Cleaning the toilet may not be the most glamorous household chore, but it's one of the most essential. A well-maintained toilet keeps our bathrooms fresh, hygienic, and free from harmful bacteria or unpleasant odors.

Whether you're dealing with stubborn stains or mineral deposits, or just need a quick refresh, having a structured approach can make the task easier and more effective. We'll walk you through a step-by-step process to deep clean your toilet.

We'll also share proven tips for removing tough stains, eco-friendly cleaning alternatives, and expert advice to keep your toilet spotless for longer.

What You'll Need for Toilet Cleaning

Before we examine the cleaning process, it's important to gather all the necessary supplies. The right tools and products will make the task more efficient and ensure a thorough cleaning.

Here are what to use to clean a toilet bowl:

Essential Cleaning Supplies

• Toilet Brush – A sturdy brush with stiff bristles for scrubbing the bowl.
• Disinfectant Wipes or Spray – Wipe down the exterior surfaces.
• Rubber Gloves – Protect your hands from bacteria and cleaning chemicals.
• Microfiber Cloth or Paper Towels – Dry and polish surfaces.
• Pumice Stone – Help remove tough stains and limescale buildup.
• Baking Soda & Vinegar – Natural and effective for deodorizing and stain removal.

Optional but Helpful

• Toilet Tank Cleaner Tablets – Keep the tank clean and prevent residue buildup.
• Scrub Sponge or Old Toothbrush – Clean under the rim and other tricky spots.
• Essential Oils (Lavender, Tea Tree, Lemon) – Add a fresh scent and antibacterial properties.

Please note to avoid using in-tank cleaners with bleach, as they can damage the internal parts of your toilet over time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Toilet

Cleaning a toilet may not be the most enjoyable chore. But with a structured approach, it can be quick and effective. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a spotless and hygienic toilet.

Step 1: Prep the Area

• Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands.
• Remove any items around the toilet, such as toilet paper, brushes, or trash cans.
• Open a window or turn on the bathroom fan for proper ventilation.

Step 2: Flush and Add Bowl Cleaner

• Flush the toilet to wet the inside of the bowl.
• Apply a toilet bowl cleaner (or a mix of baking soda and vinegar) under the rim and along the sides.
• Let the cleaner sit for at least 5-10 minutes to break down grime and stains.

Step 3: Scrub the Toilet Bowl and Rinse

• Use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl, paying special attention to under the rim.
• Focus on stained areas and scrub with firm pressure.
• Flush again to rinse away any residue.

Step 4: Clean the Toilet Seat

• Spray the toilet seat with disinfectant spray or wipe it with a disinfecting cloth.
• Wipe both the top and bottom of the seat, as well as the hinges.
• Let it air dry or wipe with a clean paper towel. <If you have a bidet, also learn the way to clean a bidet>

Step 5: Clean the Toilet Tank

• If there is visible grime inside the tank, pour vinegar into the water and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before flushing.
• Wipe the outside of the tank with a disinfectant wipe or spray.

Step 6: Wipe Down the Exterior

• Use a damp cloth or disinfecting wipes to clean the toilet's exterior, including: The base of the toilet, The handle (one of the germiest spots!), The sides and back

Step 7: Don't Forget the Toilet Brush

• After using the toilet brush, pour hot water and disinfectant over it.
• Let it air dry before storing it to prevent bacteria buildup.

How to Remove the Stains

Stubborn stains in the toilet can be frustrating, but they can be tackled with the right cleaning techniques. Different stains require different cleaning approaches.

Here's how to clean toilet bowl stains effectively.

1. Mold and Mildew

• Spray white vinegar directly on the affected areas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Scrub with a toilet brush or sponge.
• For persistent mold, use a hydrogen peroxide solution instead.
• Improve ventilation by keeping the bathroom fan on or opening a window.

2. Rust Stains

• Sprinkle baking soda on the stains and scrub with a pumice stone.
• Apply lemon juice mixed with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing.
• Avoid using bleach, as it can worsen rust stains.

3. Dye Stains

• Scrub the stains with baking soda and vinegar paste.
• For deep-set stains, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and let it sit before rinsing.

4. Mineral Deposits (Hard Water Stains)

• Pour white vinegar into the bowl and let it soak overnight.
• Scrub with a toilet brush or pumice stone in the morning.
• Use a commercial limescale remover if the stains are tough.

