How to clean your toilet?

Cleaning the toilet isn't the most exciting activity, but it's essential to maintaining a clean and hygienic bathroom . Fortunately, there are several methods to properly disinfect your toilet without too much effort! In this article, discover different solutions for a deep cleaning , from baking soda to Coca-Cola to steam .

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is an essential ally for maintaining toilets. Natural, non-toxic and very effective, it removes stains and neutralizes persistent odors .

How to use it?

1. Sprinkle baking soda generously on the inside walls of the bowl.
2. Leave to act for 15 to 30 minutes .
3. Scrub the walls with the toilet brush .
4. Flush the toilet to rinse.

For an even more powerful effect, combine baking soda with white vinegar . This reaction creates a slight foaming effect that helps dissolve tartar more easily.

Use white vinegar

White vinegar is another essential product for maintaining toilets. It is a natural descaler that removes limescale residue while disinfecting. In addition, it is economical and easy to find!

How to use it?

1. Pour about 250 ml of white vinegar directly into the toilet bowl.
2. Add a small amount of baking soda if you want to boost the cleaning action.
3. Leave to act for 30 minutes .
4. Scrub with the brush and flush.

Vinegar can also be used to clean the rim of the toilet and hard-to-reach places. Soak a cloth in vinegar and wipe it over the scaled areas to restore clean, shiny surfaces.

Using citric acid

Citric acid is another household product that is very effective against limescale and scale deposits. Derived from lemon , it has an even stronger descaling power than vinegar.

How to use it?

1. Dilute 3 tablespoons of citric acid in 1 liter of hot water .
2. Pour the solution directly into the bowl.
3. Leave to act for an hour .
4. Brush vigorously, then flush.

Caution, citric acid is more powerful than vinegar and can irritate the skin. Wear gloves when using it and avoid contact with eyes.

Use bleach

Bleach is often used for its disinfecting and whitening power. It is effective against bacteria and removes stubborn stains . However, it must be used with caution because it is more aggressive on the environment.

How to use it?

1. Pour about 150 ml of bleach into the toilet bowl.
2. Leave to act for 15 minutes (avoid breathing the vapors).
3. Scrub with the brush.
4. Rinse well by flushing the toilet.

Never combine bleach with other chemicals like vinegar or ammonia , as this can produce toxic gases .

Use Coca-Cola

Surprisingly, Coca-Cola isn’t just a drink. Thanks to its acidity, it can be used to effectively descale toilets. While it’s not the most eco-friendly option, it’s a fun stopgap solution if you don’t have any other products on hand.

How to use it?

1. Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the bowl (make sure to coat the sides well).
2. Let it sit overnight so the acids can work on the tartar.
3. The next day, brush the toilet bowl.
4. Flush the toilet.

Coca-Cola is effective on light limescale stains , but will not replace stronger products like vinegar or citric acid for deeper cleaning .

Using steam

Steam is an environmentally friendly, chemical-free method for removing dirt . A steam cleaner uses water heated to a high temperature to eliminate bacteria .

How to use it?

1. Fill your steam cleaner tank with water.
2. Apply steam to the walls, rim, and bowl of the toilet.
3. Focus on stubborn stains with the concentrated nozzle.
4. Wipe with a clean cloth.

Steam is particularly recommended for people who are sensitive to chemicals or for those who want to adopt a more environmentally friendly approach.

How to clean the toilet tank?

The tank is often overlooked when cleaning, but it is essential to keep it clean to avoid limescale build-up and bad odours.

Steps to clean it:

1. Turn off the water supply and empty the tank.
2. Scrub the interior with a brush and a solution of vinegar or diluted citric acid.
3. Leave to act for 30 minutes .
4. Rinse with clean water, add water and flush.

A clean tank prevents mineral deposits that could damage the flushing mechanism.

What mistakes should you avoid when cleaning toilets?

1. Mixing chemicals : Combining products (like bleach and vinegar) can create toxic reactions.
2. Use abrasive objects : Avoid metal sponges which could scratch the bowl.
3. Neglecting the underside of the rim : This is often where tartar builds up.
4. Forgetting to clean the hinges : The hinges on your window can harbor dirt that is hard to reach.

How often should toilets be cleaned?

To maintain good hygiene, it is recommended to clean the toilet at least once a week. However, the frequency may vary depending on usage. For example:

• Daily : Clean the walls and rim with a disinfectant wipe.
• Once a week : Clean the bowl thoroughly with a descaling product.
• Once a month : Disinfect the tank and external parts.

How to remove rust stains from toilets?

Rust stains can appear around screws , hinges or on walls . Here's how to remove them:

1. Apply a paste of citric acid or baking soda and water to the stains.
2. Leave to act for 30 minutes .
3. Rub gently with a brush.
4. Rinse and repeat if necessary.

Rust stains often require repeated treatment to completely disappear.

With all these solutions , it's easy to find the method that best suits your needs. Whether you opt for natural products or more traditional cleaners, the important thing is to maintain a regular cleaning routine to prevent the build-up of tartar and bacteria. It's up to you!