The toilet often seems like the most daunting task of all when it comes to cleaning, which is understandable considering what the toilet is used for. However, never fear!, toilet bowls and tanks are usually made of nonporous material which is easy to clean. To ease the pain of toilet cleaning, don’t let the mess build up. Stick to a routine that has you cleaning your toilet at least once a week. You should also keep a toilet brush near every toilet in your home as well as a plunger. Clean any larger messes as soon as you make them.
Before you can begin, you must choose your products. (Check out my articles on store bought products and home made solutions.) Make sure that before you begin, you read all manufacturers’ labels on your products so you use them correctly, wear any proper protection, and allow them to sit for the right amount of time. Never mix chlorine bleach products with ammonia-based ones.
Begin with the bowl of the toilet. Cover the inside of the bowl with your preferred cleanser specifically targeting toilet bowls. If you are used a powder cleaner make sure to flush the toilet first to wet the sides of the bowl. Most toilet bowl cleaners require you to let the cleaner sit and work by itself for a bit. Depending on the product, this may be before or after scrubbing so check the manufacturer’s label for exact instructions and wait times.
When you do scrub use a bristled toilet brush with a handle. Make sure to start at the top, under the upper rim, and work your way down into the bowl. Do not use toilet bowl cleaner on the outside of the toilet.
In your waiting period (when the product is stewing in the toilet bowl) begin work on the outside of the toilet. It’s important to work from the top down. It is also often helpful to dust the entire outside of the toilet before applying any kind of wet cleaner because the wet cleaner can turn dry dust into gunk you don’t want to deal with. After you dust, spray your way down the toilet with all-purpose cleaner, wiping with a clean soft cloth as you go. You may also just use a few antibacterial wipes if you’d like. Make sure to attack these areas:
-Top, sides, front, (and back if it needs it) of tank
-Flusher
-Top of lid
-Under lid
-Top of seat
-Under seat
-Top of rim
-Back of toilet (where the seat meets the tank.) Use a toothbrush for small crevices and bolts.
-Outside of bowl
-Base of toilet including bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. Sometimes it can be quicker, if there isn’t too much mess, to just mop the base as you’re mopping the floor of the bathroom.
-The crack between the toilet and floor
The inside of the tank of the toilet does not need to be cleaned every time you clean your toilet, but keep an eye on it and if build up is happening make sure to scrub it.
Place baking soda or potpourri on the back part of the toilet to keep the room smelling fresh and you’re done!
