The Last Time (or Perhaps Ever) You Cleaned Your Toilet Brush: Here's How
Nobody gives a damn about the lowly toilet brush or the decorative and practical holder it sits in. This cleaning product takes care of one of the dirtiest and most unpleasant items that can be found in a home. For example, when was the last time you gave your toilet brush a good cleaning or put it away? With our advice, you'll be able to successfully clean both the toilet brush and the holder for it, giving you greater peace of mind while you're in the bathroom. If you prefer to disinfect without the use of harsh chemicals, you can clean your toilet brush without bleach (and kill germs while you're at it) by utilizing natural products such as vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. This is also an option for those of you who prefer to disinfect without the use of harsh chemicals. It is time to take some kind of action.
After each use, the toilet brush and its holder should be disinfected, and this process should be repeated at least once per month. If the brush is allowed to dry completely before being placed back into the holder, then the holder should only require a comprehensive cleaning once per month. If, on the other hand, the brush is not cleaned after each use nor is it given time to dry, then the holder needs to be cleaned at least once per week.
Rather than using bleach, you can achieve a natural and effective cleaning of your toilet brush by first rinsing it in the clean water that is supplied by your toilet. The next step is to place the handle in the middle of the bowl and the seat, and then spray a natural cleaner on the bristles. Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, when used to clean your toilet brush, will achieve the desired results. To ensure that each bristle is thoroughly cleaned, rotate the brush, and then return it to its holder to allow the bristles to dry completely in the air. There is no need for any additional rinsing.
Vinegar, when used to clean your toilet brush, will eradicate approximately 90% of bacteria, in addition to approximately 80% of viruses and mold. However, if you want to be absolutely certain that all pathogens are 99 9 percent remaining, bleach is your only available choice. However, some authorities advise against pouring bleach into the bowl of your toilet because doing so can cause the internal parts to corrode. Instead, follow the steps outlined in the following paragraphs to bleach your brush in a bucket.
- Bleach made with chlorine
- Spray for removing germs
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Wipes for disinfecting
- Universal disinfectant or cleaner
Ulyana Verbytska is the author of The Spruce.
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- When you are done cleaning the toilet, you can quickly disinfect the toilet brush by using a disinfectant spray and a disinfectant wipe. This can be done after you have finished cleaning the toilet.
- After finishing your cleaning, make sure to flush the toilet and give the toilet brush a quick rinse in the water. Maintain a direct line of sight between the bowl of the toilet and the handle of the brush while you clean it.
- Spray the brush head generously with a disinfectant spray or with hydrogen peroxide that is 3 percent, turning the brush head to ensure that all sides are sprayed.
- Clean the handle by wiping it down with a disinfectant wipe. Make use of a second wipe to thoroughly clean the holder on the inside and the outside. At least ten minutes should pass with the surfaces retaining their wetness.
- When drying the toilet, balance the handle of the toilet brush between the rim of the bowl and the lowered toilet seat.
- Use a cloth made of microfiber to dry the holder. Before inserting the brush into the holder, make sure that it has had ample time to dry completely in the air.
Ulyana Verbytska is the author of The Spruce.
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- Prepare one gallon of water by bringing it to a boil in a microwave or on the stovetop.
- Carefully transfer the hot water to a plastic bucket designated for cleaning. The bucket's capacity should be such that it can hold sufficient water to submerge the toilet brush holder, the toilet brush head, and the majority of the toilet brush handle.
- Put the bucket in a spacious bowl, such as a bathtub or shower enclosure. In the event that the bleach solution spills out of the bucket, the surrounding areas will be protected as a result of this measure.
- Add one cup of liquid chlorine bleach while protecting your hands and eyes with rubber gloves and eye protection.
- To prevent splashing, the toilet brush and holder should be added slowly.
- The items should be allowed to soak for at least one hour.
- Taking care to protect your hands with rubber gloves, remove the toilet brush and its holder, and run both items through a cycle of hot water for at least 30 seconds. This will ensure that the bleach solution is removed.
- Before putting the brush and its holder away, you should either use a microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry them or let them air dry completely.
Ulyana Verbytska is the author of The Spruce.
If you don't have a bucket, you can put a quarter cup of bleach into the water in the toilet bowl and then submerge the brush head in it. Put hot water into a bathroom sink, then add a half cup of bleach and the holder to the mixture. Before continuing with the steps listed above to rinse and dry the items, make sure to give them at least an hour to soak in the solution.
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If you do not like to use chlorine bleach, you can clean the toilet brush and holder with a solution of all-purpose cleaner and hot water instead of using chlorine bleach. The number of bacteria that are present on the items will be reduced by using this method, but the items will not be made sterile because this method does not eliminate all bacteria.
- To prepare the cleaning solution, bring a large bucket or sink to a boil, then add the amount of all-purpose cleaner or dishwashing liquid that is specified on the product label.
- Put the toilet brush and its holder under water.
- At a minimum, let them sit in the liquid for two hours.
- Remove the items and, while wearing rubber gloves, thoroughly clean each one by rinsing it under hot running water for at least a minute.
- Use a cloth made of microfiber to dry the toilet brush and its holder.
- Before placing the brush back into its holder, ensure that it has been completely dried out by air.
Ulyana Verbytska is the author of The Spruce.
If you are using a toilet brush with nylon bristles, you should consider purchasing a new one when the bristles start to smell, become discolored, flattened, brittle, or begin to fall off the head of the brush. The length of time a toilet brush will last is directly proportional to the number of times it is used, but it is recommended that most brushes be replaced every six to eight months.
Silicone-headed toilet brushes are typically more long-lasting than those with other types of heads but should still be replaced if the head becomes damaged or loose. If you keep them clean and maintain them well, they should last for at least a year.
- After each use, run the toilet brush under the clean water from the flush to ensure that it does not become discolored.
- Before putting the brush away, make sure it has had ample time to air-dry completely.
- Do not let a mucky soup of bacteria-filled water pool and dry in the bottom of the holder as this could spread bacteria.
- Choose a holder that raises the brush head away from the base of the holder to prevent the bristles from becoming bent or snapped.
- Utilize a toilet brush that has individual heads that are disposable. After each use, simply wipe the handle down with a disinfectant wipe, and then let it air dry. There is no need for a holder because the handle can be hung from a hook or stored under the sink.
Ulyana Verbytska is the author of The Spruce.
FAQ
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When it's time to replace your toilet brush, how frequently should you do so?
It does not matter what methods you use to clean, but toilet brushes should be thrown away and replaced every six months because they harbor germs. Plastic toilet brushes have a shorter lifespan compared to those made from wood or natural fibers, both of which have the ability to have their lifespan extended by dripping them dry after use.
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Is it possible to clean the toilet brush in the dishwasher?
Putting your toilet brush in the dishwasher by itself and running it through the "sterilize" cycle is not unsanitary, according to the strict definition of the term. It is expected that the combination of hot water, soap, and residual cleaner that is left on the brush will kill any germs that are present and prevent the spread of germs to subsequent loads of dishes.
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Is it acceptable to pour bleach into a toilet if it's already been used?
On this topic, different experts have different recommendations. Some people believe that cleaning with bleach that has been diluted is acceptable as long as the bleach is the only cleaner that is being used, because bleach can react with other cleaners and become toxic. Some people suggest that you should never use bleach or products that contain bleach because these things can damage the componentry of your toilet, such as gadgets and fittings, which can cause it to leak.
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