How to Clean the Toilet with Everyday Household Cleaning Supplies (2024)

How to Clean the Toilet Bowl With a Store-Bought Solution

Cleaning the toilet bowl is generally easier than cleaning the tank. That's because it's just a big bowl without a bunch of pipes to navigate. However, cleaning the toilet bowl may be more difficult if it's stained due to prolonged use without regular cleanings.

1. Clear the Space

   Remove everything from the top of the toilet tank and anything on the floor around the base of the toilet.

2. Flush and Prep

   • Flush the toilet with the lid closed.
   • Put on rubber gloves and gather your cleaning supplies.

3. Add the Cleaner to the Toilet Bowl

   • Apply a commercial toilet bowl cleaner that contains bleach to disinfect the bowl starting under the rim and coating the entire bowl.
   • Close the lid.
   • Allow the cleaner time—at least five minutes—to begin lifting stains before starting to scrub.

4. Clean the Outside of the Toilet

   • While the cleaner is working inside the toilet bowl, go ahead and clean the outside of the toilet.
   • Use a bathroom cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime. Start at the top and wipe off the tank lid, the sides of the tank, the flushing handle or button, and the outside of the bowl. Don't forget the area between the seat and the tank.
   • Finish by cleaning the toilet seat lid and both sides of the seat.

   To get a really good clean, remove the toilet seat and clean it separately.

5. Scrub the Toilet Bowl

   • Use a long-handled bristled toilet brush to clean the bowl starting at the top under the rim. (Scrubbing this area will not only remove soil but will help keep the water jets free from mineral deposits that can cause clogs.)
   • Scrub the entire surface of the bowl, including the bend or trap.
   • Flush to rinse.

6. Disinfect the Toilet

   • Disinfect all of the outside surfaces of the toilet with disinfecting wipes or a disinfecting spray.
   • Pay careful attention to the handle and seat areas.
   • Read the labels. Most disinfectants recommend that the surface remain wet for at least five to 10 minutes.

   The keys to successful disinfection is using enough product and allowing it sufficient time to work.

How to Clean Toilet Stains With a Pumice Stone and Vinegar

Minerals in hard water, rusty plumbing components, and infrequent cleaning can leave tough-to-remove stains in the toilet bowl that require a bit more scrubbing time beyond your regular toilet cleaning.

1. Empty the Toilet Bowl

   Flush the toilet, and while the water is out of the bowl, turn off the water flow valve so the tank and bowl don't refill with water. You want the water level in the bowl to be as low as possible.

2. Remove Hard Water Rings

   • Put on long rubber gloves.
   • Use a pumice stone (you can buy them with a long handle for easier scrubbing) to remove the rings that form in the bowl from the minerals in hard water. Rub the stone on the deposits.
   • Turn the water back on, and flush away the debris.

   The stone must be wet; never use it dry or it will damage the surface of the bowl.

3. Remove Rust Streaks

   • Flush and turn off the water again to empty the bowl of as much water as possible.
   • Add two cups of undiluted distilled white vinegar and scrub the stains with a toilet brush.
   • Once the streaks are removed, turn the water back on and flush.

   If the bowl is heavily stained, use more vinegar and allow it to sit for at least two hours (overnight is better) before scrubbing. Just be sure no lingering bathroom cleaner can interact with the vinegar.

How to Clean the Toilet Tank With Vinegar

A clean toilet tank will help keep the toilet bowl clean. Luckily, it only needs to be cleaned twice a year unless you use well water, then it should be cleaned quarterly.

1. Empty the Tank and Remove the Lid

   • Flush the toilet to empty the tank of water and then turn off the water at the flow valve at the base of the toilet.
   • Remove the lid and set it aside.
   • If there is still water in the tank, flush the toilet again to empty the tank.

2. Inspect and Clean

   • If the tank has no rust or mineral deposits, use a foaming bathroom cleaner to remove mold or grime that has accumulated on the inside.
   • Spray the cleaner on all of the components, give it time to work (about five minutes), and then wipe it away with a microfiber cloth.
   • Turn the water back on to refill the tank.
   • Flush the toilet a couple of times to remove the cleaner and any loose soil.

3. Remove Rust and Mineral Deposits

   • If there is sediment in the bottom of the tank, you'll need more than a quick clean. Empty the tank and add enough undiluted distilled white vinegar to fill the tank to the regular water level.
   • Allow the vinegar to work for at least two hours or overnight.
   • Use a scrub brush (not the toilet brush) or a wet pumice stone to scrub away the deposits.
   • Flush away the vinegar and refill the tank with water.

How to Keep Your Toilet Clean Longer

Keeping your toilet clean for longer means taking proactive maintenance measures. For example, you can start by using a toilet bowl cleaner with disinfectant properties at least once a week (or more, if necessary). Having a toilet brush beside the toilet to scrub the bowl and under the rim makes cleaning faster and easier.

Consider using a toilet bowl tablet or gel to help maintain freshness in between each time you clean. You can also install an automatic toilet bowl cleaner that continuously works to fight off bacteria and prevent stains between manual cleans.