A clean and hygienic toilet is essential for a fresh and inviting bathroom experience. However, over time, stubborn stains can accumulate, making it challenging to maintain the pristine condition you desire. But fear not! In this article, we will unveil a variety of effective methods to tackle those unsightly stains and provide you with the knowledge to keep your toilet looking spotless and well-maintained. From powerful cleaning solutions to smart tools and techniques, we have a collection of strategies that will help you say goodbye to stains once and for all. Whether it’s mineral deposits, rust, or grime, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to transform your toilet into a sparkling oasis of cleanliness. Let’s discover the secrets to achieving a stain-free and immaculate toilet.
How to Clean a Toilet – Checklist
However, before you can clean the toilet, there are some things that need to be done first.
- Remove the lid from the tank and use your brush to scrub it clean with warm soapy water. If there are any stains or rings on the inside of the lid, try using baking soda on a damp sponge or cloth before cleaning it with soap and water.
- If your toilet has a seat cover – lift it up by gently pulling on each side until all four snaps pop loose (if applicable). Try using an old toothbrush or sponge dipped into warm water with dish soap added generously on top of both sides until they look much brighter than before!
- This step helps prevent mildew from appearing later.
Everything you do for cleaning is easier and more effective if you remove the debris first. The best way to do this is to flush the toilet, then use a plunger or a vacuum to suck up any loose bits of dirt and hair.
- Clean around the base of your toilet (and also under it) with an old toothbrush or another scrub brush. S
- If you prefer, Use an old rag or paper towel to wipe around all sides of your tank, including underneath its base to remove dust and other debris from years past.
- If there are hairs stuck on any part of your seat, gently pull them off using tweezers so they don’t come back later.
- Use upholstery cleaner on rims so they look bright again instead of dull grayish-brown color.
- Wipe down hinges with vinegar solution so they’re squeaky clean without toxic chemicals that could stay behind inside those crevices where bacteria thrive.
- Clean outside surfaces with baking soda because it neutralizes odors by breaking down hydrogen sulfide gas molecules which cause bad odor smells.
How to Clean a Toilet – Clean around the base of the toilet
The base of the toilet is one of those areas that’s easy to neglect, and it is harder to reach, but it’s still a good idea to give it some attention.
- A damp cloth or flushable wipe will do the trick.
- Use a disinfecting wipe if you have one handy, or any other kind of disinfectant spray or soap if you don’t.
- Make sure you don’t use anything with harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.
How to Clean a Toilet – Bleach-based cleaners
If you’re using a bleach-based cleaner, open the window for ventilation. Pour about 1/2 cup of bleach into the bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes.
To prevent damage to your toilet:
- Don’t use chlorine or other harsh chemicals on porcelain or plastic toilets. The caustic ingredients can damage these surfaces.
- Don’t use bleach on toilets with wax rings since it may cause rusting.
- Also, don’t use it on toilets with plastic tanks as it could also damage them if left too long before rinsing off.
- Use a scrub brush to scrub inside the bowl and around the rim, removing any stains or buildup.
- If you don’t have a toilet brush handy, try using an old toothbrush instead.
- Using a rag or paper towel, wipe down your toilet seat after using your brush to remove any leftover grime
After you’re done cleaning, use a rag and warm water to wipe down any areas that are still dirty or have leftover cleaner residue or splashed mixture. This will prevent them from getting stained later on after they dry. You can also use a bleach solution if you need to remove stains.
Wipe down and disinfect the outside of your toilet tank 
Wipe down and disinfect the around/outside of your toilet tank as well as any other parts with a disinfectant wipe.
- Dip your cleaning cloth into the disinfectant cleaner, then wipe down all surfaces inside and outside of tubs or toilets that you can reach easily including flushing handles.
- Remove stains from the outside of your toilet bowl by applying a paste made out of equal parts baking soda and lemon juice.