7 Common Toilet Cleaning Mistakes You Might Be Making

While everyone enjoys a tidy toilet, cleaning one doesn’t necessarily spark excitement inside most of us. But we all do it somehow because we don't want your bathroom retreat to turn into something we want to retreat away from!

Even with the best intentions, many of us unknowingly make common toilet cleaning mistakes. Unfortunately, these mistakes can compromise the cleanliness, sanitation, and even the longevity of our toilets.

Uncover seven common toilet cleaning mistakes that could unknowingly hinder your bathroom from becoming a wellness oasis.

So, let's dive in and discover the key errors to avoid for a spotless and germ-free toilet that promotes a clean and healthy living space. But, before continuing, find out 10 fun and interesting toilet facts. You´ll be stunned by some of them.

1. Forgetting to dust

Dusting is often overlooked when cleaning the bathroom. If you don’t dust all the parts of your toilet before cleaning, you will move the dust around everywhere.

So before using toilet cleaner, use a microfiber towel, feather duster, or vacuum cleaner to remove dust, allowing the subsequent wipe-down to focus on achieving a sparkling shine.

2. Cleaning behind the toilet

Most households frequently neglect the narrow gap between the toilet and the wall during cleaning.

Despite being difficult to reach, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the accumulated dust, hair, and grime in this area using toilet detergent, a bathroom cleaner, a mop, or a scrub brush. Neglecting this step can lead to the accumulation of bacteria from the toilet.

3. Mixing cleaning products

Mixing chemicals while cleaning a bathroom is one of the most prevalent and potentially hazardous mistakes.

Under no circumstances should you mix various bathroom cleaning solutions, including acid, bleach, ammonia, chlorine, or toilet detergent.

Combining these products can produce a toxic gas that poses a serious health hazard. Hence, it is essential to exercise extreme caution when using them and avoid mixing these solutions.

4. Selecting the wrong product

Using the wrong product can make your toilet cleaning process harder than it needs to be.

Ensure that you use appropriate cleaning products for specific surfaces. For instance, bath tiles require their dedicated products, while glass, mirrors, sinks, and countertops necessitate different cleaners.

By choosing a specialized cleaning supplier like Harpic, you can avoid the hassle of using the wrong cleaning product in different areas of your toilet.

***Harpic offers a range of products, including toilet bowl cleaners, toilet blocks, and bathroom cleaners (liquid & trigger), that provide comprehensive cleaning and protection for your toilet bowl, tank, and remaining surfaces.***

5. Using the same sponge everywhere

Using the same sponge to clean different parts of your bathroom is another popular toilet-cleaning mistake. Instead, experts advise using different sponges or cloth for different spots and tasks, such as bathtub, toilet, sink, mirror, etc., to avoid cross-contamination.

Related: Not using the same sponge everywhere greatly contributes to bathroom safety.

6. Not cleaning your cleaning brushes

After completing a comprehensive toilet cleaning, paying attention to the cleanliness of your toilet brushes is crucial. Begin by thoroughly washing the brushes with water to eliminate unpleasant odors, dirt, and bacteria.

Secondly, not allowing the toilet brush to dry completely before returning it to its holder leads to the accumulation of stagnant toilet water that will be reused during subsequent cleanings.

Practicing this cleaning routine ensures that your toilet brushes remain hygienic and ready for future use.

7. Not using the exhaust fan

Promote proper ventilation in the bathroom to allow any residual chemicals to dissipate by turning on an exhaust fan. If an exhaust fan is unavailable, open a window to facilitate air circulation and maintain a fresh bathroom environment.

FAQs

What are some important reminders when cleaning the toilet?

Some important reminders when cleaning the toilet include:

Remove debris and loose soil from the toilet and its surroundings.
Flush the toilet to ensure proper functionality.
Always close the toilet lid when flushing to prevent splashing.

When cleaning the toilet, which should you clean first?

Start cleaning the toilet bowl from the highest point and working your way down. Begin by scrubbing beneath the rim to eliminate any stains and dirt, and then proceed to scrub the entire bowl, including the drain hole located at the bottom of the toilet bowl, using a toilet brush.

Is it necessary to use a toilet brush to clean the bowl?

Yes, a toilet brush is specifically designed to clean the bowl effectively, especially in hard-to-reach areas.