Toilets are a natural element of our lives on a daily basis, and purity and hygiene for good health are the key points. Even though it is a household chore that most people are afraid of, it is, nevertheless, absolutely essential. Many people might shy away from or be too scared to clean the toilet. This is indeed a valid reason, but we are enthusiastic about providing you with tactics, as well as the necessary equipment, to address your concern.
We will give a step-by-step guide on how you can clean your toilet effectively in order to keep your bathroom neat and free from any germs. The article provides all the advice you might need at various stages, from finding the right tools to getting rid of difficult stains. Thus, set your gloves on and let us start!
Tools and Products You’ll Need
First of all, you should have all the substances and tools which are required for you to achieve the aim of full cleaning. The following are included:
Tools:
- Rubber gloves
- Toilet brush
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Old toothbrush
- Scrub brush
- Spray bottle
Products:
- Toilet cleaner (commercial or DIY)
- All-purpose cleaner
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
With all these supplies and goods, you are set to cleanse any toilet.
Step-By-Step Guide to Effective Toilet Cleaning
Once all your tools and products are by your side, you can clean the toilet in these 5 efficient steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Toilet
Before we start, we should make sure that the space around the toilet is empty from any objects such as rugs, trash cans, or rolls of tissue paper that might be in the way. Use your rubber gloves to protect your hands from the harmful effects of the detergents and chemicals used during the cleaning process.
First of all, the toilet should be flushed to wet the inside of the bowl, which will then make it easy to clean. When there is a waterline grime or buildup, the WC cleaner is your friend.
Apply it thickly to the inside part of the rim, in such a manner that it drips down into the bowl, so as to thoroughly cover the surface. Give it a couple of minutes to work as the cleaner will break down germs and stains and, meanwhile, you will be ready to clean the rest of the toilet.
Step 2: Clean the Exterior Surfaces
Using an all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth or sponge, wipe the exterior surfaces of the toilet down, starting from the top down and eliminating the possibility of taking the dirt from the clean parts onto those yet to be cleaned. Apart from the obvious ones, there are other places, which usually go unnoticed, that you need to focus on like the tank, handle, and hinges.
The areas of the base where no one looks and where grime and dust settle inevitably are the back and sides of the toilet. If there are hard-to-reach areas or detailed designs, make use of an old toothbrush or a smaller scrub brush. Rinse the cloth or sponge as often as required so that it stays neat. Clean everything by wiping it with a dry cloth at the end for a shiny and streak-free look.
Step 3: Scrub Away Stains and Mineral Deposits
Stains and mineral deposits can be very annoying, especially near the rim and the bottom of the bowl. Baking soda, or a purchased item that is made especially for removing stains, is what you should use. If you need a stronger solution, add white vinegar which can improve your toilet bowl cleaning.
With the help of a toilet brush, scrub the bowl entirely, paying special attention to the dark spots. As for the very high mineral deposit areas, a pumice stone may be used softly, without scratching the paint.
Using controlled circular movements will help you remove stains and other dirt on your toilet bowl and buildup more easily. After that, keep on flushing the toilet and to rinse the bowl. Make sure that all the dirt you were scrubbing is washed away correctly.
Step 4: Clean the Bowl
Once the slimy stains are looked after, cleanup of the whole toilet bowl you need to do is next. Use the toilet brush to scrub the area under the rim, the walls, and the bottom of the bowl. If you have a few more places that are still stained, you could put some more toilet cleaner or baking soda on those areas for a more thorough cleaning.
Create a mental image in your head to inspect the water jet holes under the rim, as they might have bacteria or something if not paid attention to. To get the toilet even cleaner, allow the solution you have just created will sit for a few more minutes before you start to scrub again. After this, again flush the toilet to remove any remaining cleaner and debris. Thus, the bowl gets its best shine.
Step 5: Disinfect and Deodorize
Leave the toilet germ-free and smelling sweet by spraying a suitable disinfectant on the whole surface of the toilet also including the bowl, lid, handle, and seat.
