Nobody likes to clean a toilet, but it is an indispensable operation for home hygiene. A dirty toilet is disgusting to the eye, smells bad and is a germ factory. Cleaning it immediately saves you a lot of hassle later on. If you want to make sure your toilet is thoroughly cleaned, follow these professional tips
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Quick Clean
Step 1. Get all the tools you need
If the idea of cleaning the toilet disgusts you, it's best to have everything you need close at hand before you start, so the job will be quicker and more painless. Get a pair of rubber gloves, which are indispensable, and all the following items, at least as many as you can get: toilet brush, disinfectant wipes, an old toothbrush, clean rags (or kitchen paper) and a toilet cleaner.
- Hygiene tip: take a pair of gloves dedicated exclusively to cleaning the toilet. Purchase one in a different color than the ones you use for other household chores. This way you won't confuse them with the ones you use for washing dishes.
- It would also be good to have a universal cleaner on hand. You can find one in the supermarket, but if you prefer to save money, you can make your own by mixing a tablespoon of dish soap with 180ml of water.
Step 2. Clean the cup
You can proceed in any order you like, but if you're in a hurry, the smartest thing to do is start with the cup. This way, if you splash dirty water on the outside, you won't have to worry, as these are areas that still need to be cleaned. Use the toilet brush to remove any limescale stains and deposits you can see. You will need to apply some pressure to remove stubborn dirt. If you want a more effective cleaning action, put some specific or universal detergent in the toilet and then dip the toilet brush before brushing the inside walls of the toilet.
Step 3. Clean the lid
Now that the cup has been sanitized, you need to think about the other parts prone to dirt: the tablet and the lid. Always use universal cleaner and rags (or paper) to quickly but carefully scrub all of these items. If you wish, use an old toothbrush to clean even hard-to-reach spots such as between the lid and the hinge-level ceramic.
Step 4. Clean the outside of the cup
The time has come to make the outside of the ceramic shine as well. Use a spray bottle and spray the toilet with a universal cleaner. Rub it with a cloth or paper being very careful of the toilet flush lever / button. Alternatively, soak a cloth in warm, soapy water, wipe the toilet, and then rinse the cloth when it is dirty.
- Always start cleaning the toilet from the highest points so the dirty water will run down on places you haven't treated yet.
- Don't forget hidden spots, like behind the toilet tank where it leans against the wall. To clean these areas satisfactorily, you need to use a pipe cleaner or toothbrush.
Step 5. Flush the toilet
Your toilet should now look much better! Squeeze the drain to get rid of the dirty water that has accumulated at the bottom. If you've used toilet paper when cleaning, it's time to throw that away too, as long as it's not enough to cause a blockage.
- Finally, wash your hands after taking off your gloves. A few drops of water may have entered the gloves during cleaning.
- If your toilet only needed a "light" cleaning, you're done! If, on the other hand, he needs a more decisive intervention for difficult stains or because it has been a long time since you last dealt with them, then it is better to focus on the first method.
Method 2 of 3: Deep Cleaning
Step 1. Wipe the entire surface of the toilet with a wet sponge
It would be advisable to use very hot water for these initial stages, while cleaning other areas of the toilet, the hot water begins to loosen and macerate the stubborn dirt saving you a lot of effort later on. Dampen a sponge with warm water and scrub the toilet tank, lid, seat, base and the outside of the toilet bowl. Sometimes this action is enough to remove dirt without using special detergents.
Step 2. Spray toilet cleaner inside the bowl
The specific ones are able to eliminate stains, dirt rings and limescale deposits. Spray it under the rim of the cup and let it run along the walls to the water. It is very important to spray it under the rim because it is an area that is often ignored but where a lot of minerals are deposited.
Read the instructions on the label of the cleaner you are using. Many have a cleansing action only if you let them sit for a while in the cup. If so, take a break before moving on to the next steps
Step 3. Scrub the inside of the toilet with the toilet brush
Use one with stiff bristles and carefully scrub all sides of the cup paying particular attention to limescale stains that accumulate along the edge at the water level. The greater the decision and thoroughness with which you scrub, the cleaner the toilet will be.
Try to make the most of the cleaner; Since most of the product accumulates on the bottom, dip the brush a couple of times and then scrub the encrusted dirt. Your action will be more decisive
Step 4. Flush the toilet
This way you rinse both the toilet brush and the cup. Keep scrubbing as the water runs down the toilet walls as the force of the flow may not be enough to sweep away the debris.
If there are any particularly stubborn stains, repeat the process by applying the cleaner, letting it sit, and then scrubbing with the toilet brush. Always remember to rinse the cup at the end
Step 5. Clean the rest of the toilet with a disinfectant
Once you've cleaned the inside of the cup, you should take care of the rest, even if it's not dirty. When you are done, not only will the toilet be shiny, but it will be above all free from any dangerous bacteria. Use an “all-surface” spray cleaner or one specifically for the bathroom and spray it on the toilet. You need to cover both the top and bottom of the toilet, the seat (top and bottom) and the outside of the toilet. Then, with a cloth or kitchen paper, scrub all surfaces to dry the cleaner.
Step 6. Do not neglect the exhaust button or lever
This element needs special attention as it is touched every time the toilet is used. It's teeming with bacteria, the ones found on your fingers after you flush the toilet. Cover the button with a generous amount of disinfectant, they are more likely to become contaminated with germs through contact with the flush lever than any other part of the toilet, so clean it thoroughly.
Method 3 of 3: Clean the area around the toilet
Step 1. Remove all objects that are on and near the toilet
Before starting it is essential to make some space by eliminating the objects that can obstruct you (boxes of tissues, magazines, and so on). Since you want to thoroughly clean the toilet, you will need to reach every hidden corner.
Removing objects not only allows you to clean the surface they rest on, but also prevents them from falling into the cup and being damaged by aggressive detergents
Step 2. Rinse or dust objects that were near the toilet
The last thing you want is to re-smear your shiny toilet with any dust or dirt from the magazines or tissue box. Put on a clean pair of gloves and carefully clean the objects that are near the toilet. If they are water resistant, wet them and then scrub them well, if not, dry brush them. Dry them with a cloth or kitchen paper and put them back in their place.
When you're done, take off your gloves and wash your hands as a precaution not to spread the bacteria
Step 3. Spray the floor around the cup with disinfectant
Usually a dirty toilet is surrounded by an equally dirty floor. You certainly don't want your feet to get contaminated every time you use the bathroom, so take advantage and clean the floor. Use a broom to remove any fur, hair or dust from around the cup, especially be careful behind it. Scrub the floor with disinfectant-soaked kitchen paper or a cloth.
Advice
Paper towels are ideal for cleaning the outside of the toilet. Being disposable, they reduce the risk of spreading microbes, as well as absorb detergent residues well and leave few streaks. If you use a cloth instead, be sure to wash it thoroughly after cleaning, and wash it separately from other rags or clothing
Warnings
- Do not use the toilet brush to clean the seat or the outside of the toilet, as this could spread germs from inside the toilet.
- Chemicals can be dangerous for you, for children and for pets. Keep detergents out of the reach of children and follow the instructions on each package.
