How to Clean a Plunger

Co-authored by Regina DeCorte and Nihal Shetty

Last Updated: October 5, 2022 References

Your toilet plunger is a handy tool, but it can also be a pretty dirty one. Fortunately, you can clean and disinfect a plunger after using it quickly and easily. To get rid of any lingering bacteria, it’s a good idea to clean a plunger after each time you use it. We’re here to explain the two best ways how in this comprehensive guide.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning a Plunger with Bleach (or Vinegar)

1
Pour 2 to 3 cups (470 to 710 mL) of bleach into the toilet. Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that is an excellent bacteria killer. After using your plunger, set it aside or in the toilet and pour in your bleach.^{[1]
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- If there's still waste stuck on a submerged plunger, flush your toilet several times to rinse it off.
- If you’re trying to opt for more natural cleaning products, you can pour apple cider vinegar into the toilet instead of bleach.
- If you’re using apple cider vinegar, keep in mind that you’ll need to use a lot—the amount of vinegar should equal the amount of water in the bowl. This may be around 1 gallon (3,800 mL) of vinegar.
2
Let your plunger sit in the water for 3-5 minutes. Make sure that the plunger’s head and any other parts that came in contact with the previously dirty water are completely submerged. In a few minutes, your toilet plunger should be sanitized.^{[2]
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3
Rinse the plunger by flushing 2 or 3 times. To get the bleach off the plunger, rinse it in clean toilet water by flushing the toilet while the plunger is in the bowl. You may want to flush more than once, just to be sure that the bleach residue is gone.^{[3]
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- This step also cleans out your pipes if you just used the plunger to remove a clog. The bleach will break down any toilet paper or other waste that’s been pushed into your drains.
4
Air-dry the plunger over your toilet bowl. Keep the toilet plunger suspended over the water by placing its handle over the rim of the bowl, then closing the seat over it. The plunger should be dry in under an hour.^{[4]
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- After it’s dry, you can store the plunger in a plastic bag and place it in a bathroom cupboard.^{[5]
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- Alternatively, you can leave the plunger to dry on a few paper towels.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Cleaning a Plunger with a Disinfectant Spray

1
Spray the plunger with a disinfectant. A spray disinfectant is an affordable and handy way to quickly sanitize a plunger. Be sure to spray all surfaces of the plunger thoroughly to kill all the germs.^{[6]
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- If you want to clean a toilet brush, you can use this method to do so. Just be sure to spray all the bristles of the brush thoroughly.^{[7]
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2
Let the disinfectant soak for 10 minutes. The disinfectant will sanitize your plunger while breaking up any grime that’s clung to it. After 10 minutes, your plunger should be sanitized once again.^{[8]
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3
Rinse the plunger with water. To rinse the plunger, you can either use clean water from your toilet, a sink, or your shower. The water will clean off any grime that’s clung to your plunger.^{[9]
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- If you’re worried about getting any grime on other surfaces, use an outdoor or garage sink. If you don’t have one, you can also flush your toilet a few times and use the clean water that fills the bowl.
4
Dry the toilet plunger in your tub or shower. Since the plunger is now disinfected and rinsed, it’s okay to let it rest in your shower or tub. When the plunger is dry, you can store it inside a plastic bag.^{[10]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do you clean a plunger after using it?

Regina DeCorte
Residential Cleaning Specialist
Regina DeCorte is a Residential Cleaning Specialist and is the Founder of Maid in JC, a home cleaning service based in downtown Jersey City, NJ. With more than eight years of experience, she specializes in cleaning apartments, condos, and townhomes using natural products. Regina and her staff are fully bonded and insured.

Regina DeCorte

Residential Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Well, once the debris is removed, add a capful of laundry bleach to a bucket of water and submerge the plunger in it for 10 minutes. Let it air dry and dispose of the water in the toilet bowl.