5 Mistakes You’re Making When Cleaning Your Toilet
Did you know that a dirty toilet bowl can harbour over 50 different types of germs per square inch? These can include salmonella, E. coli, fecal bacteria, and other pathogens that can lead to various health hazards. Thus, it becomes imperative to regularly clean your toilet to effectively remove mineral deposits, organic matter, and rust stains.
Even with the right intentions, many homeowners unknowingly make silly blunders when cleaning their toilets. These mistakes do more damage than good, such as spreading germs and bacteria further, fading the toilet bowl’s finish, and ruining the entire look of the bathroom. Thus, it is crucial to identify your mistakes that are exacerbating your cleaning efforts and situation.
Below is a comprehensive guide on 5 common mistakes you are probably making when cleaning your toilet. Avoiding these blunders can help you achieve a spotless and shiny toilet, promoting a hygienic living space in Brisbane.
Let’s Get Started!
1. Rushing the Cleaning Task
Do you spray the cleaning product and immediately wipe it away? This is considered one of the most common toilet cleaning mistakes. Cleaning products and disinfectants need time to react and break down dirt molecules.
Whether you are using a store-bought toilet cleaner or homemade vinegar solution, leaving it for a few minutes is good to cut through rust, grime, mineral deposits and stubborn filth. After that, grab your toilet brush to scrub the bowl, nooks and crannies for sparkling results. This will also help you kill lingering germs and bad odours.
If you are worried about the entire rental property, hire professionals for an expert bond cleaning Brisbane. They always follow the label’s instructions when using cleaning sprays and solvents for effective stain removal results.
2. Mixing Cleaning Products For Better Results
Most people mix different cleaning products with the idea that the duo will clean more effectively and efficiently. Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest cleaning mistakes. Traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, etc. Mixing them can produce toxic fumes that can be lethal and pose a serious threat to your respiratory system. So, here are some of the common cleaning products that you should never mix:
- Bleach and Ammonia: It produces chloramine gas, which can irritate your lungs and eyes.
- Bleach and Vinegar: The duo can cause serious health concerns, such as coughing and eye irritation.
- Drain Cleaners and Other Products: Drain cleaners are abrasive and can react with other cleaning products. It can even damage the surface of your toilet bowl.
So, it is always good to read and follow the directions on the product’s label. Instead of using harsh chemicals, you can prepare DIY recipes using vinegar, mild dish soap, and warm water.
3. Not Cleaning Behind the Toilet
Most households often overlook the area between the toilet and the wall when cleaning their toilets. Unfortunately, this spot is the breeding ground for germs due to dirt, dust and grime accumulation. If you are finding it difficult to clean the hard-to-reach areas of your toilet, including the “S” bend, consider the following hacks:
- Spray a cleaning solution in the narrow gap
- Leave it for a few minutes to break down grime
- Wipe down using a microfiber cloth, mop or scrub using a brush.
Remember that bond cleaning Brisbane professionals always clean nooks and crannies, including the area behind toilets, to help tenants pass the final inspection and secure their full bond money.
4. Overlooking Germ-Laden Spots
Cleaning and disinfecting the toilet bowl is not enough. Pay equal attention to other germ-laden spots if you want to make the most of your efforts. This includes the flush handle, toilet seat, faucets, and other areas. People often ignore these areas and compromise the cleanliness and sanitisation of their entire property.
According to experts, regularly clean and disinfect these spots and promote a hygienic indoor environment. You can use eco-friendly alternatives to disinfectants, such as rubbing alcohol to kill germs and bacteria.
5. Not Washing Your Toilet Cleaning Brush
Most households skip cleaning the toilet brush after completing a comprehensive session. Believe it or not, washing and disinfecting a brush is crucial to prevent the spread of germs, dirt, and unpleasant odours.
In fact, not letting the brush dry completely before returning it to its holder can cause water stagnation and make things worse. So, it is good to adopt good cleaning habits and ensure all your toilet brushes are clean and ready for the next use.
6. Other Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some additional mistakes that you can avoid and ensure a clean and shiny bathroom, including your toilet:
- Using Wrong Products: Cleaning a toilet bowl with a floor cleaner will not help you achieve the desired results. So, invest in specialised products that can easily tackle rust, mineral deposits, and grime. If you are using a homemade cleaner, use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for stain removal. Baking soda can be a great option for eliminating germs and bad odours.
- Forget to Dust Surfaces: Before using a toilet cleaner or water-based solvent, make sure you remove dust from the top of toilet tank, shelves and walls. This will save you time and energy.
- Not Cleaning Regularly: Occasional cleaning only increases your workload. So, it is good to include your toilet cleaning task in a weekly cleaning schedule and keep your bathroom clean and shiny. Also, clean your spa bathtub, tiles, shower area and counters to maintain the hygiene of your house.
You can also hire experts for a budget bond cleaning Brisbane and avoid unnecessary rental disputes over half-baked cleaning. They clean every nook and cranny according to the pre-approved cleaning checklist to help you secure full bond money.
Avoid 5 Most Common Toilet Cleaning Mistakes
Wrapping up
Avoiding these five toilet cleaning mistakes can save you time, money, and energy in the long run. It will also help you stay on top of your housekeeping sessions and promote a clean, healthy, and spotless indoor environment.