How to Clean a Toilet Effectively 

Gather All Your Cleaning Supplies   

Toilets are breeding grounds for germs, so it’s important to have the right cleaning supplies ready to tackle dirt and bacteria. Here’s what you’ll need: 

– Rubber gloves to protect your hands while cleaning the toilet bowl.
– Toilet cleaners that contain bleach.
– All-purpose cleaner for the toilet’s exterior, including the seat and lid.
– Paper towels.
– A toilet brush with stiff bristles.
– A scrub brush or pumice stone on a stick for tough stains.
– A bucket to hold your supplies and make them easily accessible. 

Reduce Water from the Toilet Bowl   

To ensure that the entire bowl is cleaned effectively, you need to lower the water level before applying the cleaner. This allows the disinfectant to work without being diluted. To empty the bowl, quickly pour a half-gallon of water inside. This action will trigger a flush without the tank refilling with new water. 

Cleaning the Outside of the Toilet Bowl  

Put on your gloves, then spray the outside of the toilet with a all-purpose cleaner, allowing it to sit for a few minutes or as recommended by the manufacturer. Start at the top, wiping down the back, front, and sides of the toilet all the way to the floor. Clean the toilet handle with a disinfecting wipe.  

After wiping the top of the toilet lid, open it and spray the inside, including the hinges, with cleaner. Don’t forget to spray the toilet seat on both sides and around the hinges. If your toilet has hinges that open, lift them and spray inside. Once the cleaner has sat for the recommended time, thoroughly wipe down the inside of the lid, hinges, and both sides of the toilet seat. Use wet paper towels to rinse off any cleaning residue from the toilet seat and dry it with paper towels. 

Inside Toilet Bowl Cleaning   

Pour toilet bowl cleaner around the rim and into the bowl. Remember to let the cleaner sit untouched for several minutes to maximize its effect—this step is often overlooked. Use your toilet brush to scrub away dirt and grime, starting from under the rim and making circular motions down to the water line. Finally, scrub the drain hole. Close the lid and flush the toilet. 

Cleaning the Wall and Floor Around the Toilet   

Bacteria and dirt from the toilet can accumulate on the walls and floors. To clean the area, spray a cleaner on the walls around the toilet and use clean paper towels to wipe down all surfaces, including behind the toilet and on adjacent walls. Remember to remove the toilet paper and wipe down the holder as well. Finally, clean the floor with a all-purpose disinfectant.