On the list of things you’re looking forward to doing this weekend, we’re sure that “cleaning your toilet bowl” doesn’t make the list. Even after reading this tutorial on how to clean it correctly, we can’t promise you’ll be any more motivated. 

But we must do some things in life whether or not we want to. What we can promise is that after reading this step-by-step guide on this specific bathroom cleaning task, you’ll at least know what you’re doing. Your newfound skills may not make for dinner conversation, but that’s why people take art classes or join running clubs.

When it comes to toilet cleaning, hygiene is number one. It’s a dirty job, and you should take certain precautions where there’s a dirty job. The best way to clean a toilet bowl is by avoiding bacteria while disinfecting the unit completely. 

1. Prepare yourself

‍Yes, mentally. But also, gather all of the toilet cleaning supplies you need to do the job. This includes disinfecting spray, paper towels, toilet bowl cleaner, rubber gloves, and a toilet brush. If you’re about to embark on a deep toilet cleaning procedure, also grab a pumice stone or some sandpaper. ‍

Housekeeper’s tip: Many people want to know the best toilet bowl cleaners, and we recommend either a natural or chemical disinfectant. Sanitization is key. One hack is to clean your toilet with vinegar by leaving a cup of this acidic liquid to work in the bowl overnight. You can finish cleaning the toilet bowl with baking soda in the morning by sprinkling in some of the powder and using your toilet brush (with gloves on) to scrub away grime. ‍

2. Start easy

Cleaning the surface of your commode is a far easier task than scrubbing the bowl, so start small and work your way up. Spray the entire surface of the unit, including the toilet seat, lid, base, and even the surrounding walls with disinfectant. Be heavy handed. Let the solution work for 5 minutes before wiping it away with paper towels. Housekeeper’s tip: Paper towels are great for dirty jobs because they are disposable. You don’t risk pushing bacteria and grime around as you work, which could be the case if you were to use reusable cleaning cloths. Plus, reusable cloths can grow dangerous bacteria if you don’t wash and disinfect them correctly after doing a tough cleaning job. 

3. Take a deep breath and hold your nose

The time has come to wash the toilet bowl itself. See our tip above about using white vinegar and baking soda as an overnight, hands-off cleaning solution that just happens to be natural, too. If you can’t wait 12 hours for your toilet to get cleaned, then use a bowl cleaner. Place the product in the toilet following the package instructions and wait for it to work. Use the toilet brush to scrub away grime. Now, that wasn’t so bad, was it? 

Housekeeper’s tip: You have to put in a bit more work for tough stains. With your gloves and, preferably, a face mask on, use a pumice stone or piece of waterproof, soft-grit sandpaper to grind away at tough stains. This isn’t a fun task, but it does work, and can transform an old toilet into one that looks like new. Avoid touching the surface of the porcelain as much as possible. Be sure to dispose of or completely disinfect your gloves after this job, and never reuse them on other household tasks.

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Extra toilet cleaning tips 

How to clean toilet bowl stains with coke

No one knows the Coca Cola formula, and considering this pop is such an effective toilet bowl cleaner, that’s a good thing. To use the soda on tough stains, pour an entire can of cola into the bowl and let it sit for an hour before using a toilet brush to work at the area. 

How to clean under toilet base

Put your gloves back on and locate an old toothbrush. This is the perfect tool for getting into nooks, crannies, and cleaning sealant or grout in the area. Start by giving the base of the toilet a perfunctory wiping down with a microfiber cloth dipped in water and castille soap. Use the toothbrush to scrub the crevices. 

If you have a tough job on your hands, make a baking soda and water solution and leave the paste for 15 minutes on problem areas. If you have some essential oils on hand, you could add a drop or two to the baking soda paste as an air freshener. Wipe the baking soda away with a cloth or scrub it away with a brush. As an added disinfectant, wipe away the baking soda with vinegar. 

How to clean a toilet with bleach

You can add a moderate amount of bleach or a diluted mix of the chemical to your toilet bowl and let it work before scrubbing the porcelain. While an option, we don’t recommend this method. Vinegar is a cleaning product that works just as well, if not better, and isn’t nearly as dangerous as bleach. 

Housekeeper’s tip: Remember that you must avoid products that react with it whenever using bleach. This includes vinegar and ammonia. Bleach alone in high concentrations can also be dangerous to your health, so do your homework before opting to use this substance.

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If you’re ready to take on toilet bowl cleaning, you’re probably already stressed. Let Gopuff pick up all the cleaning supplies for you while you take deep breaths and prepare yourself for that household task that’s always last on your list.