Cleaning the toilet might not be your favourite chore, but trust us—nothing feels fresher than a sparkling clean loo! At Wecasa, we believe in making every job feel easy and doable, and toilet cleaning is no different. Whether you’re preparing for guests, maintaining hygiene, or tackling stubborn stains, Wecasa’s expert domestic cleaners will walk you through it all. With just a few tools and some know-how, you can make your bathroom look and smell amazing in no time. Ready to feel like a cleaning superstar? Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need: Essential Cleaning Supplies
- Toilet brush with sturdy bristles
- Rubber gloves
- Disinfectant toilet cleaner
- All-purpose bathroom cleaner
- Paper towels or cleaning cloths
- Old toothbrush (for hard-to-reach areas)
Additional products: vinegar, baking soda, pumice stone (for stubborn stains), protective face mask, bucket and disinfectant wipes
Best Ways to Clean a Toilet: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cleaning the Bowl
Let’s be honest—the toilet bowl is the main event. It’s where most of the action (and germs!) happen, so giving your toilet bowl a good clean makes a big difference in how fresh your whole bathroom feels.
Start by lifting the toilet seat and squirting your chosen cleaner around the entire inner rim. Let it flow down the sides into the bowl, making sure you coat every surface. Give it at least 10 minutes—this contact time is key for killing germs, loosening limescale, and dissolving stains. While you wait, you can move on to cleaning the toilet seat or the external parts of the toilet. Efficiency for the win!
After the 10 minutes must have past, grab your toilet brush and start scrubbing the entire bowl in circular motions. Focus on cleaning under the rim area, the waterline and those stubborn spots around your toilet bowl. Use a bit of elbow grease here—it’s worth it! If needed, use an old toothbrush or rim brush for more precision in hard-to-reach spots. Once you’re happy with your scrubbing efforts, flush the toilet to rinse everything down.
Pro Tip: Always begin your toilet cleaning sessions by applying cleaner to the bowl. This gives the solution time to break down stains and bacteria while you tackle the seat, tank, and exterior. It’s the ultimate time-saving hack!
2. Tackling Dirty Toilet Seat
Start by lifting the toilet seat to clean both sides thoroughly using disinfectant wipes or spray cleaner. Make sure to carefully clean the hinges and attachment points, as these areas often collect dirt and bacteria. Once cleaned, wipe everything dry with paper towels, and don’t forget to give the top and bottom of the lid equal attention for a complete clean.
3. Cleaning External Surfaces
Once the inside of your toilet is sparkling, it’s time to give some attention to the outside. Spray the base, flush handle, and tank with an all-purpose cleaner, making sure to cover every surface. Using a damp microfibre cloth, wipe everything down thoroughly, removing any splashes, fingerprints, or dust. Pay special attention to the area near the floor—it’s a sneaky spot where hair and dust love to gather! Finish by buffing everything dry with a clean cloth or paper towels to leave a fresh, streak-free shine that makes your bathroom feel extra polished.
Cleaning Stubborn Toilet Stains
Cleaning Limescale from toilet bowl
If you live in a hard water area, chances are you’ve noticed those chalky white or grey marks creeping into your toilet bowl or under the rim. That’s limescale! Not only is it unsightly, but it can also trap bacteria.
One of the most effective (and eco-friendly!) to get rid of limescale in your toilet is by using plain white vinegar. Simply pour a generous amount directly onto the affected area. Let the vinegar sit for at least an hour. If the limescale is particularly stubborn, you can leave it overnight.
After soaking, scrub the area with a firm toilet brush or, for extra power, a pumice stone. Be gentle with the pumice stone to avoid scratching the porcelain. Finish with a good flush to rinse everything away, revealing a smoother, cleaner surface.
Pro Tip: To stay ahead of the build-up, repeat this routine once a week if you’re in a hard water zone.
How To Remove Brown/Black Stains in Your Toilet Bowl
Brown or black stains in your toilet bowl can be stubborn, but with the right approach, you’ll have your bathroom looking spotless again in no time. First, it’s important to match the solution to the type of stain. Mineral deposits? Reach for a mix of vinegar and baking soda — let it sit for around 30 minutes to break down the buildup. If you’re dealing with rust, a specialized commercial rust remover can lift the stains effectively within 15 to 20 minutes.
For hard water stains, a citric acid solution works wonders; just allow it to work for one to two hours for the best results. And if you spot mold, a simple bleach solution needs just 10 minutes to sanitize and restore the shine. At Wecasa, we believe that taking care of your home should be simple and satisfying — a few well-chosen products and a little patience can make all the difference!
Cleaning Under the Toilet Rim
To effectively clean under the toilet rim, start by using an old toothbrush, which allows for precise cleaning in this hard-to-reach area. Apply your cleaning solution directly under the rim and pay special attention to the rim jets, checking and cleaning them regularly. For better visibility of these tricky spots, use a mirror to inspect areas that are difficult to see.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Toilet
Maintaining a clean toilet requires consistent attention to several key practices. Installing toilet bowl tablets provides ongoing cleanliness between deep cleans, while keeping the lid closed during flushing prevents the spread of bacteria throughout your bathroom. It’s crucial to address any leaks promptly to prevent water damage and maintain hygiene. For those living in hard water areas, installing water softeners can significantly reduce limescale build-up and make regular cleaning more manageable.
Cleaning your Toilet Brush
To maintain a clean toilet brush, ensure you clean it thoroughly after each use and store it in a well-ventilated holder to prevent bacterial growth. For optimal hygiene, disinfect the holder on a weekly basis and replace the brush every six months when it shows signs of wear.
Cleaning the Toilet Tank
- Turn off water supply
- Flush to empty tank
- Clean with mild cleaner
- Avoid harsh chemicals
- Check mechanisms while cleaning
Common Toilet Cleaning Questions
How Often Should You Clean Your Toilet?
- Daily: Quick wipe down
- Weekly: Deep clean
- Monthly: Detailed maintenance
- Quarterly: Professional inspection
Should You Use Bleach?
While bleach can be an effective toilet cleaner thanks to its powerful disinfectant properties, stain-removing abilities and bacteria-killing effectiveness, it comes with several drawbacks. The harsh nature of bleach can damage your plumbing system over time, pose environmental concerns, and potentially harm your toilet’s finish if used too frequently.
Best Cleaning Products to Use
- Natural cleaning solutions like baking soda and white vinegar are effective for daily maintenance.
- For deep cleaning, enzyme-based cleaners like Bio-Clean or Fuwa3e pineapple enzyme cleaner break down organic matter and eliminate odors without harming pipes.
- For stubborn stains, oxygen-based cleaners such as OxiClean or Astonish toilet bowl fizz tabs work wonders beneath the rim.
Safety Tips and Important Information
When cleaning your toilet, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and running the bathroom fan. Good air circulation is essential for safety. Most importantly, never mix different cleaning products together as this can create dangerous toxic fumes that could be harmful to your health.
Remember to maintain regular cleaning habits for the best results and a hygienic bathroom environment. With proper care and attention, your toilet will stay clean, fresh, and functioning properly for years to come.
