Cleaning the toilet regularly keeps it looking fresh and reduces the build-up of harmful germs. It also makes it easier to remove tough stains.
According to google, put on rubber gloves, squirt toilet cleaner into the bowl and scrub it with a brush. Flush and repeat if necessary. Next, wipe the exterior of the toilet with a disinfectant cleaner, focusing on hard-to-reach areas like the handle and lid.
Disinfecting Spray
Some cleaning experts recommend using a disinfectant spray to quickly clean up the toilet in between more thorough cleanings. It is important to read the instructions carefully on commercial products as some require a certain amount of time for the cleaner to kill germs and bacteria, says Good Housekeeping Institute cleaning lab director Carolyn Forte.
The key is to use a non-toxic product and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that can damage the porcelain. She says you can buy bathroom-specific disinfectant cleaners at the store, but a simple hydrogen peroxide solution can also do the trick.
Peroxide is a natural, green way to keep your toilet looking and smelling fresh. Just pour a cup of the stuff into the bowl, scrub with a toilet brush, and rinse to remove residue and stains.
Other non-toxic cleaners that will work just as well include baking soda and vinegar. Mix equal parts of each in a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes to wear away tough stains, then scrub with a brush and rinse. Stapf says that combining these items will also eliminate odors and keep the toilet germ-free in between more thorough cleanings.
Another great way to keep your toilet looking and smelling its best is to spritz the inside with a pumice stone before every use. Not only will this remove build-up, but it can also help prevent clogs and keep the toilet looking its best.
Before you start cleaning, make sure you’re ready for a messy job by putting on rubber gloves and gathering the appropriate supplies. Grab a toilet brush, disposable sanitary wipes, and any cleaning tools you may need, such as a toothbrush or sponge that you only use for this task (and mark it clearly as such with a marker). You should also have some clean rags or paper towels and the all-purpose cleaner of your choice. While you wait for the cleaner to do its work, you can tackle other areas of the toilet that often collect dirt and grime. For example, the flush handle is known to harbor more germs than the seat itself, so a quick scrubbing with a disinfectant will help keep it clean.
Hydrogen Peroxide
A dirty toilet isn’t just ugly; it can also be a breeding ground for germs. After all, every time someone uses the commode, a flush sends bathroom particles flying into the air before they settle on surfaces nearby, making the floor and walls behind and beside it ideal places for microscopic splatter.
That’s why it’s important to sanitize the entire toilet, inside and out, at least once a week, advises Vanesa Amaro, a TikTok cleaning influencer. This task may not be the most exciting, but it can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.
If you want to get a little more creative than simply spraying toilet cleaner, try using hydrogen peroxide on tough stains. Its chemical composition makes it a natural whitening agent, while its antibacterial properties help fight bacteria. Pour a small amount of the liquid directly into the toilet, and let it sit for five to 10 minutes. Then, swish around the entire surface of the bowl to remove any residue.
As you do so, take the opportunity to wipe down the surrounding toilet’s exterior, too. Using the disinfectant spray or a combination of it and a rag, paper towel, or sponge that you reserve for toilet cleaning (and dispose of in the trash immediately), focus on areas you touch often, such as the toilet seat, flushing handle, and the lid and hinges.
Another tip for fighting stains is using a pumice stone, which has gentle abrasion to remove buildup from the surface of the porcelain. However, it’s a messy solution, and you’ll need to scrub carefully to avoid damaging the surface of the toilet.
A cup of disinfectant mouthwash can do wonders for your toilet, too. Just pour a small amount of the affordable product into your toilet and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Then, swish it around the bowl to clean any remaining buildup and flush.
Although Coke is great for removing mineral deposits, it’s not a sanitizer. A more effective alternative is to combine baking soda and vinegar in a clean, empty spray bottle. This household duo is great for a variety of cleaning tasks but is especially useful when it comes to tackling toilet stains. Baking soda is a natural whitening agent; vinegar helps eliminate bacteria and banish odors.
Baking Soda
The baking soda box in the back of your refrigerator has some major superpowers. Sodium bicarbonate can do everything from zap bad smells to help baked goods rise to remove stains from teeth and whiten fabric. It can even help to combat indigestion and soothe an upset stomach!
Baking soda can also be used as a natural alternative to commercial cleaning products. It’s cheap, easy to find, and has a wide range of uses. It is also known to improve the health of individuals with certain diseases, such as cancer.
A common use of baking soda is to remove stains from stainless steel cookware and pots. Pour a generous amount of baking soda into the bottom of a pot or pan, and then add water to create a thick slurry. Let it sit for a few minutes or overnight, and then scrub it with a clean scouring pad. This will remove burnt food particles, stains, and hardened grease. It can be repeated as needed to remove stubborn stains.
Another use of baking soda is to deodorize kitchen surfaces and appliances. Baking soda absorbs odors by changing the pH balance of substances. It can be placed in refrigerators and other enclosed areas to control odors and is commonly added to garbage bags to keep them smelling fresh.
It can also be used as an inexpensive substitute for commercial toilet bowl cleaners. Mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda together in a toilet bowl, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, scrub the stains and leave them to soak for another 20-30 minutes before flushing. This method works especially well on tough, dark stains, as the acid from the vinegar and the alkaline from the baking soda will dissolve them.
Vinegar and baking soda are also used to make DIY “toilet bombs.” To make a toilet bomb, simply add all ingredients into an airtight container, and shake the bottle to form a powder. Sprinkle the powder over the stains in the toilet bowl and use a toilet brush to spread it around.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile natural cleaner that kills germs and dissolves tough toilet stains. When used in combination with baking soda, it makes an eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaning solution. It also helps deodorize the bathroom, making it smell fresh and clean. You can find vinegar at most grocery stores, and it’s less expensive than specialized toilet cleaning products. Vinegar is a great addition to homemade cleaning solutions, such as a DIY refresher spray.
Pour two cups of vinegar into the toilet and add one cup of baking soda. Mix the ingredients until they stop fizzing. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub the stains with your preferred toilet brush, then flush. Repeat as necessary to remove stubborn stains. This hack is a good option for hard water stains since the white vinegar dissolves mineral deposits.
Another way to keep your toilet clean between cleanings is to use a vinegar soak. While you’re waiting for the vinegar to do its job, block off the toilet’s siphon jets by placing a towel over them. Soak the toilet overnight with distilled white vinegar. Then flush the toilet a few times to clear out any vinegar residue.
If you notice that the vinegar solution doesn’t get rid of all the stains, scrub the bowl again and then try a few more cycles. Repeat as needed until you have a clean toilet.
While scrubbing isn’t glamorous, using a good-quality toilet brush makes the task much easier. We recommend the OXO Good Grips Compact Toilet Brush, which comes with a sleek canister that holds your cleaning supplies. It also has a long handle that allows you to scrub underneath the rim.
Once you’re done scrubbing the toilet, putting the brush back in its holder is tempting. But you should avoid doing this because it can cause bacteria buildup on the brush.
If you’re tired of scrubbing, try a spray-and-wait cleaning method. You can buy disinfectant sprays and wipes that are specifically designed for a quick cleanup between scrubbings. But be sure to read the labels and test the products on a small area of your toilet before using them in the rest of your bathroom.
