Let’s be honest: cleaning the toilet isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite hobby. Still, there’s nothing better than a toilet that shines and smells fresh – especially in a busy household where the toilet is used (and misused) regularly. As a mom, I’ve perfected my toilet cleaning routine: quick, effective, and with products that really work (and preferably aren’t too harmful to the environment or my nostrils!). In this blog, I’ll take you step by step through my toilet-cleaning ritual. Put on those gloves, play some nice music, and let’s make that porcelain throne sparkle like new!
Step 1: Preparation is half the work
Before we get started, first set everything up. What do you need? My essentials: rubber gloves (seriously, no one wants hands that smell like the toilet), a toilet brush, a few old cloths or microfiber cloths, and of course your cleaning product of choice. I also always prepare a bucket of warm soapy water with a splash of all-purpose cleaner for the outside of the toilet.
Tip: for the toilet, preferably use separate cleaning cloths or sponges that you don’t use for other chores. I have an old Scrub Daddy sponge that’s past its prime and has been promoted to “toilet sponge.” It’s perfect for scrubbing under the seat or the hinges because it doesn’t scratch, and I can toss it away without tears afterward. Safety first and a good excuse to buy a new cheerful Scrub Daddy later, right?
Step 2: Choosing the right cleaner
There are tons of toilet cleaners on the market, and everyone has their favorite. You can go for the classic toilet gel with bleach (we all know that chlorine smell). It kills bacteria instantly and makes the bowl look clean, but honestly: I hate the smell of chlorine and it’s not exactly eco-friendly. Luckily, there are alternatives. I like to use a mild but effective toilet cleaner. One example is the Asevi toilet gel with eucalyptus scent (or a similar product) – cleans well and smells pleasantly fresh. But my absolute secret weapon against a dirty toilet is a trendy product I discovered through social media: The Pink Stuff foaming toilet powder! Yes, you read that right: powder.
You sprinkle this pink powder into the bowl, it creates a pink foam (a little foam party in your toilet, the kids love watching it), and the foam loosens grime and limescale. After a few minutes, the foam settles and you can flush. Result: a cleaner bowl that also smells fruity fresh. The great thing is it works without a harsh chlorine smell. Of course, you can also just use cleaning vinegar and baking soda as a home remedy: a cup of vinegar in the bowl, a scoop of baking soda added, and it fizzes and cleans at the same time. Works fine but doesn’t smell as nice. Choose what suits you!
Step 3: Scrubbing the inside of the toilet bowl
Now that the cleaner has had time to work, it’s time for the real scrubbing. Grab the toilet brush and scrub thoroughly along the walls of the bowl, especially under the rim. That rim is notorious; limescale and urine deposits like to hide there. Do you have a rimless toilet? Lucky you, that makes cleaning much easier. If not, make sure to get the brush head well under the rim. If I see some limescale rings (that yellowish grime, yuck), I sprinkle some baking soda on it and scrub hard. The abrasive grains in the soda help remove the last residues.
For the germ-fighters among us: if you really want to be sure all bacteria are killed, you can still sprinkle a little diluted bleach along the rims at this point and let it sit for a minute before flushing. I only do this if someone in the house has been sick; for daily or weekly cleaning, I find it overkill (and the smell, brrr). After scrubbing: flush with the brush still in the bowl so it rinses off too. Watch out for splashing toilet water, that’s why I wore those old clothes, remember?
Step 4: Cleaning the toilet seat and lid
The inside is clean, but a truly hygienic toilet means the seat, lid, and all other parts are clean too. Nobody wants to sit on a sticky toilet seat, right? I lift the seat and lid and spray them with a disinfecting all-purpose cleaner (I’m a fan of the scented Fabulosa spray with antibacterial effect; it doesn’t smell so chemical). Let the spray work for a moment, then wipe everything down with a clean cloth. Don’t forget the hinges – dirt tends to accumulate there. Got stubborn stains or discoloration on the underside of the seat? A bit of The Pink Stuff cream on a cloth can work wonders; just gently rub and that yellowed haze disappears.
Make sure to clean both the top and bottom of the toilet seat, and also the rim of the bowl where the seat rests. I know, not the most fun job, but think about how proud you’ll be when everything shines. At my house, I always warn everyone afterward: “This toilet is so clean it shines, so please sit down or clean it yourself!” I say that laughingly to the men in the house. Half joke, half serious 😉.
