How To Clean A Toilet

Toilets can be a breeding ground, for germs because of the damp, warm conditions. These germs can easily spread into the air when you flush. Cleaning and disinfecting your toilet regularly, as well as putting the toilet lid down every time you flush, will go a long way to keeping your toilet hygienically clean.

The lowdown on toilet germs

While many people consider the toilet to be the germiest part of their bathroom, studies show that objects such as your toothbrush holder and surfaces such as tap handles and light switches often carry more germs than the toilet seat or flush button.

And while everyday toilet use can cause unpleasant splashes on the toilet seat and nearby surfaces, did you know that leaving the toilet lid up when you flush can spread germs all over the bathroom?

The force and turbulence of the water running and mixing in the toilet bowl when you flush can create huge numbers of tiny droplets and aerosols in the air. These particles can spread up to a metre above the toilet and all around the toilet itself, contaminating the toilet seat and lid, and even nearby floors and walls.

These particles carry germs that can be spread when people touch surfaces where the droplets have landed.

How to clean a dirty toilet

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘cleaning top to bottom’ but when it comes to your toilet, it’s more than just a saying. It makes sense from a hygiene perspective because gravity forces any particles created during the cleaning process to drift downward and settle on surfaces. So it’s a good idea to clean the outside of your toilet from the top down – starting at the flush button and working your way down to avoid spreading germs.

How to clean the surfaces: Using an antibacterial cleaner such as Dettol Healthy Clean Bathroom Spray, spray all surfaces of the toilet, including under the seat and lid and behind the toilet bowl. Wipe down all surfaces, working from top to bottom and paying special attention to the flush button.
How to clean toilet bowl stains: Squirt toilet cleaner inside the toilet bowl and under the toilet rim and scrub with a toilet brush to remove toilet bowl stains. Make sure you clean all surfaces of the bowl and the rim.
How to disinfect the toilet bowl: Once the toilet bowl is clean, pour a small amount of Dettol Antibacterial Disinfectant Liquid into the toilet to help prevent the build-up of germs. Close the lid and flush.

A reusable cloth can be used to clean the toilet, but it must be thoroughly decontaminated before using it on any other surfaces. Add Dettol Laundry Sanitiser when washing reusable cloths in the washing machine to help remove germs. Disposable cloths such as Dettol Antibacterial Disinfectant Wipes are recommended for cleaning messes such as vomit or faeces, then should be thrown out immediately after use.

Finally, don’t forget to wash your hands after cleaning – with Dettol’s range of hand washes, you can be confident that they’ll kill 99.9% of germs to help you stay hygienic.

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use.

RB-M-50027

Dettol Healthy Clean Bathroom Spray 500ml
Dissolves tough soap scum

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First published: 14th May 2021

Last updated: 10th June 2024

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