Cleaning toilets is one of the least glamorous household chores, but it has to be done. If hard water stains or deposits are getting in the way, a pumice stone and vinegar can help. If you’re looking for hacks for cleaning the toilet, consider using these tips to make the task easier.
A disinfectant cleaner, toilet brush, and rubber gloves are a must. Start with the bowl and scrub well, paying attention to the rim and base.
1. Use a disinfectant
A disinfectant is essential in your bathroom, especially when someone in the household is sick. You can either choose a conventional cleaner, such as Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, or an eco-friendly alternative, like Seventh Generation Disinfectant Cleaners and Wipes. It’s also worth considering some useful hacks for cleaning the toilet. You can also buy specialized products to tackle specific problems, such as limescale build-up.
The best way to clean a toilet bowl is by using a disinfectant with a scrubbing brush. After spraying the cleaner liberally and allowing it to sit for a few minutes, scrub all surfaces inside the bowl, including under the rim, then flush multiple times to rinse thoroughly. If stains persist, try scrubbing the bowl with a pumice stone or specialized cleaning brush, then follow up with a fresh cleaning solution.
Many toilet cleaners contain a combination of natural and synthetic acids that dissolve and lift stains. Still, these can be corrosive and need to be used sparingly to avoid damage to enamel surfaces. Try a natural remedy such as white vinegar if you have particularly stubborn stains. This contains a dilute acetic acid, which can break down hard water deposits and deodorize the bathroom.
Depending on your preferences, you can opt for a gel cleaner or tablet, which is less labor-intensive than a traditional liquid toilet cleaner and keeps surfaces sanitized for up to 12 weeks. Regardless of your chosen product, make sure it complies with standards and has an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) registration.
If you choose to use a disinfectant, apply it to all surfaces, including the base, tank, seat, handle, and the exterior of the toilet bowl. Don’t forget to sanitize and disinfect high-touch areas that everyone in the house touches, such as light switches and door knobs, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle and leave the cleaner on for as long as necessary to kill germs, such as ten minutes effectively. This will ensure all surfaces are properly disinfected and no lingering germs are killed.
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2. Start with the bowl
Cleaning toilets isn’t anyone’s favorite household chore, but it is a crucially important task. Not only do dirty toilets look unattractive, but they can also harbor germs and bacteria that lead to infections. As a result, it is vital to clean your toilets at least once a week to remove these harmful pathogens and prevent them from spreading throughout the home.
When it comes to cleaning your toilets, starting with the bowl is essential. This is because stains and build-ups are more difficult to remove when they’re allowed to set in, and hard water stains can be particularly stubborn. To start, pour a liberal amount of your chosen cleaner into the toilet bowl and use a brush to get into all of the corners and crevices. Be sure to scrub under the rim where grime tends to accumulate the most, and also check around the drain hole opening for any dirt or residue.
Next, wipe down all the toilet surfaces with disinfectant wipes. It’s also a good idea to wipe the seat, lid, handle, and base of the toilet. Make sure that you allow the product to sit on all of these areas for several minutes so that it can do its work and kill any bacteria and germs. After flushing, clean the toilet bowl and exterior with warm soapy water. Rinse to leave it clean and sparkling. For hard water stains, use a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. Let it sit, then scrub it with a toilet brush to remove limescale and residue.
3. Wipe down the exterior
Toilets, like other household items, can be prone to germ build-up. That’s why it’s important to clean and disinfect them frequently. This can help eliminate bacteria, mold, mildew, and other grime that can cause unpleasant odors or even damage the porcelain. In addition to cleaning the bowl, it’s important to wipe down the exterior and handle. You can use disinfecting wipes to do this, or a toilet brush and some cleaner. For hard-to-reach spots, you can also try using a toothbrush to scrub those areas.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to close the lid. This will prevent the toilet plume (the invisible cloud of tiny droplets containing germs and bacteria that form during flushing) from escaping and contaminating your bathroom. It’s not just Mama’s golden rule; it’s essential for a healthier, cleaner home.
Once you’ve wiped down the exterior, you can begin wiping the interior of the toilet. Again, starting with a dry cloth is best to remove any visible debris. Once you’ve done that, spray the cleaner generously on all surfaces, including under the rim and the handle area. Let the cleaner sit for five to 10 minutes to give it a chance to work its magic.
Finally, you can use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl and wipe it down with a fresh cloth. If you’re interested in some clever hacks for cleaning the toilet, you can also wipe down the base and floor around the toilet while you’re at it. This is an area that’s often neglected, but it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. While you’re at it, be sure to wear rubber gloves. And if you’re using a bleach-based cleaner, consider wearing a mask and eye protection, too. These will keep you safe from the vapors released during this process and protect your skin and lungs.
4. Wipe down the interior
A dirty toilet is never a good thing, especially in shared spaces, but it can become even more problematic if you don’t follow the right cleaning techniques. If you don’t clean the bowl, seat, lid, and exterior on a regular basis, your toilet could accumulate high levels of bacteria and germs. But cleaning a toilet doesn’t have to be a chore. With the help of a few expert-approved cleaning products and tips, it can actually be quick and easy!
First, start by coating your toilet’s interior with a cleaner formulated to clean and disinfect, like Clorox. Then, use a toilet brush to scrub away stains and deposits, making sure to get under the rim and around the entire bowl. Next, let the cleaner sit for about an hour so it can really get to work on those hard-to-reach spots. While that’s happening, take a disinfectant wipe and clean the outside of your toilet, including the tank, handle, and lid. Be sure to clean the base of your toilet and any surrounding floor tiles.
Once you have finished cleaning the interior of your toilet, rinse the cleaner and wipe down all surfaces with a microfiber cloth or sponge soaked in water. Rinse multiple times to ensure you remove all traces of cleaner and disinfectant, and then dry everything with an absorbent towel.
Once you’ve cleaned and dried your toilet, you can start thinking about the rest of the bathroom. While you’re at it, wipe down the floor and rugs to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Finally, mop the floor if needed to remove any remaining dirt or grime fully.
Cleaning a toilet isn’t the most pleasant task, but it’s one that needs to be done. By following these hacks for cleaning the toilet, you can easily and quickly clean your toilet on a daily basis and ensure that it’s free of germs and bacteria. Plus, it’ll make your weekly deep cleans much easier and quicker! So, don’t procrastinate any longer — grab your supplies, clean your toilet, and enjoy the fresh, hygienic results!
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