Clean a Toilet

Nobody likes to clean a toilet, but it's essential to keep toilets clean. A dirty toilet will look disgusting, smell bad, and be a breeding ground for dangerous germs. If you want to make sure your toilet is thoroughly clean, follow these professional tips.

Steps

 * 1) Remove items from atop and around the toilet. Clearing items away from the toilet will keep them out of the way and will prevent any accidental drops into the toilet.
 * 2) Wipe down the toilet with a damp sponge. First put on clean gloves. Then moisten a sponge with hot water and wipe around the tank, lid, seat, base, and the exterior of the bowl. This removes excess dirt and helps disperse the cleaning product.
 * 3) [[Image:Cream_toilet_cleaner_128.jpg|thumb|Squirting a cream cleaner into the bowl.]]Squirt a liquid (cream) toilet cleaner inside the bowl. Squirt the cleaner inside the bowl, starting at the rim and making sure to get the area under the lip of the bowl. Read the manufacturer's instructions first for specific directions. Many cleaners work best if you allow them to soak on the bowl for a while.
 * 4) Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush. Brush the entire bowl thoroughly, paying special attention to mineral stains that may accumulate along the water level and at the back of the bowl. The more thoroughly you scrub the bowl, the cleaner it will get.
 * 5) Flush the toilet. Flushing rinses the bowl and the brush. Continue to scrub as the water drains from the toilet. Repeat several times to thoroughly rinse the bowl and brush.
 * 6) [[Image:Spray_toilet_cleaner_33.jpg|thumb|Spray an anti-bacterial bathroom cleaner all over the exterior of the toilet and the seat.]]Spray the rest of the toilet with a disinfectant cleaner. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Make sure to get both the top and bottom of the seat, and spray the entire exterior of the toilet. Use a cloth or paper towel to work in, and wipe away, the cleaner.
 * 7) Clean the handle thoroughly. Be sure to get the handle with the disinfectant spray. The handle is the primary avenue for the spread of germs, so clean it well.
 * 8) Spray the floor and tiles around the toilet with the disinfectant spray. Wipe clean with paper towels or a cloth.
 * 9) Replace items that were on or around the toilet. Put on clean gloves and rinse off the items that were on or around the toilet. Wipe them dry with a paper towel and put them back in their places.

Video
This is a video telling you how to clean a toilet.

Tips

 * Paper towels are ideal for cleaning the exterior of the toilet. Since they are disposable, there is a lower risk of spreading germs, and they also absorb the cleaner well and don't leave streaks on the toilet. If you use a cloth, wash it well when you're done, and wash it separately from clothes or other cloths.

Warnings

 * Don't use the toilet brush to clean the seat or exterior of the toilet, as this may spread germs from the bowl to the rest of the toilet.
 * Toilet cleaning chemicals can be harmful to you, your children, and your pets. Store out of reach of children, and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using.

Things You'll Need

 * Rubber gloves. You must only use these for cleaning the toilet so it's a good idea if they are a different color than your regular household gloves
 * Household sponge
 * Liquid (cream) toilet cleaner
 * Toilet brush
 * Bathroom spray cleaner
 * Paper towels
 * Pressure Washer

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Clean a Bathroom
 * How to Clean Your Bathroom in Only 60 Seconds a Day
 * How to Clean a Bathroom Using Natural Products
 * How to Install a New Toilet Seat
 * How to Fix a Clogged Toilet
 * How to Fix a Slow Toilet
 * How to Unclog a Toilet

Sources and Citations

 * VideoJug.com A video on how to clean a toilet. The original source of this article. Shared with permission.