5. Limescale Stains

• Soak a cloth in vinegar and place it over the stains for 30 minutes.
• Scrub with a toilet brush or an old toothbrush.
• Repeat the process if necessary to remove stubborn buildup.

Additional Tips for Cleaning Toilets

Maintaining a truly clean toilet requires more than just scrubbing the bowl. Here are some extra tips to ensure your toilet stays fresh and hygienic for longer.

Clean the Whole Toilet

• Toilet Seat & Lid: Wipe down with disinfecting wipes or a vinegar solution.
• Tank Exterior: Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime.
• Toilet Handle: This is one of the germiest spots! Clean it daily with an antibacterial wipe.
• Toilet Base & Floor: Scrub the base and the surrounding floor area to prevent dirt buildup.

Skip In-Tank Cleaners

Many toilet tank tablets contain harsh chemicals that can damage the internal components, leading to leaks or even a broken flushing system.

Instead, use vinegar to naturally clean and deodorize the tank. Just pour 1-2 cups into the tank and let it sit for an hour before flushing.

Clean Under the Rim

The underside of the toilet rim is often overlooked. But it can harbor bacteria and grime. Here is how to get rid of stains under the rim:

• Use a toilet brush with an angled head to reach under the rim.
• Apply baking soda and vinegar to loosen hidden dirt.
• Scrub thoroughly and flush to rinse.

Clean Your Cleaning Tools

• Soak your toilet brush in a bucket with hot water and disinfectant for at least 30 minutes after each use.
• Store the plunger in a well-ventilated area to dry properly.

How Often Should You Clean the Toilet?

Keeping your toilet clean is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing the buildup of germs, stains, and odors. But how often should toilets be cleaned? Let's get the answer:

Recommended Cleaning Frequency

The frequency of toilet cleaning depends on how often it is used and by how many people. Here's a general guideline:

Toilet Usage	Recommended Cleaning Frequency
Regular household use (2-4 people)	At least once a week
Large households (5+ people)	Twice a week
Guest bathroom (rarely used)	Once every 2 weeks
Public or shared toilets	Daily cleaning

High-Touch Areas Need Daily Attention

Some areas accumulate bacteria quickly and should be cleaned daily:

• Toilet seat – Wipe with a disinfectant or antibacterial spray.
• Toilet handle – This harbors germs. Clean with a disinfecting wipe.
• Toilet rim & base – Wipe down with a mild cleaner to prevent dust and dirt buildup.

Signs Your Toilet Needs an Immediate Clean

Even if you follow a weekly cleaning schedule, watch out for these signs that indicate a deeper cleaning is needed ASAP:

• Unpleasant odors that persist even after flushing.
• Visible stains or discoloration in the bowl.
• Brown, pink, or black rings inside the toilet (indicating bacteria or mold).
• Slow flushing due to mineral buildup.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Toilet Cleaning

If you're looking for eco-friendly ways to keep your toilet sparkling clean, you're in luck! Several natural, non-toxic alternatives can effectively clean your toilet without harming the environment.

Plus, they are often just as effective as commercial cleaning products.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning. It can kill bacteria, dissolve mineral deposits, and even help remove stains from the toilet bowl.

How to Use:

• Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the toilet bowl.
• Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (for tougher stains, let it sit overnight).
• Scrub the bowl with your toilet brush and flush.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another fantastic eco-friendly cleaner. It's mildly abrasive. So it is great for scrubbing and helps neutralize odors.

How to Use:

• Sprinkle about 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
• Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to work its magic.
• Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and flush.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help break down limescale and stains. It also leaves behind a fresh, clean scent.

How to Use:

• Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the toilet bowl.
• Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
• Scrub with a toilet brush and flush.

Castile Soap

Castile soap is a plant-based soap that's gentle yet effective at cleaning. It's perfect for those who want a natural option for toilet cleaning.

How to Use:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of Castile soap with a few cups of water in a spray bottle.
• Spray the mixture onto the toilet seat, tank, and exterior.
• Wipe down with a cloth or sponge.

Essential Oils

Essential oils can be added to your cleaning routine not only for their antibacterial properties but also for their fresh fragrance. Peppermint, tea tree, or lavender oils are excellent choices for cleaning.

How to Use:

• Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to your cleaning solution or mix it with vinegar or baking soda.
• Use as you would any cleaner and enjoy the fresh scent.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a great disinfectant and can help whiten and clean your toilet bowl naturally.

