how to deep clean a toilet

The day you’ve been dreading is finally here – cleaning day.

And this time you swore to yourself that you would clean the toilet. And not just around the outside while you hold your breath. This time, you’re going in for a deep clean.

Many people don’t know how to deep clean a toilet. But without proper cleaning, you risk spreading germs and dealing with unwanted odors coming from your bathroom.

But don’t worry! The guide below will walk you through each step to deep cleaning a toilet.

Tools to Deep Clean

Before you start the deep cleaning process, make sure you have the right tools for the job. At the very least you’ll need a durable pair of rubber gloves, a toilet brush, a toilet bowl cleaner, and sanitizing wipes or all-purpose cleaner.

If you want to go above and beyond, consider a cleaning product with bleach. The bleach will help with deeper stains and areas where the bowl is discolored. If you are sensitive to strong smells, use a face covering when using bleach because it has a very potent, chemical-like odor.

And if you have a few sponges on hand that you’re prepared to throw away after using them, grab those too.

If you’re already getting grossed out by the prospect of cleaning the bathroom, consider hiring a cleaning service instead.

How to Deep Clean a Toilet

You’ve got all the toilet cleaning tools and you’re ready to get going! Follow this step-by-step guide and see the transformation from dirty to clean right before your eyes.

Step 1: Clear the Area

If you have anything on the back of the toilet or around the edges of the base, remove them for now. You want a clear area where you can move around and reach all the nooks and crannies where dust and grime tend to build up.

Step 2: Flush and Add Cleaning Solution

Put your rubber gloves on and close the lid of the toilet. Flush once to begin the process. Then, add your toilet bowl cleaning solution by pouring it around the inside of the rim of the toilet. Putting the solution on the rim of the bowl prevents it from mixing with the water and getting diluted.

Once you’ve applied the cleaning solution, close the lid of the toilet and let it sit for a few minutes while you move on to step 3.

Step 3: Clean the Outside of the Toilet

This is a crucial step when you clean a toilet but people often forget to do it. Use your sanitizing wipes or an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the tank, handle, and the base of the toilet bowl. You should also wipe the outside lid of the toilet.

Finish by cleaning the bottom of the toilet near the floor. If you’re cleaning the whole bathroom, now is a good time to clean the floor especially the area surrounding the toilet.

Step 4: The Toilet Seat

To get a deep clean you’ll need to clean every area of the toilet seat. Don’t forget to wipe down the lid, seat, and the area where the toilet lid hinges are located. Every surface is a place germs can collect, so this step is critical.

If you are using bleach products, be careful with areas of the toilet that people touch. You have gloves on when cleaning but if a person’s skin comes in contact with bleach it could cause a bad reaction.

Step 5: Finish Cleaning the Bowl

By now it’s time to finish cleaning the inside of the toilet bowl. As you flush down the cleaning solution, start scrubbing the inside of the bowl from the rim down. You can flush a few times if needed.

Check under the rim to make sure that you’ve properly scrubbed those hard-to-reach areas. Also, don’t forget to scrub inside the hole leading to the drain.

Step 6: Did You Miss a Spot?

Before you are officially done with your toilet deep clean, check all the inside and outside surfaces again. Are there spots you missed? If so, use a wipe or the toilet brush to finish up.

Still have stains? Keep reading for strategies for tough stains inside your toilet.

Removing Toilet Bowl Stains

For tough stains, you may consider calling in a professional. Don’t worry – your bathroom is not too dirty for a house cleaning service. If you want to attack the stains yourself, try baking soda or an anti-rust product for red or brown stains inside the toilet.

You can also try putting cola inside the toilet bowl, flushing, and adding a vinegar solution to remove stains. Before you use any additional products on your toilet, flush it once or twice to make sure the all-purpose cleaner has been flushed out.

How Often Should the Toilet Be Cleaned?

Your house is due for cleaning on at least a monthly basis. But your bathroom needs more attention than that – especially the toilet. You should aim to clean the toilet every week or every other week.

Wiping down the outside surfaces regularly will help prevent germs from spreading and the deep clean will remove any lingering stains.

Also, make sure you regularly clean your cleaning supplies such as your rubber gloves and toilet brush. These items can also collect germs or even grow mold if you don’t clean them in between uses.

Ready for a Sparkling Clean Toilet?

You have a step-by-step guide on how to deep clean a toilet. All that’s left to do is follow through! And if you think you’re too busy to clean the toilet, bathroom, or other rooms in your house, maybe it’s time to consider a maintenance house cleaning service.

Most of us don’t enjoy cleaning our homes, but it’s an important part of keeping yourself and your family healthy and safe.

To get an online cleaning quote or learn more about our services, check out our website!