How to Clean a Toilet
Cleaning a toilet may not be fun, but it’s necessary. A clean toilet is more hygienic and can even improve your plumbing’s performance. When your toilet is dirty, it can breed bacteria, cause odors, and lead to stubborn stains or mineral buildup.
Before jumping into action, make sure you’re prepared. Always wear rubber gloves, ventilate the room, and follow basic safety precautions when working with cleaners. Got that down? Good. Now, you’re ready to learn how to clean a toilet.
Essential Supplies for Cleaning a Toilet
Before you get started, gather these supplies:
- Rubber gloves
- Toilet brush or pumice stone
- Toilet cleaner (gel, powder, or liquid)
- Disinfectant spray
- White vinegar and baking soda (for natural cleaning)
- Paper towels or reusable cleaning cloths
- Scrub brush or old toothbrush
- Bucket or cup (for tank cleaning)
How to Clean a Toilet Bowl
Follow these steps for the best way to clean a toilet bowl:
- Turn off the water supply: Turn off the water using the knob on the water line behind your toilet—the location may vary depending on the type of toilet you have. Then, flush your toilet to leave you with a completely empty bowl.
- Apply toilet cleaner: Squirt the cleaner under the rim and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to break down the grime.
- Scrub with a toilet brush: Wash the toilet, paying attention to the water line, under the rim, and around the drain hole.
- Remove any debris: If you’re cleaning out your toilet after a clog, make sure to remove any objects lodged in the bowl.
- Turn the water back on and flush the toilet: This rinses the bowl and your brush.
- Wipe the exterior: Disinfect the lid, handle, seat, and base using a disinfectant spray or vinegar solution.
How to Clean a Toilet Tank
The toilet tank often gets overlooked, but cleaning it helps prevent buildup that can affect flushing and performance.
- Turn off the water supply: Then flush to empty the tank.
- Inspect for buildup: If there’s visible residue or rust, you’ll want to scrub or soak the tank.
- Add white vinegar: Pour 2-3 cups into the tank and let it sit for 12 hours to dissolve mineral deposits.
- Scrub and rinse: Use a scrub brush to clean the inside walls. Turn the water back on and flush to rinse.
How to Clean a Stained Toilet
Cleaning a toilet bowl with tough stains, like rust, limescale, or hard water marks, requires a little extra effort.
- Empty most of the water from the bowl.
- Apply your chosen cleaner directly to the stained area.
- Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Scrub with a pumice stone or toilet brush.
- Flush to rinse.
The type of stain changes what to use to clean a toilet. Here are our recommendations:
- White vinegar and baking soda: Best for brown or yellow stains
- Borax or commercial cleaners: Best for hard water stains
- Bleach-based cleaners: Best for mildew
- Commercial rust removers: Best for rust stains
Best Ways to Keep Your Toilet Clean
Once your toilet is clean, maintenance is key. Here’s how to keep your toilet cleaner for longer:
- Clean the toilet weekly.
- Use a drop-in tablet or automatic bowl cleaner.
- Keep a toilet brush nearby for quick touch-ups.
- Address hard water stains as soon as you see them.
- Ventilate your bathroom to reduce moisture and mildew.
- Clean the toilet handle daily.
- Take precautions to avoid clogs and backups.
How to Use Toilet Cleaner Effectively
Toilet cleaners are the easiest way to clean a toilet. They come in many forms, including gels, foams, and powders. But even with all the variety, most require contact time to work. Always:
- Read the manufacturer’s label for instructions.
- Apply cleaner under the rim and around the bowl.
- Let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes before scrubbing.
- Avoid mixing products (especially bleach with ammonia or vinegar).
- Store cleaners out of reach of children and pets.
FAQs About Cleaning a Toilet
How often should I clean my toilet?
Most people should clean their toilets once a week. You may need to clean your toilet more frequently if the toilet sees a lot of use.
What is the best way to clean a toilet bowl?
Use a quality toilet bowl cleaner, let it sit, scrub thoroughly, and flush. For tough stains, try vinegar and baking soda or a commercial limescale remover.
Can I use bleach to clean a toilet?
Yes, diluted bleach can disinfect and whiten your toilet. However, don’t use it in the tank, and never mix it with other cleaners.
How to clean a really dirty toilet?
Drain excess water and apply a strong cleaner or vinegar solution. Let it sit, then scrub it with a brush or pumice stone. You may need to repeat the process for severe buildup.
What should I avoid when cleaning a toilet?
Avoid abrasive pads that can scratch porcelain, mixing cleaning chemicals, or pouring bleach into the tank. Skip harsh drain openers, as they can damage pipes. If you cause any cracks or leaks in the toilet, you may need to replace it.
How to Clean a Really Dirty Toilet Without Lifting a Finger
A clean toilet can keep your bathroom fresh and hygienic. Taking a few extra minutes to clean your toilet on a regular basis can save you costly plumbing issues later. But if you don’t have the time or the patience, you can always rely on Roto-Rooter to help.
Need help with a toilet that just won’t flush right or smells no matter what you do? Contact Roto-Rooter for expert toilet repairs and plumbing support.