This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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There's no need to be flustered with that little scrubber brush behind the toilet any longer. The toilet brush is used for cleaning the inside of your toilet. You can use a toilet cleaner along with the brush to thoroughly clean the toilet bowl. Weekly cleaning of the toilet brush itself will ensure it works well and is safe from germs.
Steps
Cleaning the Toilet Bowl
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1Pour toilet cleaner in the bowl. Find a toilet cleaner that fits your needs and pour the recommended amount into the bowl. This specific measurement can be found on the container. Leave it alone for a minute or 2 so that it can do its job and remove germs from your toilet.[1]
- If you find that the ingredients in a cleaner are unsafe for you, you can make a natural cleaner using white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, or essential oils.[2]
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2Scrub the inside of the bowl. Take the toilet brush, and start brushing the bowl thoroughly. Clean under the rim of the toilet seat, down in the main hole of the toilet, and around the edges of the bowl. Concentrate on scrubbing clean any stained areas.[3]Advertisement
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3Flush the toilet and rinse the brush. Pull or push the flush, and as the water flows into the bowl, rotate the brush in the water to clean it. Then, place the wet brush somewhere to dry.[4]
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4Store your toilet brush. Be sure that the brush dries before storing it. Return the toilet brush to its container, and store it either in the bathroom, in a storage closet, or in another handy place. Keep it inaccessible to any pets or babies, as they may try to touch it.
Maintaining Cleanliness
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1Scrub your toilet at least once a week. This weekly upkeep will keep it clean and well maintained. If you notice that it is dirty, feel free to clean it more frequently.[5]
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2Wipe down the exterior of the toilet. Keep the outside of the toilet clean by wiping it down with disinfectant wipes. Start at the top to prevent dripping on surfaces you have just cleaned. Wipe the outside lid of the toilet, and remember to wipe the seat of the toilet as well.[6]
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3Wash your hands. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs. This should be done after each cleaning.[7]
Disinfecting Your Brush
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1Fill a bucket with hot water and add bleach. Add 2 cups (470 mL) of bleach to the water. Follow the instructions on the back of the bottle. For a more eco-friendly method, you can add washing soda crystals to the water instead of bleach.[8]
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2Place the brush into the bucket to soak. Let the brush soak in the bleach for at least 1 hour. It could take up to 4 hours, so allow it extra time if needed.[9]
- If you notice that the brush isn't clean after 1 hour, you could add more bleach or more crystals. Do not mix in more than an additional 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of either.
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3Take the brush out and rinse it. Once clean, remove the brush from the bucket and rinse it under hot water. Replace your toilet brush in its holder. Your brush should be cleaned at least once each month.
- Don't forget to disinfect the sink or tub you use to rinse the brush when you're done.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow long do you keep a toilet brush?
Michelle Driscoll, MPHMichelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Founder, Mulberry MaidsThe best measure of when to change your toilet brush is appearance. Once your toilet bristles start to fray and turn yellow/orange, it is a good sign your brush is harboring bacteria.
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QuestionCan you use a toilet brush to unclog a toilet?Michelle Driscoll, MPHMichelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Founder, Mulberry MaidsA plunger will be the most effective way to unclog a toilet. Although a toilet bowl brush is not an adequate substitute, you can always try it if you are desperate. To do this, wrap the toilet brush with a plastic bag and secure it with a rubber band. Then, put the brush in the toilet and apply a rhythmic pressure similarly to how you would use a plunger. If this does not break up the clog, there are a couple other options that you can try to unclog a toilet without a plunger. For example, you can add dish soap to the toilet bowl, as sometimes that will loosen up the clog.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionIs a toilet brush hygienic?Michelle Driscoll, MPHMichelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Founder, Mulberry MaidsUnfortunately, a toilet brush is probably one of the least hygienic parts of your bathroom. However, you can clean it by soaking it in warm bleach water ever 4-6 weeks. Let the brush soak overnight and fully dry out before returning it to the bathroom.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
References
- ↑ http://www.household-management-101.com/how-to-clean-a-toilet.html
- ↑ https://www.diynatural.com/homemade-toilet-cleaner/
- ↑ http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-toilet-brush/
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-toilet-brush/
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/spring-is-almost-here-and-109964
- ↑ http://www.household-management-101.com/how-to-clean-a-toilet.html
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/hand/handwashing.html
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-toilet-bowl-brush/
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-toilet-bowl-brush/
About This Article
To use a toilet brush to clean a toilet, start by pouring cleaner into the bowl, like vinegar or toilet bowl cleaner. Let it sit for 2 minutes so it can disinfect. Then, use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl, taking care to reach under the rim, around the edges, and into the hole of the toilet. Flush the toilet and place the brush back in the brush holder once it’s dried. To keep your toilet brush clean, disinfect it once a month by soaking it in a bucket of hot water and 2 cups of bleach for 1 hour before rinsing it with hot water. For more tips from our Custodial reviewer, like how to maintain your toilet, keep reading!
