Toilet Cleaning and Maintenance

A little toilet care goes a long way

Spending your money on a new toilet is probably the last thing you want to do. By following a few cleaning and maintenance guidelines you can extend the life of your toilet by 50 years.

Cleaning toilets

Cleaning and disinfecting your toilet is an important aspect of maintaining not only your toilet, but also your health.  Following this step-by-step cleaning process will ensure that your toilet is sparkling clean.

1. Spray or wipe the outside of toilet with a disinfectant or detergent cleaner. Leave the cleaning agent on the surfaces of the toilet for about 10 minutes to disinfect it.

2. After the 10 minutes are up, wipe down the surfaces of the toilet with warm water.

3. Once you have lowered the toilet's waterline, spray or wipe the inside surfaces. In order to disinfect these surfaces, be sure to let the cleaning agent sit for approximately 10 minutes.

4. Wipe down the inside of the toilet with warm water once the 10 minutes are up.

5. Use a toilet bowl brush to clean under the rim and the near the trap. Flush the toilet once you have finished this step.

Toilet cleaning tips

Here are a couple of helpful toilet cleaning tips.

Gather all of the supplies you need before you begin cleaning your toilet.

If your toilet has stubborn stains try using a pumice stick.

Always read and follow the instructions on any cleaning agents you plan to use on your toilet.

Proper Care And Maintenance For Toilets

In addition to regularly cleaning your toilet there are few preventative maintenance rules to follow. By following the preventative maintenance tips below you could extend the life of your toilet. 

Replace the toilet bowl brush every now and then. Using a toilet bowl brush with worn out bristles could possibly scratch the bowl.

Do not use the toilet for the removal of items like gum, bandages, diapers or sanitary products.

Ensure that your children understand the toilet isn't a place for toys. Small objects that get flushed may end up stuck in the interior passageway of the toilet. This could ultimately result in having to replace the toilet.

Do not mix cleaning products in the toilet.

Avoid standing or sitting on the toilet tank lid.

Do not pour hot water into the toilet or tank. This may cause the toilet bowl or tank to crack.

Always handle toilet tank lids with dry hands.

When things go wrong

It's inevitable that something will break or happen to your toilet. If you choose to attempt to fix the toilet yourself be sure to do the necessary research and read any instructions carefully before replacing any part. If you have any doubts or concerns it may be best to call a professional plumber.

More information on toilets