How to Clean a Toilet Properly

Sophie Spyrou
Keeping the toilet clean is the very least anyone can do in the bathroom to make sure the whole room stays fresh. You will need a good quality toilet bowl cleaner, such as Lysol or Clorox, a pair of rubber gloves, a clean cloth or sponge that is only used to clean the bathroom, a toilet brush and just a few minutes of your time. Here is what you need to keep in mind when cleaning a toilet.

How to Clean a Toilet Properly: Toilet Handle

The toilet handle can easily be overlooked when cleaning the toilet bowl and ensuring that it is clean. But think of the steady stream of people who use your toilet on a daily basis. Most people flush the toilet before washing their hands, meaning that there are germs and bacteria on people's hands as they touch the toilet handle. That is why it is important to pay close attention to the toilet handle and make sure that it is kept clean.

How to Clean a Toilet Properly: Toilet Seat

The toilet seat needs to be cleaned regularly, not just when it is visibly in need of attention, such as when a young child is being potty trained. Make sure it is disinfected regularly, to also include underneath the toilet seat and around the rim of the toilet.

How to Clean a Toilet Properly: The Bottom of the Toilet Seat

The bottom of the toilet seat also requires some attention. Clean all the way around the bottom of the toilet, including the hard to reach areas. The areas that are not seen the most can collect a lot of dust, so it is a good idea to clean these areas too. A toilet that has a clean toilet bowl and toilet seat will still look dirty if dust has been allowed to gather.

How to Clean a Toilet Properly: The Cistern

A toilet will look much fresher and cleaner if all visible parts of the toilet are cleaned and that includes the cistern. Make it a habit of always wiping down the toilet. It will be sanitised and look brighter.

It is important for your family's health to maintain a clean toilet clean in your bathroom. It should not take up much of your time. A toilet can be easily maintained if it is cleaned on a regular basis, meaning it will just need quick touch ups rather than a lot of through cleaning.

Published by Sophie Spyrou

Sophie has been writing for the Yahoo! Contributor Network since 13th May 2007. She used her previous status as a Featured Contributor (Travel, then Pets) to share her personal knowledge about the UK culture...  View profile

  • The toilet handle can be easily overlooked; make sure you clean it regularly
  • Keep the toilet seat clean, particularly if you have young children who are being potty trained
  • Clean the bottom and around the toilet to give it a fresher, cleaner appearance
Cleaning a toilet should only take a few minutes of your time

15 Comments

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  • Sophie10/24/2007

    Hi Katie,
    Have you tried a toilet cleaner with bleach? I'm not sure if that will work, but it's worth a try.
    Sophie

  • Darlene Zagata10/24/2007

    Good article idea as well as the article itself!

  • Katie9/28/2007

    Sophie, I have mildew (?) stains (?) on my toilet seat, what can I do to remove them and prevent them in the future? Mom of 2 boys who cleans frequently!

  • Amy Brantley9/15/2007

    What a unique article idea.

  • Herstory9/14/2007

    Never read/heard such clean potty talk :-)

  • Jody9/14/2007

    Great tips, Sophie! There are some really great points here, especially about the toilet handle!

  • Sophie9/14/2007

    Thanks for the comments!
    Sophie

  • Zac Wassink9/14/2007

    good lord i need to do this

  • dalifona9/14/2007

    I am a neat freak when it comes to keeping the bathroom and the kitchen clean. Great article!

  • Dawn Thompson9/14/2007

    I always make sure my toilet is clean and well as the sink and counter. I treat my kitchen the same way.

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