How to Do Something Your Don Know: How to Clean a Toilet Brush

Monday, 24 September 2018

How to Clean a Toilet Brush

People often forget that even our cleaning tools need to be cleaned. One of the dirtiest objects in your bathroom is your toilet brush and its holder. The toilet gets so dirty because of constant and often incorrect use. Your brush may be getting dirty quickly because it is stored when it isn’t completely dry. By using the toilet brush correctly and cleaning it often, you can make your bathroom a cleaner and fresher place!

EditSteps

EditSoaking in Bleach

Fill a bucket with hot water and bleach. Make sure the bucket is deep enough to hold enough water to fully submerge the toilet brush and holder. Once you get the bucket, fill it with the hottest water you have access to. Then, pour of bleach into the water.^[1]
- Read the back of your bleach bottle. If it gives you specific instructions, follow them.
Submerge the brush and holder in the bleach for 1 hour. Drop them into the bucket carefully and try not to splash. Wear gloves if you have them to make sure you don’t get bleach on your skin or in your eyes. Leave the brush and holder to soak for at least 1 hour. ^[2]
Rinse the brush and holder under hot water. Use the hottest water that you have access to. Keep both under the water for at least 30 seconds.^[3] The hot water decomposes the active ingredient in bleach, making it safe for you to touch the bristles.^[4]
Dry the brush and holder before storing them. Set the brush and holder on a towel to air-dry. Don’t store them until they are completely dry. Storing a wet or damp brush will result in bacteria growth.^[5]
Repeat the bleaching process every month. Even if you don’t use the toilet brush that often, the brush will still host bacterial growth and collect filth. It is a good idea to clean it monthly.^[6]
- However, you can bleach it less frequently if you rarely use it.

EditDisinfecting the Toilet Brush

Spray the toilet brush thoroughly with disinfectant. You can use any disinfectant spray. Make sure when you spray the brush that you cover its entire surface area. Don’t stop spraying until the bristles are dripping.^[7]
- Spray the brush over the toilet bowl.
Place the brush handle under the toilet seat for 10 minutes. The weight of the toilet seat will hold the brush handle in place. You want to position the brush so that the bristles are hanging over the toilet bowl. Let all the excess disinfectant drip into the toilet. Keep the brush there to drip dry for at least 10 minutes.^[8]
- You can also dry the brush over a sink or tub. However, if you decide to do this, make sure to clean the sink and tub thoroughly afterward.
Run the brush under hot water. Try to use the hottest water you can find. Place the brush bristles under the water and run the water over them. Keep the brush there until the water running off of the brush is completely clear.^[9]
Repeat the disinfection process with the brush holder. Spray the holder with disinfectant and let it sit for 10 minutes. You can set the holder to dry on a towel or paper towel. After 10 minutes, run the holder under hot water.^[10]
Dry and store the brush and holder. Set the brush and holder on a towel to air-dry. When both are completely dry, put the brush in the holder and store them. Make sure both are fully dry, as storing them wet or damp will encourage bacteria growth.^[11]

EditCleaning with Natural Products

Submerge the brush and holder in a vinegar-water solution overnight. Fill a bucket halfway with vinegar and fill the rest with water. Make sure the bucket is big enough to fully submerge the toilet brush and holder. After soaking the brush and holder overnight, put on gloves and remove the brush and holder.^[12]
Scrub the brush with of baking soda. Wear rubber gloves. Sprinkle the baking soda over the surface area of the brush. Use a separate brush to scrub, making sure to get in between all the bristles.^[13]
- While this step isn’t necessary, its helpful to get an even deeper clean.
Run the brush and holder under hot water. Use the hottest or coldest water you have access to. Leave the brush and holder under the water for at least 30 seconds. Don’t remove either from the water until the water running off of them is completely clear.^[14]
Leave the brush and holder out to dry and then store them. Leave them on a towel to air-dry. Wait until both are completely dry before storing them. Storing them damp or wet will result in bacteria growth.^[15]