What is the most efficient and easiest way to clean toilets?

[Tiger926]

I guess I am missing something---if your toilets are cleaned weekly and they really aren't all that dirty, some soap on a rag, wipe them off, 2 minutes . Also, if your toilets are basically clean and you are just wiping them down, why not use a brush and what is there really to disinfect? Do you use your toilet brush for anything else but cleaning out the toilet? I'm confused. I have 4 bathrooms and it takes about 30 minutes to clean all 4 of them top to bottom.

I have already explained...I don't use rags, as they are germ magnets, and I can't use chemicals like bleach. Brushes are gross and germ magnets as well, and they need to be cleaned, so that's more cleaning to do. I am looking for some new or interesting products or ways to clean without using brushes and harsh chemicals.

Exactly, I'm not sure why this is such a "burdensome, horrible thing" to the OP. A brush removes any physical particles, and a simple cleaning fluid will sterilize, or just use hand wipes.

I'm sorry, but your posts are rude. If you don't have tips to offer, why continue to post?

Thanks to those who have offered your tips! I appreciate it, Tiger

 

[golfgal]

I have already explained...I don't use rags, as they are germ magnets, and I can't use chemicals like bleach. Brushes are gross and germ magnets as well, and they need to be cleaned, so that's more cleaning to do.



I'm sorry, but your posts are very rude. If you don't have any nice tips to give, why continue to post?

Thanks to those who have offered your tips! I appreciate it, Tiger

Soooooo, wash the rags in the washing machine when you do laundry? Are you using the rags to clean anything else?? I'm still confused. Of course they pick up germs while you are using them, that's the point isn't it? When I am done with my rags after cleaning I hang them over the edge of the laundry tub and when I do laundry, they get tossed in. The laundry detergent does the rest.

Same with the brushes, it's kind of the point for them to pick up the germs since you are cleaning. Do you use the brushes to say, cook dinner after???

Dish soap and a rag or paper towels should be just fine. I still don't see the issue???

 

[Wishing on a star]

Sorry Tiger, but I have admit that was thinking the same thing as GolfGal on this one. Assuming the only thing that a toilet cleaning brush is used for is the toilet, then, in all honestly, I see no reason for being so concerned with disinfecting.

I don't buy expensive cleaners with chemicals..
I use a squirt of Dawn dish detergent and a splash of bleach...
Swish - Swish - Flush... good to go... Fresh and clean as a toilet bowl ever needs to be!

I just rinse the brush out in the fresh water as the toilet is flushing the cleaners... shake and drip dry over the toilet.... It is not like it is nasty or smelly at all... And I certainly am not going to be using it to stir the pot of soup for tonight's supper.

I know you don't want to use the bleach, but really, I assume that some dish detergent would be adequate.

I know it must be hard to be a bit of a germaphobe who is also unable to use disinfecting chemicals....

 

[Iri920]

They sell natural cleaners at the stores, they're just more expensive than the stuff with all the chemicals. I like the 7th generation brand and they seem to be easy to find at most stores.

 

[Tiger926]

Soooooo, wash the rags in the washing machine when you do laundry? Are you using the rags to clean anything else?? I'm still confused. Of course they pick up germs while you are using them, that's the point isn't it? When I am done with my rags after cleaning I hang them over the edge of the laundry tub and when I do laundry, they get tossed in. The laundry detergent does the rest.

Same with the brushes, it's kind of the point for them to pick up the germs since you are cleaning. Do you use the brushes to say, cook dinner after???

Dish soap and a rag or paper towels should be just fine. I still don't see the issue???

We don't use rags at all...as I said, we all have mold allergies, as well as asthma and chemical allergies. Rags harbor mold and such, and we can't use bleach to clean them, so we don't use them.

We used toilet brush before, and they are yucky. They don't get dry enough, and so after awhile, they get mold particles, and as I said, you have to wash the handle and the holder so as to avoid mold or bacteria.

I guess it's hard for people to comprehend when you don't have allergies or asthma to worry about. A lot of the products and cleaning tools you take for granted, are problematic for us. Plus, I've never really cleaned toilets before, so it's a bit new for me.

Like I said before, I never would have even thought to use dish soap or a paper towel, so I could just do that as well. Thanks for that idea!

Sorry Tiger, but I have admit that was thinking the same thing as GolfGal on this one. Assuming the only thing that a toilet cleaning brush is used for is the toilet, then, in all honestly, I see no reason for being so concerned with disinfecting.

I don't buy expensive cleaners with chemicals..
I use a squirt of Dawn dish detergent and a splash of bleach...
Swish - Swish - Flush... good to go... Fresh and clean as a toilet bowl ever needs to be!

I just rinse the brush out in the fresh water as the toilet is flushing the cleaners... shake and drip dry over the toilet.... It is not like it is nasty or smelly at all... And I certainly am not going to be using it to stir the pot of soup for tonight's supper.

