Scrubbing toilets is rarely a task to get excited and jump at. But having your stomach churn at an unclean toilet is much less exciting. More so, parasites and diseases can be contracted from an unclean toilet bowl. You may also find yourself mentally shuddering to take a peep at the grout in your bathroom. It can be challenging to maintain a spotless and hygienic restroom.
Thankfully, we have compiled this comprehensive guide to walk you through the most effective ways to clean your bathrooms. We take it further with the best products for a spotless toilet. So, let’s get cleaning!
Tools You May Need for a Squeaky Clean Toilet
Several cleaning tools exist, each with different uses. However, it is essential to get the most effective ones. Here, we identify some of the must-have tools for a spotless bathroom.
Natural Cleaning Agents
Having a chemical-based cleaning solution can make it easier. However, exploring natural cleaning options that have proven safer for children and pets is also advisable. Cleaning agents like vinegar, lemon, baking soda, and salt are effective cleaning materials. They are environmentally safe and guarantee a clean bathroom. They also reduce harmful chemical exposure.
Rubber Gloves
Rubber gloves are some of the most underrated cleaning tools. They are a surefire way to protect against germs and chemicals. They also allow you to wash thoroughly without the fear of contact. Rubber gloves come in different shapes and forms. But for the best protection, you should use rubber gloves made from natural latex. A good vinyl glove is also great if you prefer latex-free gloves.
Tiles Cleaning Scrubber
Have you noticed how darker the space between your bathroom and toilet floor becomes after a while? Such stains in the grout can surely be irritating. Your spotless bathroom will only be possible with an excellent tile-cleaning scrubber. These brushes can be solid or hard-bristled for cleaning grout lines. They can also be battery-operated with a vibrating head for efficient cleaning. If you prefer a softer option, use a scrubbing or microfiber pad. A good cleaning of your grout lines and tiles will transform your room entirely.
Multi-Purpose Mop
A multi-purpose mop can be a good option for the final stage of your cleaning. This tool ensures that any liquid and moisture is soaked from the floor after cleaning. Without it, liquid may pool and become a breeding ground for bacteria and insects. Bathroom mops come in different shapes and forms, including microfibre ones.
Best Simple Ways to Clean Your Toilet
Cleaning your toilet may be more complex than it sounds. An improperly cleaned toilet may become a breeding ground for bacteria. Seeing dark stains and dirt in your restroom or toilet bowl is also a downer. Here are some of the best, unique tips for cleaning your toilet correctly.
Pre-washing Prep
Pre-washing prep involves gathering all materials and products you need for your cleaning. This stage helps in physical and mental preparedness, so be sure not to skip it. It is best to organize a container of cleaning supplies, which will naturally include:
- Toilet brush or squeegee
- Toilet cleaner of your choice (natural or chemical)
- Disinfectant spray
- Toilet plunger
- Microfiber flat mop
These products are non-negotiable for giving your toilet a thorough wash. A glance at the previous section clarifies what these tools are used for. However, you must ensure you opt for great, cruelty-free products without harmful side effects. Using natural cleaners over chemical products for your toilet cleaner is best.
The Swedish Poison Information Center’s data show that chemical toilet cleaning products sometimes come with toxic exposure. It can also cause wear and tear on your toilet bowl and tiles. Looking out for eco-friendly product brands with sustainable cleaning products is an excellent option for your toilet materials. If you are unsure where to begin, you should research or check our product list below.
Scrubbing Toilet Innards
The main task of cleaning your toilet comes at the scrubbing point. Beginning with a general flush is better to get the best results. This cleans out previous content and leaves a clear path for sight. Following this, you should add your cleaner. Be sure to reach under the toilet bowl rim deep into its recesses in circular motions. That way, your cleaner gets a chance to eliminate deep dirt. Close the lid of your toilet bowl for 5 - 10 minutes to allow it to react against dirt. This is a crucial step when scrubbing your toilet. The humidity in the bowl caused by the closed lid activates the cleaning agents effectively.
Following this, you can put on your gloves and scrub away, especially under the rim. Some toilet bowls are not shaped in the usual way. They may require specialized tools to reach into deeper recesses. The good news is that special toilet brush and plunger set are shaped to fit into those recesses. Remember to clean your toilet regularly to avoid having a buildup of stains and deposits that are challenging to wash off.
Washing Accessories
If you have followed all the prescribed steps above, you are well on your way to a squeaky-clean toilet. At this point, you need to shift your focus to the outliers—the outer parts of the bowl and the general surrounding areas. In this part of your wash, you need a sponge or microfiber material to clean the seat, lid, and toilet handle. A good tile brush and mop are also ideas for scrubbing surrounding areas of the toilet. Wash them down thoroughly with your cleaning solution, a good disinfectant, and a tool. Be sure to pat them dry with a soft sponge so the residue water doesn’t congeal on the surface.
