Nobody enjoys cleaning a toilet but it’s crucial for keeping your bathroom healthy and hygienic.
Whether you’re giving it a spruce-up or a thorough scrub, knowing the methods can simplify the task and make it more efficient.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of cleaning your toilet to maintain its cleanliness and eliminate bacteria.
Get Your Cleaning Supplies Ready
Before beginning the cleaning process, it’s essential to gather all the items. Having everything at hand will streamline the process and make it more effective. Here’s what you’ll require:
- Rubber gloves
- Toilet brush
- Disinfectant cleaner for toilets
- All-purpose cleaner
- Paper towels or cleaning rags
- A spray bottle containing vinegar or a specialized bathroom cleaner
- Baking soda (optional)
Protect Yourself and Your Bathroom
Cleaning a toilet involves dealing with germs and strong chemicals, so safeguarding yourself and your surroundings is vital.
Protect your hands from bacteria and cleaning agents by wearing rubber gloves.
It may also be beneficial to open a window or switch on the bathroom fan for ventilation particularly if using chemicals.
Flush and Add Cleaner
The first step is to flush the toilet, which will get rid of any water still present in the bowl. This will also moisten the bowl’s sides, making it easier for the cleaning solution to adhere.
After flushing, add your disinfectant toilet cleaner to the bowl.
Ensure you distribute it evenly around the rim so it can flow down the sides of the bowl effectively.
Allow Time for Cleaner Action
After applying the cleaner, it’s crucial to let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the disinfectant to break down stains and eliminate bacteria.
While waiting, you can proceed with cleaning areas of the bathroom or start addressing the toilet’s exterior.
Cleanse the Outer Surface
While the cleaner is doing its job inside the bowl, take this opportunity to clean the exterior of your toilet.
Spritz the tank, handle, seat, and lid with either an all-purpose cleaner or a diluted vinegar and water mixture.
Wipe these surfaces with paper towels or a clean cloth, paying attention to touched spots, like the flush handle and seat.
Scrub Inside Bowl
Once ample time has passed for the cleaner to work its magic, it’s time to scrub away any residue inside of your toilet bowl.
To clean the toilet, use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl, paying attention to the waterline under the rim and any spots with stains.
Apply some pressure while scrubbing to ensure all dirt is removed.
If there are stains, sprinkle baking soda on the brush and scrub again.
Baking soda works as an abrasive and can help remove stubborn stains.
Clean Underneath the Rim
The rim of the toilet is often overlooked, but it can collect a lot of bacteria and dirt.
Tilt the brush slightly to reach under the rim and thoroughly scrub this area.
This will make sure that all parts of the toilet bowl are clean and free from buildup.
Flush and Rinse
After scrubbing, flush the toilet to wash away the cleaner and any loosened dirt.
This step will also help clean off your brush.
If there are still stains remaining, repeat the scrubbing process until the bowl is completely clean.
Wipe Off the Seat and Cover
Now that you’ve cleaned the inside of the toilet, it’s time to finish by wiping down the toilet seat and cover. These areas can gather dust, hair, and other debris, so it’s important to give them a cleaning.
Remember to grab a disinfectant wipe or spritz some all-purpose cleaner on a cloth, then give both sides of the seat, the top of the lid, and the rim of the toilet bowl a wipe.
Tend to the Base and Floor
Over time, dirt can build up on the base of the toilet and the floor around it from spills or splashes.
Use an all-purpose cleaner to spray down the base of the toilet and wipe it clean with a cloth.
Be thorough when cleaning around the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor, as they can accumulate dirt.
After cleaning the base, wipe down the surrounding floor area to remove any grime or residue.
Maintain Your Cleaning Tools
After finishing cleaning your toilet remember to clean your tools. Rinse off your toilet brush with hot water and let it air dry before storing it away.
If you used a cloth, launder it with other cleaning rags.
Keeping your cleaning tools clean helps prevent germs and ensures they stay in shape for future use.
Essential Tips for Keeping Your Toilet Bowl Clean and Fresh
While scrubbing a toilet may not be glamorous, it’s a task for keeping your home clean and healthy.
If you need a house cleaning service to take care of the chores, why not check out NW Maids?
Our skilled team offers high-quality cleaning services that will leave your house gleaming and free up your schedule for activities you enjoy.
Get in touch with NW Maids today to book your cleaning session!
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