I know you don't want to use the bleach, but really, I assume that some dish detergent would be adequate.

I know it must be hard to be a bit of a germaphobe who is also unable to use disinfecting chemicals....

Who said I was a germaphobe? Goodness.

I've never thought of using dish detergent, as I really haven't cleaned toilets much. Not sure why people aren't reading my posts, as they are pretty self explanatory...

They sell natural cleaners at the stores, they're just more expensive than the stuff with all the chemicals. I like the 7th generation brand and they seem to be easy to find at most stores.

Thanks. I saw the Seventh Gen when we were in the US last weekend, as we don't have that here.

I use a product called "The Works". It doesn't have a chemical smell. I use the bottle but they also have the automatic that hangs in the toilet.

Sounds interesting as well! Thanks.

Thanks again to those who are offering tips. Much appreciated! Tiger

 

[daughtersrus]

I use a product called "The Works". It doesn't have a chemical smell. I use the bottle but they also have the automatic that hangs in the toilet.

 

[Wishing on a star]

No offense, whatsoever... really...
Just stating this very simply.
But, really, I would have to assume that anybody who was so troubled by the fact that the toilet bowl brush may have germs and can't be disinfected would have to be a bit of a germaphobe.

I have honestly never even given a moments thought that my toilet bowl brush be 'disinfected'. And, I don't think I know anybody else who would have such concerns.

I myself do not use cleaning rags for 'germy' jobs...
I use heavy duty paper towels, which can be tossed....
No need to throw nasty rags in with my regular wash!

 

[Tiger926]

No offense, whatsoever... really...
Just stating this very simply.
But, really, I would have to assume that anybody who was so troubled by the fact that the toilet bowl brush may have germs and can't be disinfected would have to be a bit of a germaphobe.

I have honestly never even given a moments thought that my toilet bowl brush be 'disinfected'. And, I don't think I know anybody else who would have such concerns.

I myself do not use cleaning rags for 'germy' jobs...
I use heavy duty paper towels, which can be tossed....
No need to throw nasty rags in with my regular wash!

But again, are you reading my posts? We have asthma and allergies, one of which is mold, so if that brush isn't dried properly (and they never do) or the holder that it sits in holds some water, then we have mold potential.

Great idea about the heavy duty paper towels! We use Bounty - is there something else more heavy duty than that? What about those blue ones at Costco in the hardware section?

Thanks so much, Tiger

 

[HillPete]

If the paper towels don't work, maybe you could try putting the brush and holder in the dishwasher . It sound kinda icky and it might melt (def. put on the top rack!), but it certainly would disinfect anything lingering.

Good luck!

 

[scrapquitler]

Thanks all.

Ummm...we clean 1x per week, so that is often enough. They never look dirty, nor have rings either.

Kids are too young, so I need to do it.

Hate brushes as they are disgusting, and I spend more time disinfecting the brush, then actually cleaning the toilet.

As I said, I have chemical allergies and breathing issues, so I can't use harsh chemicals, so I appreciate the ideas.

Thanks for the tips, Tiger

I use the FlyLady Swish and Swipe method. You clean your bathroom EVERY MORNING. It takes about 3 minutes, and uses no harsh chemicals (but you do use a toilet brush).

From the Flylady Website http://www.disboards.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=42313776


What does Swish and Swipe mean?

As part of my morning routine I clean my bathroom. Now this is not the crisis cleaning because company is coming and you have not touched the bathroom in months. This is a daily maintenance that keeps it company ready all the time! I know many of you don't think that this needs to be done but I assure you that you deserve to clean and fresh smelling bathroom all the time too.

It don't take much time to do this either. This is why I called it a swish and a swipe. Doesn't that sound like a lick and a promise! Quick and easy! Here is how it works and once you establish this habit, your bathroom will never look and smell dirty again.

To accomplish this you need a couple of things to keep in your bathroom. I have my favorite window cleaner in each bathroom just for this purpose along with a roll of paper towels or old wash cloths. You can use what ever you like just so you don't have to leave the room to swish and swipe. You will have no excuse to get sidetracked if you will do this.

Here is the swipe part. I take the window cleaner and a rag and wipe off the mirror and then the counter, faucets and sink. Bam it is just that fast. Now I do this as I am getting dressed and I put my things away. Do you hear me! put your stuff away as you use them this keeps your counter clear and easy to wipe down. Then I take that same paper towel or rag and head toward the toilet. I keep a toilet bowl brush beside each toilet in our home. They are kept in a crock (one like you put kitchen utensils in). I keep an all-purpose cleaner like old shampoo in it (not bathroom caustic cleaner). Soap is soap as far as I am concerned. You could use old shampoo that you hate or what ever you have. They are even making some great new toilet bowl brushes that are kept in cylinders that have lids. Now don't do this if you have little children or pets that will get into this. Each take take the brush and let the excess cleaner drip off; if it is thick you may have to water down the solution a bit so it will drain well. Then take the toilet bowl brush and swish it around in the toilet. Even if you don't use any soap; you will keep stuff from growing in there. Then wipe off the back of the toilet with the used paper towel or rag, then the seat, the rim and lastly the sides and floor. If you have little boys you know how they miss. Then toss the rag in the laundry or the paper towel in the trash. When you do this once a day you will find that your toilet is always fresh as a daisy.