Pro Tip: To prevent cross-contamination, do not wipe down mirrors, door knobs and glass surfaces with the same sponge used for toilet bowls and tiles.
Final Cleaning
The final touch is to do a bit of cleaning. You should dispose of non-recyclable toilet cleaning materials. More importantly, you should wash your hands and disinfect all the tools used for washing with hot water and vinegar or salt. When you take extra care of your toilet cleaning tools, they last longer. Likewise, it is almost impossible for them to be a breeding ground for bacteria. After cleaning, it is okay if your toilet doesn’t look like one out of a storybook. Especially when you have been using that bowl unchanged for a while. The idea is to be squeaky clean, and adhering to the instructions here may make it so.
What You Should Avoid When Cleaning A Toilet?
Giving your restroom a good scrub is excellent. But it can become a problem when you do it wrong or too much. Here are some of the actions to avoid.
Using Strong Cleaning Chemicals
The American Lung Association warns that many dangerous chemicals cause chronic respiratory problems, asthma and headaches. Using or mixing too many cleaning products is a potential health hazard. Mixing natural and chemical-based products is also a recipe for disaster. For instance, experts predict that mixed bleach and other cleaners are a health hazard. You must also be sure to ventilate your properly during and after washing.
Clean Without Protective Gear
You should wear protective gear when cleaning. Gloves, nose masks, and sometimes working Google are essential when using harsh cleaning chemicals. Scrubbing toilets without any protective gear may cause chemicals to irritate your skin. It can also lead to bacteria transfer or infection when the contents of your toilet bowl touch your body while washing. Remember, it is better to be uncomfortably covered while washing than comfortably sick afterwards.
Using a Multi-Purpose Sponge
There is a valid reason for so many specialized tools for toilet cleaning. Using one sponge to wash all parts of your bathroom risks cross-surface contamination. You should not use one sponge for cleaning. Check out some of the specialized products above for proper tools.
How to Get Rid of Stubborn Toilet Stains?
- Flush and empty your restroom while you prep cleaning products and tools for proper scrubbing.
- Apply your cleaning product to the insides of your tub or floor wherever needed. After applying your product, take your time scrubbing. Let it sit and rest for a few minutes.
- The previous process breaks down likely bacteria and stains for easy washing. Now, you can use your tools to wash thoroughly. Clean the interior in circular movements, the drain and under the rim. Feel free to reach into the drain hole and scrub well. Other products, like a plunger, help unclog the toilet.
- Be sure to flush afterwards to eliminate waste, dirt and debris.
- After washing, disinfect the tools, brush them with a solution and leave them to dry.
Final Thoughts
While your restroom may not be the most visible part of your house, it is undoubtedly essential. Poor toilet cleaning hygiene can potentially put your health at risk. It is also a substantial psychological release to find your restroom spotless. Only a few brands are well-versed in the art of toilet cleaning products and tools.
At Yocada, we offer the best home cleaning tools for you and your family. So, take the first step to achieving a spotless bathroom by exploring our janitorial supplies today! Your journey to a squeaky clean bathroom begins with that first tool.
FAQs
How Often Do I Need to Clean My Toilet?
Experts recommend that you clean as often as possible. This will typically involve once or twice a week. However, you should disinfect your toilet bowl and run a sponge through areas like your sink and walls at least every three days. One trick is to sprinkle hydrogen peroxide on the insides and outside corners of the bowl once every three days.
How do I Get Brown Stains off the Inside of My Toilet?
Removing brown stains in your toilet bowl often requires a effective cleaning agent. You should consider natural agents like vinegar, pumice stone, citric acid, or limescale remover. After you add the cleaning agent, scrub thoroughly with your brush. Repeat the process until all the stains are gone.
Will Toilet Chemicals Make My Toilet Sparkling Clean?
While toilet chemicals can dissolve stains quickly, they can also lead to wear and tear. If used too repeatedly, these chemicals can affect your health. Also, the residues on the surface and water in your bowl can quickly get into your system after washing. A suitable detergent, great products, and some natural cleaning agents are best to bring out that sparkling look.
Why is My Toilet Often Clogged?
An object inside the toilet bowl or bathroom strain may often cause it to be clogged. If clogging persists, insufficient water or vacuum pressure in the drain pipes or trap may exist. This is a plumbing issue that requires a professional.
