How to Clean a Toilet

It is important to keep toilets clean because it’s challenging to maintain them. A filthy toilet will look unpleasant, smell poorly and breed germs. Use our recommended process to guide you through this task quickly and efficiently.

Equipment Required

A safety sign is required because this sign lets people know cleaning is in progress. Make sure you are wearing the correct PPE because this protects your skin from any germs that can lead to illnesses and infections.

You will need a bucket and a cleaning cloth for cleaning the outside of the toilet. Use an abrasive pad for any heavily soiled areas. When cleaning the inside of the toilet, a toilet brush and holder are required. For removing any existing stains use a toilet cleaning solution to clean the inside of the bowl.

Preparation

Place the safety sign somewhere visible and check the bucket is clean and ready to use. The bucket may be dirty if this is the case rinse out with clean water. When clean, fill the bucket halfway with water, ready for adding the cleaning solution. Providing ventilation in the room by opening windows can introduce fresh air while removing stale air because this can harm our health.

Cleaning the Toilet Part 1

Before you begin, flush the toilet with the seat closed. Reveal the water line by pushing back water in the toilet bowl with the toilet brush. Start applying the toilet cleaner to the inside of the bowl, including under the rim and allow several minutes of contact time. Place your cloth into the bucket to absorb the cleaning solution, then wring excess solution/water from the cloth.

Cleaning the Toilet Part 2

You are now ready to start wiping around the toilet. This includes the toilet roll holder, pipework, toilet brush holder, cistern and handle, toilet seat lid (top and underneath) and hinges. When you have covered a small section or when the cloth is dirty, place the cloth into the bucket. Wring the cloth and move to the next section to be cleaned.

Take care to avoid splashes to other surfaces, if this happens then wipe clean with a damp cloth. For dirty areas apply pressure to the cloth, or the abrasive pads can be used for stubborn marks. Next, scrub inside the bowl with the toilet brush, especially for any stains, water line and under the rim. You can then flush the toilet while rinsing the brush in flushing water. Dry the toilet seat with a cloth, then close the lid and remember to replace the brush in the holder.

Final Stages

There will be dirty water from the bucket, discard this water then clean and dry the bucket. The cloth you have been using will need to be disposed of as it will have picked up bacteria and allergens. Always use a new or freshly cleaned and disinfected cloth the next time you clean a toilet. Finally, remove the safety sign when the area is cleared of trip hazards. Don’t forget to close any windows previously opened to provide ventilation.