There you have it Swish and Swipe! This takes all of about 1 minute from start to finish but you have to have everything in the bathroom so you have no excuses to not do this.

Now go gather up some window cleaner for the bathroom and look in the bathroom closet for some shampoo or some cleaner that will work for swishing the toilet. Nothing says I LOVE YOU like a Clean toilet to throw up in when you are sick! - FlyLady

 

[HelenePA]

seriously follow my link to amazon.. I had one I did not have to do anything to my toilets for 2 months with it even with hard water no stains at all! its a little thing you hook up in your tank.. its awesome! Its called Kaboom toilet something or other... no smells from it at all..

 

[Wishing on a star]

Hey, I think it may be the holder that is retaining moisture and the possibility for mold. I can't stand mold either, and I have never noticed even a hint of a mold problem with mine.

I kind of knock/shake all the dripping water out of it as much as possible, and then it is dry in no time, and I can put it away.

Mine is the kind that is like 'scrubbie' material.
Not bristles..... I don't like that kind at all.... They don't work as well, and the bristles spritz the nasty water everywhere if you are not careful.

Check out this similar Scotch-Brite Disposable Toilet Bowl Scrubber.
Maybe you can find, or order, these?
You can buy refills on the blue scrubbie, and use a new one each time if you wanted.

http://www.scotch-brite.com/wps/por...glLR5MQBJSTMbl&prodID=SQB2F6ZT48gs&lang=en_US

 

[Tiger926]

seriously follow my link to amazon.. I had one I did not have to do anything to my toilets for 2 months with it even with hard water no stains at all! its a little thing you hook up in your tank.. its awesome! Its called Kaboom toilet something or other... no smells from it at all..

Thanks! I somehow missed your post.

Just showed it to my hubby, but we aren't sure if it's here. Will look for it.

Much appreciated, Tiger

 

[bellebud]

I do the flylady thing too. I was using straight vinegar in my brush holders (so there's no mold, as the brush is always sitting in the cleaning solution). I now use clorox since my kids are older and I don't have to worry about them getting into it. I like the shampoo idea in there too.

hope you find something that works for you.

 

[dzorn]

But again, are you reading my posts? We have asthma and allergies, one of which is mold, so if that brush isn't dried properly (and they never do) or the holder that it sits in holds some water, then we have mold potential.

Great idea about the heavy duty paper towels! We use Bounty - is there something else more heavy duty than that? What about those blue ones at Costco in the hardware section?

Thanks so much, Tiger

Why do you think the toilet brush does not dry. I'm allergic to mold also and have never had a moldy toilet brush.

You can just use baking soda without the vinegar if vinegar bothers your asthma.

Denise in MI

 

[SandrA9810]

With the swish method, how often do you change the water solution? Eventually the crock would have to be taken out and cleaned and residue dries on the side as it's used up.

 

[Melmac]

I use the Method Lil Bowl Blu cleaner (and a brush but you could use a rag instead). It is all natural and to me, does not have a chemically smell. I also cannot use the harsh bathroom cleaners (Kaboom nearly knocked me out). I like it a lot and you can find it at Canadian Tire or Shoppers Drug Mart.

 

[Tiger926]

Why do you think the toilet brush does not dry. I'm allergic to mold also and have never had a moldy toilet brush.

You can just use baking soda without the vinegar if vinegar bothers your asthma.

Denise in MI

Because we've had it happen. Everyone I know who uses toilet brushes, replaces them often, as they get moldy and yucky. See below.

With the swish method, how often do you change the water solution? Eventually the crock would have to be taken out and cleaned and residue dries on the side as it's used up.

That's what I am talking about - it's the residue and leftover water solution that would get moldy, and may potentially cause problems for us. The soap solution sounds promising, but still wondering about how long you can leave that there?

Tiger

 

[scrapquitler]

That's what I am talking about - it's the residue and leftover water solution that would get moldy, and may potentially cause problems for us. The soap solution sounds promising, but still wondering about how long you can leave that there?

Tiger

I usually replace the brush and its holder about every 5 or 6 months. I just add some more water and soap when it starts to get a little low. I haven't ever noticed any mold.

 

[robinb]

I usually replace the brush and its holder about every 5 or 6 months. I just add some more water and soap when it starts to get a little low. I haven't ever noticed any mold.

So you leave water and soap in the holder? I just let my brush dry in the holder and I never have any mold.