How Often Should I Clean My Toilet?

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When Should You Clean A Toilet?

It might not be the most pleasant job in the world, but cleaning a toilet is an essential vice that has to be done with some regularity to keep it looking fresh and inviting.

As well as looking and smelling unhygienic in relatively quick fashion, an unclean toilet can really bring down the vibe of a stylish bathroom space, and rapidly transform it from inviting to unappealing.

So, just how often should you clean your toilet?

We’ll explain the best toilet cleaning practices and timelines in this article…

Why Should You Clean A Toilet Regularly?

Multiple people likely use a household toilet numerous times per day. So with that said, it is not surprising that they can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and thus require frequent cleaning to stay safe and germ-free. And much better to look at, of course!

Without hyperbole, it is estimated that a toilet seat houses around 295 germs per square inch, while the actual toilet bowl itself hosts an incredible 3.2 million bacteria per the same surface area. The toilet flush handle accounts for around 83 germs for each square inch, meanwhile.

And whilst you will probably have to accept it is nigh on impossible to get rid of absolutely all of the bacteria that congregates in and around your toilet, it is true that regular cleaning and disinfectant practices can keep your toilet looking at least relatively glistening. Plus, as is the ultimate priority, it will be safe for use in a busy family household.

Wall mounted toilet being cleaned with blue cleaning liquid

How Often Should A Toilet Be Cleaned?

For the best chance to have your toilet sparkling and germ-free, you should look to perform the following cleaning tasks at least once a week…

  • Clean the toilet bowl
  • Wipe down the toilet seat
  • Clean the toilet lid
  • Tend to the outside of the cistern
  • Rid the toilet bowl rim of grime
  • Apply disinfectant to the toilet flush handle
  • Wipe down the outside of the toilet
  • Clean the floor around the outside of the toilet and remove any excess drips

If you would like pointers on how to get the very best results, you can consult our blog, How To Really Clean A Toilet.

Toilet bowl being scrubbed clean with yellow brush by hand with yellow protective gloves

Toilet Maintenance Tips

To reduce the risk of bacteria building up, and make life much easier when it does come to the unenviable task of cleaning a toilet, there are a few simple maintenance measures you can follow on a daily basis…

  • Use disinfectant on the toilet flush handle
  • Clean your toilet sear
  • Clear the toilet bowl of any marks
  • Wipe down the toilet bowl rim with the seat up

It is recommended to keep a bottle of cleaning solution handy nearby the toilet, so you can spray the flush handle and toilet seat and wipe them down after use on a frequent basis, if not after every visit.

Can An Unclean Toilet Cause Illness?

As an unclean toilet is somewhat of a haven for the gathering of germs and bacteria, it is not out of the question that when unkempt, they could heighten the risk of contracting illnesses and bugs for those who use them.

That said, if someone in your household is suffering from sickness, it would be prudent to clean the toilet after each and every use to reduce the risk of spreading the illness to other people in the home.

How Do You Clean A Toilet?

There’s a link to our comprehensive toilet cleaning guide earlier in this article, but we’ll also touch on the basic principles for successfully cleaning a toilet here, with practices that should take place at least once a week.

Provided you keep to this timeline, it will make the toilet cleaning process a lot easier, and a full thorough clean a much quicker job given that the toilet will be fairly clean to begin with.

Let’s begin with what you need to clean a toilet.

Milano Arca black WC unit with Overton rimless toilet

Toilet Cleaning Essentials

  • Protective gloves
  • Toilet cleaner
  • Sponges and cloths
  • Toilet brush
  • Disinfectant solution
  • Multipurpose cleaner
  • Mop and bucket
  • Air freshener
  • Floor cleaner
  • Stain remover

Simple Steps To Clean A Toilet

You can start by opening a window to allow as much air as possible to circulate around the room once you’ve donned your protective cleaning gloves. Then flush the toilet to quickly clear it out. Add some toilet cleaner to the toilet bowl, as close as you can to the rim for extra coverage.

Wipe the outside of the toilet down with a disinfectant solution from the top to the floor, including the toilet lid and handle, and apply disinfectant spray to the toilet seat too. Lift up the toilet seat and clean beneath it also, and don’t neglect awkward crevasses like the hinged areas. Then scrub under the toilet rim with your toilet brush working all the way down to the U-bend.

Get rid of any stains on the toilet bowl with your chosen cleaning product, and mop up the surrounding floor with a multipurpose cleaner. Once done, add a toilet freshener for a pleasant smell.

Get In Touch With Big Bathroom Shop

For further information and advice on toilet cleaning tips, or any bathroom related queries you might have, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Big Bathroom Shop.

You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below, or reach us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

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