rim. It might have to sit for a while to work.
  • Start scrubbing the toilet bowl using a toilet brush. A silicone brush is better because it doesn’t allow germs to grow and doesn’t absorb nasty odours.
  • If the stains persist, sprinkle some baking soda on them or prepare a paste from vinegar and baking soda and apply it to them. This strong mixture will break down the stains and make them easier to remove.
  • Use the toilet brush one more time to clean the toilet.
  • Check if the stains are still present. You can use a pumice stone to gently remove them. Ensure you don’t apply too much force to avoid scratching the porcelain. You can also pour lemon juice and Borax onto the stain.

Best Toilet Cleaning Tips

The following cleaning tips will make cleaning easier, leading to better results.

  • Always flush your toilet after each use. If your kids use the toilet, flush it after they’re done.
  • Wear protective gloves while cleaning the toilet. Rubber gloves protect your hands from harsh chemicals and prevent bacteria or germs from building up under your nails.
  • Replace your toilet brush once every three to six months or whenever you notice that the bristles are bent and can’t reach all the nooks and crannies.
  • Clean the toilet brush with an all-purpose disinfectant and let it sit over the bowl for 10 minutes before rinsing it. You can also soak it in bleach for 30 minutes and rinse it.
  • Follow the same steps to disinfect the toilet brush holder to guarantee that no bacteria or mould will thrive in this wet spot.
  • Flushing the toilet before you start cleaning allows the cleaning solution to be more concentrated and potent.
  • Scrub the bowl thoroughly, including the rim, the sides, and the u-bend.
  • Pour lemon juice or vinegar regularly into the toilet bowl to prevent limescale buildup.
  • Use a special toilet cleaner designed to handle hard water stains.
  • Consider installing a water softener or using a water conditioner to prevent stains from forming.
  • Use an all-purpose cleaner with bleach to clean the outside of the bowl, lid, and flushing handle. Scrub everything using a scrubbing sponge. Rinse and dry the area to prevent bacterial growth. When you’re done, use disinfectant wipes to wipe everything clean.

Wrap Up

Cleaning your toilet should be a daily or at least bi-weekly task. A filthy bathroom can spread germs and bacteria when you unknowingly touch unclean surfaces. In addition to regular flushing, you must scrub the toilet bowl using a special toilet cleaner and a reliable brush to reach all the nooks and crannies where bacteria thrive. A mixture of vinegar and baking soda can help with the cleaning process.

Pouring lemon juice or vinegar into the bowl can avoid limescale stains. However, these can be harder to remove, so consider using a water softener. Make sure you use a clean toilet brush and disinfect it after you’re done cleaning. Remember to clean the outside of the toilet, especially the flushing handle, using a cleaner that contains bleach.