- Cleaning a toilet can be a very unappealing chore. But believe it or not, there is a right way to clean it.
- Research has found that flushing the toilet with the lid open releases germs up to 10 inches above the toilet seat.
Image: Pixabay
Most of us use the toilet at least four times a day.
Cleaning a toilet can be a very unappealing chore.
But believe it or not, there is a right way to clean a toilet, and using a proper method will help eliminate bacteria or viruses that may be living there.
"You should clean the toilet at least four times a week with a disinfectant that contains bleach," Kennedy Kimathi, a medical practitioner in Nairobi, has said.
Kimathi said from the flush handle to the toilet seat, your toilet bowl is covered in harmful bacteria estimated at 3.2 million organisms per square inch.
A smelly toilet is caused by several things, from having an unused toilet, bacteria from urine, a blocked pipe, or even a clogged drain.
If your toilet is also loosely fitted to the floor, there may be some odour.
Image: pixabay
How to clean your toilet properly
Step 1
You will need to gather your cleaning supplies first. Have a clean toilet brush, not more than 6 months old, rubber gloves, toilet cleaner, disinfectant, baking soda, and paper towels.
Step 2
Wear gloves for extra protection, put the lid down, and give it a flush.
Research has found that flushing the toilet with the lid open releases germs up to 10 inches above the toilet seat.
Step 3
Apply your toilet cleaner (harpic) to the bowl and toilet rims, followed by the baking soda, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Close the lid.
Baking soda helps prevent hard water stains from building up and it is very good for cleaning and disinfecting.
Step 4
While it soaks, clean the exterior of the toilet.
Start from the top of the tank, going down, using a disinfectant and a paper towel; this prevents dripping on clean surfaces.
Step 5
Squeeze a bit of toilet cleaner on the brush and then clean the bowl from the top, down then into the drain hole. For at least 3 minutes. Close the lid and flush. Rise the toilet brush before setting it aside.
Step 6
Clean the floors with disinfectant and bleach because damp floors provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
Then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry with a paper towel and you are done.
Spray some air freshener