6 Heavy-Duty Ways to Clean the Toilet

Nobody wants to clean the toilet, but the job needs to be done. It’s gross, smelly, backbreaking work, but when done right, a clean toilet can leave your entire bathroom looking and feeling fresh. Here are some helpful tips to cleaning the porcelain throne, including the products that work, ways to get out the tough stains, and more. If you want your bathroom to shine, then here’s six secrets to help achieve your cleanliness goals.

Frequent Wipe Downs

One of the easiest ways to keep your toilet bowl spotless is frequent cleaning. With a regular regimen, you can avoid the tough mineral buildups and deep stains. With nothing more than a paper towel and some household cleaning solution, wipe down the entire seat and bowl two to three times per week. If you regularly clean your toilet, you won’t have to put much effort into each wipe down. Also, don’t forget to wash the inside of the bowl using a brush and bowl cleaner to avoid water stains.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a household miracle cleaner. Many people are averse to it due to the funky smell, but in actuality it’s one of the most effective and least toxic cleaning agents available. In fact, it even works to remove those tough toilet stains from mineral buildup, such as alkaline deposits. To get rid of these stains, pour roughly three cups of distilled vinegar directly into the bowl and let the vinegar do the work. Using a toilet brush, dip it into the water and scrub around the inner edges of the bowl. Be sure to get underneath the rim of the bowl where buildup is particularly prone to occur.

Bleach

For more stubborn stains, you can use bleach to get the bowl sparkling again. You will need a few hours to let the bleach soak, so plan a time when the restroom is not in use. Also, bleach is extremely hazardous to skin. Always be sure to wear gloves when using it.

To clean, start by adding about a half cup of dry bleach powder to the bowl, using a brush to wipe down the sides. Then close the seat and let it sit and soak for up to two hours, or more if needed. Once all the stains have dissolved, give it one last wipe and flush the water away.

Borax

Borax, or sodium borate, is a salt compound and an excellent detergent. While it has a variety of industrial and cleaning uses, it is most commonly found in laundry detergent.

To clean your toilet with it, you first need to drain the water from the bowl. Turn off the water supply at the base of your toilet and then flush. This will rid the existing water from the bowl. Add the borax powder directly to the stains and work it in using a scrub brush. Let it set for 30 minutes to an hour, then reconnect the water supply to rinse.

Pumice Stone and Toothbrush

If you have severe buildup and cleaning agents alone aren’t cutting it, you may need to find something more abrasive to remove the stubborn stains. Pumice stones are an excellent cleaning tool, but only when used cautiously. Porcelain toilets are extremely susceptible to scratches, which are permanent and collect stains and grime much more easily than a fully protected bowl.

To clean with it, carefully rub the end of the stone against the stain, keeping the stone and toilet bowl damp at all times. As you rub, pumice will begin to collect on the sides of the bowl. Next, use a toothbrush to scrub off the excess. This method should only be used as a last resort on the worst stains. In general, you should avoid scrubbing your toilet with abrasive materials.

Take Preventative Measures

Taking small steps to keep your toilet and bathroom clean is the most effective defense against grimy buildup. For instance, closing the seat when flushing reduces the amount of spray, which helps keep bacteria and foul smells from spreading. Additionally, cleaning tablets or other products for everyday use can be used to keep bowls fresh between deep scrubs.

Finally, staying on top of messes as they occur ensures a clean commode. The longer it sits, the longer you scrub. An important caution, however, is to always avoid using wire brushes. These can damage the porcelain, leaving you with permanent scratches and blemishes that no cleaning agent can remove. As long as you maintain a consistent cleaning schedule with safe cleaning tools and products, your throne is likely to glisten for years.

When using any of these methods, remember to take proper safety precautions, including rubber gloves, eye protection, and durable rags. Some of these chemicals are very caustic and can leave chemical burns or cause eye irritation. Hopefully, you don’t need to employ these heavy duty toilet cleaning methods often, but in case you do, you’ll know how to get the job done right.