Keeping your toilet brush and holder clean is an important part of maintaining good hygiene in the bathroom. A dirty toilet brush can harbor bacteria and spread germs. Follow these tips to properly clean and disinfect your toilet brush and holder.
Supplies Needed
- Gloves
- Cleaner/disinfectant
- Old toothbrush or other scrubbing brush
- Paper towels or rag
- Bucket
Step-by-Step Guide
Remove the Brush from the Holder
The first step is to remove the toilet brush from the holder so you can thoroughly clean both parts. Some holders have a removable top piece that comes off. For others, you may need to pull the entire holder off the wall to slide the brush out from the bottom.
Clean the Toilet Brush
Scrub the bristles: Fill a bucket with warm water and a heavy duty cleaner or disinfectant. Using gloves, submerge the brush head and gently scrub the bristles with an old toothbrush or other scrubbing brush. This will help dislodge any visible dirt and buildup.
Rinse: Rinse the entire brush head thoroughly under running water. Make sure to rinse between all the bristles to remove any clinging debris.
Disinfect: Pour bleach or another disinfectant over the bristles and let sit for at least 10 minutes. This will kill any remaining germs.
Rinse again: Give the brush a final thorough rinse.
Air dry: Shake off excess water and let the brush air dry completely before returning it to the holder.
Clean and Disinfect the Toilet Brush Holder
Wash: Use hot, soapy water to wash down the inside and outside of the holder. Pay special attention to the bottom where dirt and grime can collect.
Scrub: Use a scrub brush or old toothbrush to scrub away any sticky or stubborn buildup.
Rinse: Rinse the entire holder with clean water to remove all soap residue.
Disinfect: Spray or wipe down the entire holder with disinfectant. Be sure to coat the bottom and underside. Let sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
Rinse again: Give the holder a final thorough rinse.
Air dry: Allow the holder to completely air dry before replacing the toilet brush.
Additional Tips
- Wear gloves when cleaning the toilet brush and holder to avoid contact with germs.
- Clean the toilet brush at least monthly or whenever visibly dirty.
- Use a heavy duty or bathroom disinfectant cleaner for optimal cleaning and disinfection.
- Avoid using abrasive scouring pads as they can damage the brush bristles over time.
- Rinse the holder thoroughly after cleaning to prevent residue buildup.
- Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling to prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Consider replacing your toilet brush every 6 months or when bristles appear worn.
- Invest in a quality brush and holder made of durable materials.
- Store spare brushes in a clean, dry location to prevent deterioration.
Following these steps to properly clean and disinfect your toilet brush and holder will help remove grime, kill germs, and keep your bathroom sanitary. Be sure to make cleaning the toilet brush part of your regular bathroom cleaning routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my toilet brush and holder?
It’s recommended to thoroughly clean and disinfect your toilet brush and holder at least once a month. Clean more frequently if you notice visible buildup or odor.
What is the best way to clean a toilet brush?
Scrub the bristles with a brush and cleaner, disinfect with bleach, rinse thoroughly, and allow to completely air dry. This helps remove debris and kill germs.
What’s the best way to clean a toilet brush holder?
Wash with hot, soapy water, scrub away buildup, disinfect all surfaces, rinse completely, and let air dry before replacing brush.
Should I use anything specific to clean my toilet brush?
Use a heavy duty cleaner, bathroom disinfectant, or bleach to really sanitize the toilet brush. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
How can I prevent buildup on my toilet brush holder?
Rinse the holder very thoroughly after cleaning. Don’t let cleaning products or disinfectants sit or dry inside the holder.
When should I replace my toilet brush?
Plan to replace your toilet brush every 6 months or when the bristles appear worn, frayed or caked with buildup.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning your toilet brush and holder is a key part of keeping your bathroom hygienic. By separating the pieces, scrubbing away buildup, disinfecting all surfaces, and thoroughly rinsing, you can eliminate grime and germs. Invest in quality cleaning tools and replace worn items as needed. Make toilet brush cleaning part of your regular bathroom cleaning routine for a fresher, healthier home.