How to Clean a Toilet

Co-authored by Melissa Maker

Last Updated: March 10, 2023 Approved

Cleaning a toilet is a task that often gets postponed, but it's essential to keep toilets clean. A dirty toilet will look bad, smell bad and breed germs. However, as with many of life's less pleasant tasks, cleaning your toilet now can save you headaches later. With these instructions, you'll get through this task quickly and efficiently.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Quick Cleaning

1
Grab your tools. If you're repulsed by the thought of cleaning a toilet, you'll want to have everything you need ready to go beforehand so the process is as quick as possible. Grab rubber gloves, which are essential, plus as many of the following things as you can find: a toilet brush, sanitary wipes, an old, out-of-use toothbrush, clean rags (or paper towels), and/or toilet cleaner.
- Here's a sanitation tip - keep a pair of rubber gloves solely for the purpose of cleaning the toilet. Buy them in a distinct color that's different from every other pair of gloves you own. This way, you won't accidentally use them for washing dishes, etc.
- You may also want to have some all-purpose cleaner handy. You can find this at the grocery store, but, if you want to save cash, you can also make your own cleaning solution by adding 1 tbsp dish soap to 6 oz of water.^{[1]
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You can clean the different parts of the toilet in any order you like, but, if you're in a hurry, you may find that it's smartest to start with the bowl. This way, if you splash any dirty water out of the bowl while you're cleaning it, it won't get parts of the toilet that you've already cleaned dirty. Use a toilet brush to scrub away any stains or mineral deposits you see. You may need to apply some pressure to eliminate caked-on stains. For added cleaning power, drop a little toilet cleaner or all-purpose cleaner into the water, then dip the brush in it.
Now that you've cleaned the bowl, it's time to clean the main points of contact - the top and bottom lids. Use all-purpose cleaner and rags/paper towels (or disposable sanitary wipes) to give both the lids a quick but thorough cleaning on both sides. If you want to, use an old toothbrush to scrub the hard-to-reach spots between the lid and the body of the toilet as well as the hinges.
4
Give the body of the toilet a quick wipe-down. Finally, it's time to give your toilet's porcelain a squeaky-clean shine. Using a spray bottle, mist the exterior of the toilet with an all-purpose cleaner. Use a rag or paper towel to wipe down the toilet's porcelain, paying special attention to the handle. Alternatively, you may simply dip a rag or paper towel in cleaning solution or warm water, re-dipping the rag or towel when it is soiled.
- Start cleaning the highest point on the toilet first - this way, if dirty water or cleaning fluid drips down, it will only touch areas you haven't cleaned yet.
- Don't forget to clean hard-to-see areas like the base of the toilet and the back of the tank, which faces the wall. To successfully clean these areas, you may need to use pipe cleaners or a tooth-brush.
5
Flush! Your toilet should now be looking much better than it did before. Give your toilet a flush to dispose of any dirty water that's accumulated in the bowl. If you used any toilet tissue while cleaning your toilet, this is also a good chance to get rid of it, provided you used an amount small enough that you're sure your toilet won't clog.
- As a precaution, wash your hands after taking your gloves off. Small amounts of water may have splashed inside the gloves while cleaning.
- If your toilet only needed a quick, "light" clean, congratulations - you're done! If, however, your toilet has serious stains or hasn't been cleaned in a long time, you may have more success with the "deep cleaning" method below.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Deep Cleaning

It can be handy to give your toilet an initial once-over with hot water. While you're cleaning the rest of the toilet, this will sink in, loosening up dirt and grime and making your later efforts easier. Moisten a sponge with hot water and wipe around the tank, lid, seat, base, and exterior of the bowl.^{[2]
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Research source} Often, this will be enough to completely remove dirt without the need for special cleaning products.

Put on clean waterproof gloves and a plastic apron. Toilets can be a haven for bacteria - you'll want to keep your hands and clothing as clean and dry as possible when you're cleaning yours.^{[3]
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Specially-formulated toilet cleaners can help you eliminate stains, rings, and mineral deposits in your toilet. Squirt or dab cleaner on the inside of the rim of the bowl, allowing it to drip down the sides of the bowl and into the water. It's important to apply cleaner to the inside of the bowl's rim - this area is often ignored, which can lead to gross brown mineral buildup along the rim.^{[4]
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Read the manufacturer's instructions for the cleaner you use. Many cleaners work best if you allow them to soak in the bowl before proceeding. If so, take a short break before the next step.
3
Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush. Using a firm-bristled toilet brush, scrub the entire bowl thoroughly, paying special attention to any mineral stains that may accumulate along the water level and at the back of the bowl. The more thoroughly (and firmly) you scrub the bowl, the cleaner it will get.
- Make the most of your toilet cleaner - since it's accumulated in the water at the bottom of the bowl, dip your brush in it a few times to work up some suds, which will give your scrubbing extra cleaning power.
Flushing rinses the bowl and the brush. Continue to scrub as the water drains from the toilet, as the motion of the water may not be enough to rinse all of the dirt away.

If you have persistent stains, repeat the cycle of applying toilet cleaner, allowing it to sit if needed, scrubbing, and flushing until the stain is removed.
After you've cleaned the bowl, you should clean the rest of the toilet, even if it's not as dirty. When you're done, not only will your toilet have a beautiful, even sheen - it'll also be free of harmful bacteria. Use a spray bottle of "all-purpose" or "bathroom" disinfectant cleaner to mist the entire toilet.^{[5]
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Research source} Make sure to get both the top and bottom of the seat and the entire exterior of the bowl, including its base. Use light pressure with a cloth or paper towel to work in and wipe away the cleaner.
The handle needs to be extra-clean because you touch it every time you use the toilet. If it's a breeding place for bacteria, that bacteria will be on your fingers after you flush! Be sure to give the handle a generous coat of disinfectant spray. You're more likely to give yourself germs from the handle than you are from any other part of the toilet, so clean it well.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Area Around Toilet

Before you begin, clear the toilet of things that may obstruct you while cleaning - tissue boxes, photos, etc.. Because you want to give the toilet a thorough cleaning, you'll need to be able to reach every nook and cranny.

Clearing items away from the toilet won't just allow you to clean under and around them - it will keep them out of the way, safe from harmful cleaners, and will prevent any accidental drops into the toilet.
You don't want to make your sparkling clean toilet impure by transferring dust onto it from an unclean picture frame or tissue box. Put on clean gloves, then give the items that were on or around the toilet a quick clean. Wet and lightly scrub them if they're waterproof, or, if they're not, just give them a quick pass with a brush. Wipe the items clean with a paper towel and put them back in their places.

When you've finished, take your gloves off and wash your hands as a precaution against the spread of bacteria.^{[7]
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Often, if your toilet's dirty, the floor around it is too. You don't want to get your feet dirty every time you use the toilet, so take the opportunity to clean the surrounding section of floor. Use a brush or broom to sweep up any loose hair or debris around, and especially behind, the body of the toilet. Wipe the area clean with wet paper towels, disposable wipes, or a cloth.

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Question

How do I clean the inside of my toilet tank when it has black soot clinging to the sides of the tank?

Community Answer

Pour Coca Cola in the back of the tank and let it sit a bit.

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What if I clean the toilet and the bowl with Lysol without gloves or an apron?

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Nothing will happen, it’s just for hygiene safety. Just be sure to wash yourself well afterward and change into clean clothes.

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What are some examples of disinfectant sprays?

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Clorox has some really good cleaning products and they are available pretty much everywhere.

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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 clothes.

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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.

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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.^{[8]
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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
Plastic apron