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

[disfan07]

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.

Same. I have very severe asthma and I use a regular brush as well and have never noticed an issue. I clean the toilet, make sure the fan is on and leave the bathroom to let it air out.

Now, I do admit, I usually do hold my breath for the minute or two it actually takes me to scrub the toilet but thats mainly because I can't stand the smell...lol (it really doesn't take very long). This was actually one of the (many) things I recently asked my allergist and pulmonologist about and they both said that I am in and out of the bathroom in less than 5 minutes when cleaning the toilet so they are definitely not concerned with what I use.

I put in the chemicals, leave the bathroom and let it sit for however long (10 mins i think), go back in, scrub the toilet (never takes very long at all), turn on the fan and leave the bathroom

But to each their own

 

[mombrontrent]

OP I hate toilet brushes too and have never used them. They gross me out and I hate when I just see them sitting there beside someones toilet. I just hate them. I do use the ones you were talking about with the blue scubby head you throw away. I have 4 toilets so I put that lysol gel around the inside rim of three toilets and then start in the other one since the blue head has a cleaning solution, then I go do the other 3 with the same head. I just make sure I keep a paper towel under to catch drips. After a few months of doing this I noticed our one toilet had a ring that wouldn't go away. I realized it was in the toilet that I always start with. So I cleaned it with the lysol gel and it swiped right off. So that lysol gel works better then the cleaner that is on the scubby brush. Not I just make sure in a differnet bathroom each time. I am a admit I am a bit od a germaphob so I would never wash a cleaning rag with my regular laundry and I cerntainly wouldn't EVER put my toilet brush in the dishwasher even though I know it would probably be fine there is just certain things I can't do.

 

[robinb]

I am a admit I am a bit od a germaphob so I would never wash a cleaning rag with my regular laundry and I cerntainly wouldn't EVER put my toilet brush in the dishwasher even though I know it would probably be fine there is just certain things I can't do.

I am NOT a germaphobe, but even that icks me out!

ETA:

Tiger, at the risk of being snarky I'll address the elephant in the room:

Oy! The bane of my existence around here, as we have 3 of them...

I have allergies and sensitivities, so can't use chemicals. The only chemicals we have are for toilet, so that is hubby's job. He doesn't really do it, so I have to take over.

The obvious solution is to tell your DH to put his big boy pants on and clean the darn toilets! It's really not that difficult of a job and why risk an asthma attack when you have a perfectly capable adult around to do the job?

 

[golfgal]

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

I am sorry but you DO qualify as a germophope. Our kids have asthma and two have mold allergies (so does our dog). They have never been bothered by cleaning a toilet, ever. We have toilet brushes. I don't disinfect them, they just wash their hands when they are done cleaning, problem solved. As for drying the brush--stick the brush between the seat and the bowl and let it air dry before you put it in the holder. You don't even need a holder really, stick a 3M wall hanger thing on the side of the toilet or the wall and hang the brush, they will air dry just fine. In over 40 years of using toilet brushes I have NEVER seen mold on them.

You are WAY, WAY overthinking this. I would also suggest that your children learn to clean so they aren't grown adults without any idea of how to clean a toilet.

Also, as a side note, there has been a LOT of research done about kids and allergies and asthma that live in TOO clean of homes. Their bodies never develop antibodies to various germs and allergens because they have never been allowed to get dirty, etc. Now, it's possible your kids are like mine and it is just hereditary....

 

[hambirg]

I am sorry but you DO qualify as a germophope. Our kids have asthma and two have mold allergies (so does our dog). They have never been bothered by cleaning a toilet, ever. We have toilet brushes. I don't disinfect them, they just wash their hands when they are done cleaning, problem solved. As for drying the brush--stick the brush between the seat and the bowl and let it air dry before you put it in the holder. You don't even need a holder really, stick a 3M wall hanger thing on the side of the toilet or the wall and hang the brush, they will air dry just fine. In over 40 years of using toilet brushes I have NEVER seen mold on them.

You are WAY, WAY overthinking this. I would also suggest that your children learn to clean so they aren't grown adults without any idea of how to clean a toilet.

Also, as a side note, there has been a LOT of research done about kids and allergies and asthma that live in TOO clean of homes. Their bodies never develop antibodies to various germs and allergens because they have never been allowed to get dirty, etc. Now, it's possible your kids are like mine and it is just hereditary....

I do that too. I am very sensitive to cleaning chemicals, so I just use cheap shampoo. . .like when I can get free or near free Suave at Wags. It works great if you are swishing regularly. I'm sensitive to mold too, but have never had a problem with drying the brush like above. I guess you could use the blue disposable kind, but it seems like it would get expensive.

