1 First, assemble your kit
You will need the following items:
A toilet brush – Buy a new one if you haven’t replaced yours in the past few months. (They tend to get horrible rust spots at the base of the bristles after a while that can be mistaken for something worse. Don’t bother with something fancy – a cheap plastic one, preferably with an integral cap, is ideal as you can replace with frequently.) Rubber gloves reserved for cleaning the toilet only Toilet bowl cleaner (or white vinegar and baking soda if you want to go the eco-friendly route) Powdered degreaser or cream for cleaning under the rim An all-purpose cleaning spray cleaning (for toilet exterior and handle) White vinegar, a scouring pad, and a pumice stone if there are severe limescale marks Old paper towel or rags that you can throw away after use (and an old plastic bag to dispose of from them)
2 Put on the rubber gloves and pull the chain
Then, using the toilet brush as a plunger, push the water into the toilet down the U-bend so the water is below the normal water line.
Leave the brush in the toilet and let the toilet bowl cleaner work while you move on to the next step.
3 Spray toilet bowl cleaner around the toilet bowl
Spray cleaner under the rim and up the sides of the container. Then, using the toilet brush, brush the cleaner around the bowl and as far down the rim as the brush will allow.
4 Spray the toilet with the cleaning spray
Spray the outside of the toilet, then wipe it down with a paper towel. Pay special attention to parts that are often overlooked: the front of the toilet base, just below the bowl, the part next to the toilet seat hinges, and under the toilet seat. Also remember to spray and clean the flush handle or button.
5 Rub under the rim
I know this isn’t the best part of the job, but you’re almost there! Use some cleaning cream for this and kitchen paper or an old rag.
6 pull the chain
When you do this, keep the brush in the container to help clean it. Then simply place the brush back in the holder.
What if your bathroom hasn’t been cleaned in a while?
I’m sorry, but it happens. Maybe she just moved into a new house that hasn’t been well taken care of. Or, dare I say, she just took her eyes off the ball.
If your toilet has limescale marks (which tend to be around the water line, on the back of the toilet, or around the rim), soak some paper towels in white vinegar and lay them over the marks. Ideally, you’ll want to leave them on for a few hours, or preferably overnight; then the marks should be easily removed with a toilet brush or plastic scouring pad (don’t use a metal one as it will leave rusty marks). Any residual limescale can be removed by gently rubbing with a pumice stone. Don’t be tempted to use bleach to get rid of limescale – bleach will turn limescale white but won’t remove it.
If your toilet has horrible yellow stains on the bottom of the seat (sorry again, but it happens), they are very difficult to remove, even with bleach and scouring powder. The tip that works best is to make a thick paste of Napisan powder (find it in the baby products aisle of the supermarket) and bleach. Be careful as it is a strong chemical mixture. Spread it on the problem parts of the seat (and absolutely make sure no one uses the bathroom for a while). After a few hours, rub the marks and rinse off the paste.
Alternatively, treat yourself to a new toilet seat. Stores like IKEA make some very useful ones that are easy to clean and inexpensive.
Well, now you have no excuse for anything other than a sparkling clean toilet worthy of the Queen.
