A dirty toilet isn’t just unpleasant and embarrassing — it’s unsanitary. It’s important to routinely clean your toilet so it doesn’t continuously attract and spread germs.
Follow the tips we’ve outlined below for toilet maintenance and cleaning, and learn about a scrub-free way to clean your toilet.
The Importance of Toilet Maintenance
Developing countries need clean water and indoor plumbing to thrive. These basics encourage sanitary conditions and promote health, but they’re just part of the picture. It’s critical to regularly clean toilets to prevent bacterial contamination and ensure sanitation.
The most modern bathroom fixtures and plumbing don’t fully guard against exposure to bacteria. Routine cleaning and disinfecting of toilets and other bathroom surfaces provides vital protection, but did you know that simply flushing toilets launches microscopic germs such as E. coli, staphylococcus, and streptococcus into the air, leaving us vulnerable to exposure?
I recommend that before flushing you close the lid to prevent airborne bacteria from spreading, and health experts say shutting the lid first gives germs fewer places to go airborne in your house. Microbiologists recommend quickly exiting stalls after flushing open toilets to prevent exposure.
It’s easy to avoid the impacts of spreading bacteria through flushing, known as “toilet plume,” in public restrooms. At home, you can’t quickly exit. That’s why closing the lid before you flush — and routinely cleaning and disinfecting your toilet — best prevent illness.
How to Clean Your Toilet
You can decrease the amount of bacteria in your bathroom by disinfecting toilets, sinks, and tubs weekly. Wear gloves and use products specially formulated to kill germs. Disinfect shower curtains to prevent mold and mildew growth that can cause negative health effects. Opt for water-resistant cloth shower curtain liners that can routinely be washed and bleached in your washing machine.
Deep clean surfaces, including fixtures and floors, weekly with cleaners formulated for bathrooms. It also helps to wipe doorknobs and replace bath towels every other day. Weekly deep cleaning keeps bathroom surfaces fresh as well as disinfected, while frequently replacing towels lowers bacteria levels.
Fluidmaster’s System Scrubs Toilet Bowls Hands-Free
Exterior surfaces clean easily, but scrubbing toilet bowls can be an unpleasant chore. Fluidmaster’s Flush ’N Sparkle self-cleaning toilet system eliminates hands-on effort by automatically dispensing detergent with every flush. Just install the detergent reservoir inside your toilet tank, and detergent scrubs the bowl upon flushing.
The system prevents its chemicals from coming into contact with flappers, valves, and other tank parts, preventing premature wear and keeping your toilet functional for longer.
Along with regularly disinfecting, Flush ’N Sparkle transforms bathrooms into fresh, spa-like spaces. Even better — you’ll no longer need to kneel and manually scrub the toilet bowl.
So, Is Toilet Cleaning Necessary?
Yes — maintaining sanitary toilets prevents germs from spreading on surfaces and in the air. Weekly cleaning protects against bacteria and viruses causing intestinal, respiratory, and skin illnesses. Clean toilets keep bathrooms pleasant, too.
FAQs About Toilet Cleaning
How often should I clean my toilets?
I recommend cleaning and disinfecting at least once a week. For high-traffic bathrooms, increase to two to three times per week.
How do I remove hard water stains?
Hard water mineral deposits come off best using acid cleaners like vinegar or citric acid. Apply, let sit briefly, then scrub and rinse.
How often should I replace my toilet brush?
Replace brushes every three to six months when bristles appear worn or bent.
What's the black residue on toilets?
Black buildup likely results from manganese or iron in water supplies. Acid cleaners dissolve it. If it persists, contact a plumber about potential pipe-leaching problems.