 

[Wishing on a star]

We have toilet brushes. I don't disinfect them, they just wash their hands when they are done cleaning, problem solved. As for drying the brush--stick the brush between the seat and the bowl and let it air dry before you put it in the holder. You don't even need a holder really, stick a 3M wall hanger thing on the side of the toilet or the wall and hang the brush, they will air dry just fine. In over 40 years of using toilet brushes I have NEVER seen mold on them.

You are WAY, WAY overthinking this. I would also suggest that your children learn to clean so they aren't grown adults without any idea of how to clean a toilet.

Also, as a side note, there has been a LOT of research done about kids and allergies and asthma that live in TOO clean of homes. Their bodies never develop antibodies to various germs and allergens because they have never been allowed to get dirty, etc. Now, it's possible your kids are like mine and it is just hereditary....

This, completely and totally.....

I don't use harsh or expensive cleaners...
It is not time-consuming... I can swish clean my boll in 30 seconds...
Let the brush (again, the scrubbie kind, not bristles) drip dry... put it completely away.. NO mold, EVER....

If the toilet bowls go too long, and there are water-marks, build-up, etc... Make your husband and your kids grow up and buck up and get scrubbin'.

 

[Tiger926]

I am sorry but you DO qualify as a germophope. Our kids have asthma and two have mold allergies (so does our dog). They have never been bothered by cleaning a toilet, ever. We have toilet brushes. I don't disinfect them, they just wash their hands when they are done cleaning, problem solved. As for drying the brush--stick the brush between the seat and the bowl and let it air dry before you put it in the holder. You don't even need a holder really, stick a 3M wall hanger thing on the side of the toilet or the wall and hang the brush, they will air dry just fine. In over 40 years of using toilet brushes I have NEVER seen mold on them.

You are WAY, WAY overthinking this. I would also suggest that your children learn to clean so they aren't grown adults without any idea of how to clean a toilet.

Also, as a side note, there has been a LOT of research done about kids and allergies and asthma that live in TOO clean of homes. Their bodies never develop antibodies to various germs and allergens because they have never been allowed to get dirty, etc. Now, it's possible your kids are like mine and it is just hereditary....

Thanks for opinions, but you are very rude and quite insular. So, because you have never seen mold on a toilet brush, that means it can't be there. Are you serious? And I don't need parenting lessons from you either.

I asked a simple question - if you don't want to answer, then stop reading or leave the thread.

Tiger

 

[golfgal]

Thanks for opinions, but you are very rude and quite insular. So, because you have never seen mold on a toilet brush, that means it can't be there. Are you serious? And I don't need parenting lessons from you either.

I asked a simple question - if you don't want to answer, then stop reading or leave the thread.

Tiger

Your HAVE gotten answers, from me and everyone else here--YOU are the one that is insular---I am not the only one that said that mold is NOT an issue. We have given you a lot of suggestions and you seem to have a reason why, erroneously, they will not work....

 

[Tiger926]

I am NOT a germaphobe, but even that icks me out!

ETA:

Tiger, at the risk of being snarky I'll address the elephant in the room:

The obvious solution is to tell your DH to put his big boy pants on and clean the darn toilets! It's really not that difficult of a job and why risk an asthma attack when you have a perfectly capable adult around to do the job?

No elephant in the room - he just came out of hospital, and has been diagnosed with Crohn's, so he just isn't able to do those chores right now. He hasn't been feeling well, and so he just won't do that stuff at this time, nor does he need to, and I'm fine with that, so I need to take over. Once he is feeling better, he can resume that job.

Thanks for your concern, Tiger

Edited to add: I just re-read my original post, and meant to say hubby doesn't do it well, and I forgot to mention his health issues. Sorry about that!

 

[Tiger926]

Your HAVE gotten answers, from me and everyone else here--YOU are the one that is insular---I am not the only one that said that mold is NOT an issue. We have given you a lot of suggestions and you seem to have a reason why, erroneously, they will not work....

Huh? I have thanked everyone, responded to all posts, and checked out all links.

Are you reading the same thread that I am? Just because you don't get mold on toilet brushes, doesn't mean it's not there. Everyone I know does, so maybe it's our water? Who really cares, as I asked for tips and opinions. I am only responding to people who as usual on the DIS, give unsolicited opinions and advice. Do you really think it's acceptable to say that because I don't make my 4 year old clean toilets, that he is going to grow up lazy and unable to take care of himself? Really...

My OP was pretty clear (but I did just edit as I missed saying that my hubby doesn't do the toilets well, and he is ill, so can't do them right now), in that I can't use harsh chemicals, we all have mold issues and I don't like the brushes or rags for this type of job.