Make sure to read the directions on the label and to wait the required period of time so that all bacteria and viruses are dead. Use a mixture of white vinegar and water as a natural disinfectant, and wipe down the surfaces. Make sure to clean the parts affected the most, e.g., the flush handle and the toilet seat hinges.
Moreover, have some white vinegar in a cup that you pour into the bowl and which you flush the toilet again after a bit of waiting to deodorize the toilet and neutralize any unpleasant odors for a long time.
Step 6: Finish with a Final Wipe Down
Once the toilet has been completely cleaned and disinfected, try a final dry cloth that will make the surface polished. A clean cloth in dry condition can be used to remove all the streaks or watermarks left by the cleaning agents. The handle and other chrome fixtures should be polished to get added brightness.
If you find it necessary, you can clean any drips or splashes that may be there around the base of the toilet again.
Make sure to move the things around temporarily such as rugs or trash cans back to their place and dispose of the gloves or materials you used for cleaning in the right way. After these steps are finished, your bathroom will not only look sparkling but it also will be free from germs and smell fresh.
These are the necessary steps included in a good bathroom toilet cleaning schedule. By following these tips and maintaining your bathroom regularly, you can also clean your toilet without being overwhelmed by the task.
Does DIY Toilet Cleaner Work?
You may be thinking to yourself whether a DIY toilet cleaner can work the same way as a commercial one? The answer is yes, and it is also a bit more eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
A simple mixture of baking soda and white vinegar is all you need to get the dirt out of your toilet without using any hazardous chemicals or having any odors that are strong. Baking soda is in the role of a mild abrasive, whereas the vinegar’s properties, which are acidic, assist in discoloration and dirty buildup.
To make your very own DIY toilet cleaner, take equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar and mix them in a spray bottle. Before using, make sure that you shake the bottle well. After the inside of the rim, spray it and leave it there for some minutes before you start scrubbing the inside parts with a toilet brush.
You can even put a few drops of different essential oils in, for example lemon or tea tree, giving the cleaner a nice smell and improving its cleaning power. The good thing is that this DIY cleaner isnot only effective but also safe for septic systems and the environment.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Toilet
Except for regular cleaning, among other things you could do to keep your toilet clean and efficient are:
- Use flushable wipes sparingly to avoid clogging pipes and causing damage to the septic system.
- Place a toilet bowl cleaner or tablet into the tank to keep the toilet clean with each flush.
- Use a squeegee to give the bathroom floor a quick wipe down and to prevent water from reaching the base of the toilet which can cause water damage.
- Check for leaks and cracks in the toilet every year or so, as these can lead to mold growth and the development of unpleasant odors.
The tips will see to it that you do not only keep a clean toilet but also a one with a fresh scent for a significant period after a thorough clean.
FAQs
Is it necessary to disinfect the toilet after cleaning?
Yes, To kill any remaining germs and bacteria, which may still be present in the toilet, it is essential to disinfect after cleaning. In this way, you will decrease the risk of sickness and at the same time keep your bathroom clean and hygienic.
How often should I clean my toilet?
It is advised that toilets are cleaned up at least once a week, regardless of the fact that circumstances and tastes bring about changes in the timing. Among them, some people have a specific preference to clean their toilets more often in order to ensure that their house looks great and feels hygienic all the time.
Can I use bleach to clean my toilet?
Bleach is usually used as the best cleaning item for more solid stains and the purpose of killing germs. Nevertheless, kindly observe all the safety directions when wiping off the harshest kinds of dirt using bleach and see to it that you don’t mix bleach with other cleaning products which could create a poisonous gas that could cause severe harm to your health.
Conclusion
Proper ways to keep your toilet clean include the maintenance of good personal hygiene and leading a healthy life in general. The answer is you can simply do it by these tips. One can get a spotless white stain-free bowl and a room full of the smell of cleanliness without a long cleaning fest.
And even when you do not have scarce cleaning resources and green practice, you can still keep your toilet spick and span. Step up your toilet cleaning habit and be certain that a bathroom washed thoroughly every single day without a single bacteria will be your reward. Hence, take account of these rules and see the dirty bottles disappearing maneuver