How to Use:

• Pour about 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl.
• Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
• Scrub and flush to reveal a sparkling clean bowl.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Toilet

Keeping your toilet clean doesn't have to be a once-in-a-while chore. With a few simple habits, you can maintain a fresh and hygienic toilet all the time.

Let's explore some tips to help you keep your toilet sparkling without the need for constant deep cleaning.

1. Wipe Down the Toilet Daily

Even if you don't have time for a full cleaning session, it's a good idea to wipe down the toilet every day. Use a disinfecting wipe or a natural cleaner to quickly wipe the seat, rim, and tank.

This daily maintenance will prevent grime buildup and help keep your toilet looking fresh.

2. Flush Regularly

Flushing regularly (at least once a day) can prevent stains and prevent any unpleasant odors from developing. If you have a toilet that's prone to odors, consider using a toilet deodorizer or an essential oil diffuser to keep it smelling fresh.

3. Use Toilet Cleaning Tablets

To reduce the frequency of cleaning, you can use toilet cleaning tablets that help maintain cleanliness and freshness with every flush. These tablets can help dissolve limescale and stains, keeping the bowl clean with minimal effort.

4. Keep the Toilet Brush Clean

A dirty toilet brush can make your toilet dirtier. After each use, rinse the brush thoroughly and store it in a clean, dry place. You can disinfect it occasionally by soaking it in a solution of vinegar and water.

5. Clean Under the Rim

The area under the toilet rim is often neglected during cleaning, but it can accumulate grime and bacteria. Make sure to give this area extra attention when cleaning your toilet. Use a toilet brush and cleaner to scrub under the rim regularly.

6. Install a Toilet Bowl Cleaner

For a more hands-off approach, you can install an in-tank toilet cleaner or a toilet bowl brush holder with a built-in cleaner. These products can help keep your toilet clean with every flush, reducing the need for frequent deep cleaning sessions.

7. Watch What You Flush

Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Flushing items like wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products can cause clogs and build-up in the toilet. This will make cleaning much harder in the long run.

8. Maintain Good Ventilation

Good air circulation in the bathroom helps reduce the growth of mold and mildew, which can lead to stains and odors. Consider using an exhaust fan or opening a window to help ventilate the space after showers or during cleaning sessions.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions that will make your toilet cleaning routine even easier:

How long does it take to clean a toilet?

The time it takes to clean a toilet depends on how dirty it is and how thorough you want to be. On average, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to give your toilet a quick clean.

If you're doing a deep cleaning, including scrubbing stains and cleaning under the rim, it could take 20 to 30 minutes.

What causes brown stains in the toilet bowl?

Brown stains in the toilet bowl are often caused by hard water. The minerals in hard water can build up over time, leaving behind stains.

These stains can also occur from rust or tannins in water, especially in areas with old plumbing or iron-rich water sources. <See more common toilet problems and solutions>

How do I stop my toilet from staining?

Regularly clean your toilet bowl and maintain good ventilation in the bathroom to reduce mold and mildew. You can also try using toilet bowl cleaners that prevent mineral build-up or install a water softener to reduce hard water stains.

Is it better to clean a toilet with bleach or vinegar?

Both bleach and vinegar are effective for toilet cleaning, but they work in different ways. Bleach is a strong disinfectant that kills germs and bacteria. 

Vinegar is a natural cleaner that breaks down mineral deposits and stains. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly option, vinegar is the better choice. However, for heavy-duty disinfecting, bleach may be more effective.

How to keep a toilet smelling fresh?

Regularly clean the bowl and the seat. You can also use a toilet deodorizer, place a few drops of essential oils in the toilet tank, or keep a small dish of baking soda near the toilet to absorb odors.

Be sure to ventilate the bathroom properly to prevent musty smells.

Conclusion

Cleaning your toilet doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right tools, techniques, and a little bit of regular upkeep, you can keep your toilet sparkling clean and fresh at all times. From the step-by-step cleaning guide to eco-friendly alternatives, we've covered everything you need to know to maintain a hygienic and odor-free bathroom.

If you'd rather leave the cleaning to the experts, Jabra Sanitary got you covered. When toilet bowl stains arise, we're the name you can trust. Contact us for a quick quote and professional cleaning services that will keep your toilet and bathroom looking their best.

More Reading

• How to Prevent Toilet Bowl Stains
• How to Clean a Toilet Tank
• How to Clean the Rim Jets on a Toilet Bowl