3. The toilet
It’s no surprise that the toilet is one of the dirtiest places in your bathroom. According to cleaning experts, most bacteria and germs thrive in the toilet bowl and seat due to frequent use. They explain that, even though you flush your toilet after use, the spots around the commode can contain harmful microorganisms.
In fact, as you flush, the swirling water throws up hundreds of aerosols from fecal matter, making the area one of the dirtiest places in your bathroom.
This launches bacteria and germs not only onto the toilet but also onto the surrounding surfaces, including walls, drains, sinks, towels, towel holders, and toothbrush holders. The solution? Close the commode with the lid before flushing the toilet.
In order to thoroughly clean your toilet, it’s important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the cleaning product you’re about to use. Apply it around the inside of the bowl and under the rim of the bowl, allowing it to flow down and coat the surfaces. Ensure that the entire bowl is covered.
Let the product sit for a couple of minutes to allow it to break down bacteria, mineral deposits, and stains. However, still consult the product label for the recommended time. Next, use a toilet bowl brush to scrub the whole interior of the bowl, paying special attention under the rim, to the waterline, and to the trapway, which is the S-shaped channel located at the bottom of the bowl. Apply some force and use a back-and-forth motion to remove build-up and stains.
After scrubbing, flush the toilet to ensure you rinse away the cleaning products and loosened particles. If your toilet has a powerful flush, you’ll probably have to rinse it manually with water.
The last step is to wipe the exterior of the toilet bowl (don’t forget about the handle) using a disinfecting wipe or a cloth dampened with a disinfecting cleaner. Dispose of the used cleaning materials properly, and give yourself a thorough hand wash when you’re finished.