Thanks to all who have helped me with tips, links and suggestions. I have been on the DISboards a long time, and this thread has really floored me. It seems there are a few who like to stir up drama wherever they go - who would have thought that asking a very simple question about toilets would cause such snarky and rude replies.

I really appreciate the help from those of you who were nice enough to give me some great suggestions.

Too bad I can't flush this thread down my toilet...Tiger

 

[robinb]

Edited to add: I just re-read my original post, and meant to say hubby doesn't do it well, and I forgot to mention his health issues. Sorry about that!

No worries. It makes a lot more sense now. It sounded like he wasn't cleaning the toilets because he was lazy or not doing a good enough job. Even though your toilet brush gets moldy, you could use one temporarily while your DH recovers if you think he'll be able to resume his toilet bowl duties in the next few weeks. I hope he feels better soon!

 

[elizke]

Everyone has their things OP. No need to justify yourself! Answering questions you did not ask is the forum way, no matter what the forum. Just pick out the truly helpful answers.

I personally have no allergies or other valid concerns; just hate the job, especially the wiping around the base part.

But I have appreciated all the product suggestions and am inspired now to clean my toilets more often. So thanks for the thread OP.

 

[Tiger926]

No worries. It makes a lot more sense now. It sounded like he wasn't cleaning the toilets because he was lazy or not doing a good enough job. Even though your toilet brush gets moldy, you could use one temporarily while your DH recovers if you think he'll be able to resume his toilet bowl duties in the next few weeks. I hope he feels better soon!

Thanks for pointing that out to me! Thanks also for your well wishes. He has had a setback this week, and isn't feeling good, and I have to get back to school soon, so I am worrying a bit about the chores, which is why I posted.

Thanks again.

Everyone has their things OP. No need to justify yourself! Answering questions you did not ask is the forum way, no matter what the forum. Just pick out the truly helpful answers.

I personally have no allergies or other valid concerns; just hate the job, especially the wiping around the base part.

But I have appreciated all the product suggestions and am inspired now to clean my toilets more often. So thanks for the thread OP.

Thanks, there have been some good tips, and some new products that I never heard about.

Tiger

 

[SLK1]

Not sure if they make it anymore, but there were these disposable toilet cleaners. You snapped a spongey part to a wand and when you finished cleaning, you un-snap it and throw it away. I'm not much help in that I don't remember who made it.

I'm the weirdo who honestly doesn't mind cleaning toilets (rest of the house is trashed but toilets are good!). I recently bought this thing that attaches a glob of green goo (no better way to describe it) to the bowl and it sits there for weeks until it disintegrates. It was kind of gross but worked really well!

**I'm close to discontinuing my participation on these boards. The rudeness is sometimes overwhelming...I was once called lazy because I like a certain style of clothes!! And I do believe that person is one who just plain likes to be nasty.

 

[scrapquitler]

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

Yes, the holder is always mostly full with soap and water and the brush stays right in it.

 

[Tiger926]

Not sure if they make it anymore, but there were these disposable toilet cleaners. You snapped a spongey part to a wand and when you finished cleaning, you un-snap it and throw it away. I'm not much help in that I don't remember who made it.

I'm the weirdo who honestly doesn't mind cleaning toilets (rest of the house is trashed but toilets are good!). I recently bought this thing that attaches a glob of green goo (no better way to describe it) to the bowl and it sits there for weeks until it disintegrates. It was kind of gross but worked really well!

**I'm close to discontinuing my participation on these boards. The rudeness is sometimes overwhelming...I was once called lazy because I like a certain style of clothes!! And I do believe that person is one who just plain likes to be nasty.

Yup, I mentioned that in my original post, but there has been lots of junk on here, so maybe you missed it, so thanks for the suggestion. Those things are by Scotch Brite, and they work pretty well, but they are expensive around here, so that's why I was looking for a different alternative.

I did see that glob of green goo (love that!) you mentioned, and was wondering if that smelled of heavy fragrance? Thanks for mentioning that as well.

I'm not really sure what to make of the rudeness, besides there are a few on here, who do that on each thread they are on. I asked a very simple question, and provided answers as to why I couldn't use certain products, and then was continually berated on why I won't use them, must be imagining the mold, and my parenting skills and my children were insulted. Honestly, I don't get it at all...

Thanks for sticking with the thread and offering me your suggestions, as I really appreciate it.

Yes, the holder is always mostly full with soap and water and the brush stays right in it.

That is very interesting. I had never thought of that either, so maybe that's an option I have to use a brush, in case the other products are too bleachy and smelly. Thanks!

Tiger