How To Clean A Toilet Bowl: Actionable Toilet Cleaning Tips

There are a lot of things that will bring you joy in this life, but the satisfaction that comes with having a sparkling clean toilet bowl is almost incomparable. However, many won’t put in the effort, and it results in discoloration and odors.

Cleaning your washroom to sparkle is a flex, but it takes a lot more effort to keep it that way. To be honest, house chores are not that interesting, and scrubbing the toilet will definitely make you feel like a modern-day Cinderella.

If you don’t clean your bathroom properly and often, it tends to permanently discolor. Your guests may not say it, but your toilet is disgusting.

It’s essential to learn how to clean your toilet to avoid petty embarrassments such as stains or odors. But how exactly do you get your toilet bowl to a sparkly finish?

Do you have the right toilet cleaning supplies?

Suppose the only cleaning you do involves washing powder and a light scrub with the toilet brush. In that case, you’re probably having a hard time getting a sparkly clean toilet bowl.

Paper towels are great for disinfecting walls and toilet surfaces, and they are disposable.

For a more manageable cleaning period, gather all your toilet cleaning supplies, and keep them within reach. Here are some of the basics you’ll need to clean a toilet bowl.

  • Pumice stone
  • Disinfectant
  • A clean toilet bowl brush
  • Cleaning gloves of your choice
  • Paper towels
  • Toilet bowl cleaner. You could either buy one from the store or make a homemade DIY solution.

Getting started

For whatever reason, many people tend to start cleaning their toilet bowls from the word go. They focus all the attention on the bowl then barely touch any other part of the toilet.

Not only is this wrong, but it creates a breeding environment for bacteria and fungi to grow in your bathroom. Also, by selectively cleaning your toilet, you will be unable to get rid of all odors.

So, get your disinfectant and spray the exterior of the toilet, and ensure to get all the spots. Sprays are great since they can get the product to harder to reach spaces such as the underside of the seat and the base’s back.

Also, spray the disinfectant on the walls behind and beside the toilet. Once you’re sure you’ve got all the spots, wait for about ten minutes to allow the cleaners to work their magic.

Cleaning immediately after spraying is cleaning for show, and it nullifies the purpose of the disinfectant.

toilet cleaner

Cleaning the bowl

There may be thousands of YouTube tutorials on how to clean toilet bowls, but the content is pretty much the same. There are only so many ways you could scrub a toilet.

Store-bought toilet cleaners are usually highly concentrated with chemicals. It’s because the water in the bowl tends to dilute the solution. This means that getting the water allows you to use milder cleaning solutions and achieve similar sparkling results.

Working with a dry bowl requires less effort, reducing the amount of time required. To drain the bowl, shut off the valve at the base of the toilet then flush.

Similarly, you can make your own clean toilet bowl DIY solutions using bleach, salt, and baking soda. Before cleaning, generously sprinkle the mixture over the toilet bowl.

The salt acts as a scrubbing abrasive. The baking soda gets rid of the buildup, while the bleach will disinfect and clean. This is a good way of getting a clean toilet bowl naturally. Alternatively, add a cup of vinegar.

If you prefer cleaning solutions from the store, go for oxygen or hydrogen peroxide-based brands. Avoid those with chlorine since they can cause lung irritation. Regardless of what cleaner you use, don’t forget to apply it under the rim. Wait for a couple of minutes, wiping away.

don't forget to disinfect and wipe the toilet seat

Wipe it off

Always protect your hands if you decide on hands-on cleaning. It’s been a couple of minutes since you sprayed your disinfectant, so it’s time to wipe it off. It’s tempting to rinse it off with water or a wet wiper cloth, but that is unnecessary.

Instead, use disposable paper towels to wipe off every surface you sprayed, working your way downwards. Discard the used paper towels immediately instead of piling them up.

woman cleaning toilet bowl with brush

Scrub it down

Grab your stiff-brush and scrub inside the toilet bowl and under the rim. This will get rid of the stubborn stains. If there is a rusty ring that refuses to come off, get your pumice stone, and get scrubbing.

Even though you’re wearing gloves, use a stone-on-stick to prevent you from touching the bowl too closely. Since the pumice is softer than the porcelain bowl, it won’t scratch the surface. Turn on the water valve and flush the toilet to rinse off any residue.

Always sanitize

Now that your toilet is clean and sparkly, it’s time to clean your supplies. To clean your stiff-bristle brush, hold it over the bowl and pour cleaning solution or bleach, let it sit for a minute or two, then rinse it off.

Fill the brush’s canister with warm, soapy water to clean it out. Instead of stuffing the brush into the canister, allow both pieces to completely air dry first. This discourages bacteria growth and damp-like odors.

Your job is done, and your supplies are clean, so it’s time to peel off your cleaning gloves. However, instead of just peeling them off and stacking them away, scrub your gloved hands with hot soapy water and ensure the glove is clean. Now peel them off and hang them up to dry before you put them away.

Toilet cleaning hacks and tips

There is no rule book that forces you to adhere to particular cleaning guidelines, so feel free to try out clean toilet bowl hacks you see on the internet.

They really come in handy when you’re on the lookout for cleaning substitutes. For instance, a mixture of borax and vinegar will get rid of the stubborn water lines.

Clean your drainage once in a while to prevent slow flushing and get rid of unpleasant odors. You can do this using a plunger or snake.

Alternatively, pour a solution of hot water and your preferred cleaning agent down the drain.

For a better smelling toilet, add a capful of fabric conditioner to your cistern. This is a simple air freshening technique.

Conclusion

That wasn’t so hard, was it? Cleaning the toilet is not everyone’s favorite chore, but it helps eliminate odors and disgusting stains. Also, sanitary toilets reduce the risk of infection to the users.

What are some clean toilet bowl tips you’ve learned along the way? Share them with us, we’d love to hear from you.

SEE ALSO:
DEEP CLEANING TIPS FOR YOUR HOME
10 TOOLS TO MAKE HOME CLEANING EASIER

Author’s Bio: Kevin is a content writer for about 3 years. He studied Design and Arts at College in Pennsylvania. A fan of home interior design and, he has taken it upon himself to spread his love for decorating homes by informing people on some of his ideas through his articles.

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1 Comment

  1. February 23, 2024 / 7:59 am

    Learning effective toilet cleaning tips is crucial for maintaining hygiene. This post provides actionable insights, ensuring a sparkling clean bowl every time. Additionally, incorporating techniques like Central Coast roof cleaning midway through the process can enhance overall cleanliness and sanitation. Great resource for a cleaner home!

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