The lowly toilet brush – one of a household’s much-used but unthanked cleaning tools.
You may clean your toilet frequently, but do you also clean the toilet brush? If you don’t, you’ll be doing the opposite of cleaning the next time you use it!
Cleaning a toilet bowl brush and brush holder means it doesn’t collect dirt and bacteria after you use it.
How to clean the toilet brush? After every use, apply disinfectant spray to the toilet brush and holder. Then once a month, deep clean toilet brushes by soaking them in a bleach solution.
Don’t clean your toilet with dirty equipment. Keep your toilet brush and holder disinfected – and clean the rest of your bathroom, too!
Why Clean a Toilet Brush?
You’re using it to clean the toilet bowl – one of the dirtiest places in your home.
No matter the type of toilet brush, you need to disinfect it in order to prevent a build-up of dirt and bacteria.
This can be avoided with the use of a disposable toilet brush, but reusable toilet brushes are more eco-friendly… You just need to clean them!
How Often to Clean a Toilet Brush
You’ll need to disinfect your toilet brush after every use, and deep clean it once a month. This includes the toilet brush handle as well.
For the toilet brush holder, so long as you let the brush completely dry after cleaning, you can clean it just once a month.
Cleaning a Toilet Brush
Clean toilet brushes mean clean toilet bowls! Follow these instructions to keep your brush and holder disinfected.
How to clean a toilet brush after use
Once you’ve finished cleaning the toilet bowl, rinse the brush in clean toilet bowl water. Then pin the brush between the toilet seat and the rim so it balances.
Spray the brush with 3% hydrogen peroxide, making sure to saturate all sides. If you want to clean the brush using natural products, use white vinegar.
Leave the solution to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
Let the brush drip dry or air dry over the bowl, then return it to its holder.
How to deep clean a toilet brush
Boil 3 litres of water and carefully pour the water into a heat-resistant bucket. This container should be large enough to fit the brush head, handle, and holder.
Place the bucket in a sink, tub, or shower to avoid damage if the bleach solution splashes out.
Remember to use rubber gloves and goggles while working!
Pour a cup of bleach into the bucket. Then place the toilet brush and holder inside, swirling the brush around carefully. Let the two items soak in the cleaning mixture for at least 1 hour.
Once that’s done, remove the brush and holder from the bucket and rinse them under hot water for half a minute. This will wash away the bleach from the tools.
Allow it to air-dry completely before storing them away.
How to Clean a Toilet Brush Holder
To clean toilet brush holders, mix some dish soap and water in a spray bottle, then saturate the brush holder in the solution. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the entire holder, then rinse with hot water.
Dry the holder with a clean cloth, then spray with disinfectant. Let it air dry before you return the brush to its place.
When to Replace a Toilet Brush
A nylon toilet brush should be replaced once the bristles are flattened, discoloured, and/or brittle. A general rule is every half year.
Brushes with silicone heads will last longer, and only need replacement if the head is loose. If you maintain it properly, your silicone brush should last about a year.
Tips for Maintaining Your Toilet Brush and Bathroom
Don’t let a grimy pool of water build up in your toilet brush holder. Always let the brush dry completely before storing it.
Rinse the brush in clean flush water after every use and before disinfecting it. This will prevent the bristles from turning brown.
It is not entirely unsanitary to wash your toilet brush in the dishwasher, but we get the gross factor. Thankfully, you don’t have to do this!
And that’s that for how to clean the toilet brush and holder. Just remember to keep them clean alongside your toilet – and the rest of your bathroom.
Oh, and your house, too. (Don’t worry. If that seems overwhelming, just get an expert house cleaner to help you out.)
