Cleaning pros share how often you should clean your toilet — and you'll be surprised
How often you should actually clean your toilet according to cleaning pros?
The cleanliness of a toilet is paramount. Neglecting this task can lead to an accumulation of bacteria, stubborn mineral stains, and unpleasant odors. It is essential to clean your toilet regularly to avoid these issues. However, the frequency of cleaning depends on how often the toilet is used. If it is a daily fixture, such as a guest bathroom, it is recommended to complete a thorough clean once a week.
However, even with frequent use, a quick clean of the seat and exterior should be performed multiple times during the week. In contrast, toilets that are not used as often, like those in spare ensuites, require less frequent deep cleaning, about every four to five days or light cleaning every couple of weeks.
When it comes to cleaning a toilet, Renata Cruz, a cleaning expert and professional organizer, suggests a three-step process. The first step involves applying a bowl cleaner to the inside rim, allowing it to sit for around 10 minutes to disinfect. The second step is spraying a disinfectant cleaner on the handle, lid, outer tank, seat, and the area around the toilet.
Finally, scrub the interior using a toilet brush, paying special attention to under the upper rim, down the walls, and into the trap hole. After cleaning, it is crucial to sanitize your tools, such as the toilet brush, by spraying it with disinfectant, allowing it to dry for 10 minutes, and then returning it to its holder.
For lighter cleaning tasks, Cruz advises a quick clean that takes about two minutes. This involves cleaning the seat, rim, and inside of the bowl with a light swish. In terms of products, Cruz recommends using a gel-based toilet cleaner for better cling beneath the rim. For external surfaces, a disinfectant capable of killing at least 99.9% of bacteria is advised.
Willitt, another cleaning professional, prefers using disinfectants like Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner or Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner for mineral removal and germ elimination. For surface cleaning, Clorox Free & Clear or a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution are recommended. Lastly, it is essential to replace your toilet brush every three months to prevent bacterial and mildew issues.
Neglecting toilet cleaning can lead to the growth of bacteria, accumulation of mineral stains, and unpleasant odors, potentially affecting the overall hygiene of your bathroom.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