Step 5: The outside and the floor around it
The inside looks spotless now, but the outside of the bowl deserves attention too. Grab your bucket of soapy water (remember, with that splash of all-purpose cleaner or some mild cleaner) and a cloth. Clean the entire outside of the toilet bowl: the cistern (top and button included), the outside of the bowl, and definitely the base of the toilet and the floor around it. Drops can sneak there too (especially if someone pees standing up at home). I often use a separate cloth with warm soapy water for this, and after I’m done, I throw that cloth straight into the wash. If you have tiled floors, mop the tiles around the toilet for a finishing touch. I like to add a splash of Asevi eucalyptus floor cleaner to the mop water or some Fabulosa concentrate – then the whole toilet smells fresh and menthol-like (and I associate that scent with clean).
Also remember to clean the skirting boards or sealant edges behind the toilet. Dusty and damp = yuck, mold or bad smell. A broom or the narrow vacuum cleaner nozzle along the back can’t hurt before mopping. These are the details you only notice when they’re dirty, but when you clean them you mostly think: hmm, it smells so nice here and everything looks fresh!
Step 6: Don’t forget the toilet brush itself
A frequently forgotten culprit: the toilet brush holder! It can also develop a bad smell if you never clean it. Honestly, I used to just throw a brush away after a few months and buy a cheap new one. Not great for sustainability, so now I try to make it last longer by keeping it clean. After cleaning, I always rinse the brush (as described, by holding it under the running toilet water while flushing). Then I often wedge the brush under the toilet seat so it can drip dry instead of putting it back dripping in the holder.
From time to time, I pour some hot soapy water or a splash of diluted bleach into the empty brush holder, let it sit for a bit, then rinse it out. Another great tip: sprinkle a little Bin Brite powder at the bottom of the brush holder. Originally meant to prevent odors in your trash bin, but hey, why not in the toilet brush holder? It keeps bad smells away and absorbs excess moisture. Since I started doing this trick, I’m not afraid to move my brush holder while mopping, haha!
Step 7: Scent and long-lasting freshness
Your toilet is now clean, but of course you want it to stay fresh smelling until the next cleaning. There are those toilet blocks for the bowl or scent sticks for the room – use whatever you like. I like to put a scent stone in the little sink (that lemon-yellow block that slowly dissolves, wonderfully lemon-fresh). I also swear by regularly using a scented disinfecting spray on surfaces (like that Fabulosa). Just spray after a busy toilet day, wipe with a cloth, done.
Another tip: before going to bed, pour a cup of cleaning vinegar into the bowl and don’t flush. Let it soak overnight. This helps against limescale and neutralizes odors. In the morning, your first toilet visit flushes it away automatically and you’ve done some maintenance without noticing. These small things help prevent the need for a big clean too soon.
Finally, for the luxury lovers: a home spray or scented candle (keep it safely away!) in the toilet room works wonders for the atmosphere. There are even special toilet perfumes you spray in the bowl before use (yes really, like “poopouri” sprays). Well, every little bit helps to keep the smallest room pleasant, right?
Step 8: Hygienic finishing touch – cloths and textiles in the wash
You’re done! Throw all used cloths and possibly the sponge in the wash or toss them. Don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly (even if you wore gloves). I also replace the hand towel hanging in the toilet after every big cleaning with a fresh one. And the toilet mat, if you have one, goes straight into the wash at 60°C. I do this with a splash of Robijn detergent, so the fabrics come out not only clean but also smelling wonderful. Nothing beats a sparkling clean toilet with a freshly washed mat in front – that’s really the cherry on top.
So, give yourself a round of applause: your toilet shines and smells like new again! By using these products and tips, you not only ensure a hygienic toilet now but also long-lasting freshness in the days ahead. With a few smart habits (a quick daily check, a weekly mini vinegar treatment), you’ll keep it easy. And if you have less time one day? You know a pink foam party or a quick spray will save the day. Cleaning the toilet will never be my favorite hobby, but honestly: a nice fresh toilet does give a pretty satisfying feeling. Good luck with your next cleaning – you’ve got this!