How To Safely Clean With Bleach For A Sparkling, Germ-Free Toilet

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While toilet seats may not have as many germs as a lot of other items, such as cell phones, doorknobs, or shopping carts, they can still house harmful viruses and bacteria like influenza and salmonella. It's vital to use a powerful cleaning agent to eliminate these hazards. This is why bleach is the go-to toilet cleaning product for many. It kills most common bacteria and viruses when used properly.

Take some time to learn how to safely clean with bleach for a sparkling, germ-free toilet. In short, all you have to do is flush your toilet, pour some bleach into the bowl, give it a good scrub, and allow the bleach to sit and work its magic. After allowing the cleaning product to fight bacteria and viruses, you can give your toilet one final flush to unveil your new germ-free bowl. This method will help you achieve a clean toilet bowl with ease. 

However, you should think twice before cleaning your toilet seat with bleach. Why? The harsh cleaning agent can cause irreparable damage that would require you to replace the seat with a new one. Use a cleaning spray formulated for safe use on toilet seats instead. Baking soda can help you safely remove toilet seat stains, too.

To use bleach to clean your toilet bowl, start out by putting on gloves to protect your skin. Open a window if possible to ensure the room is properly ventilated. Next, give your toilet a good flush so you're starting out with clean water. The amount of bleach you should use to clean your toilet is about ⅓ cup. Measure it out, and pour it into your toilet bowl. Keep in mind that the cleaning agent works best when it's properly diluted at the correct ratio. It's also vital you refrain from mixing any other chemicals with the bleach to avoid creating toxic fumes. After adding ⅓ cup of bleach to the bowl, use a toilet scrubbing brush to scrub the inside of the bowl. You should then allow the bleach to sit for at least six minutes before flushing it.

Since you should not use bleach to clean your toilet seat, take a different approach when you need to clean this component. After putting on another pair of gloves, apply a bleach-free toilet seat cleaning spray on and under the seat and lid, such as the Method Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaner. You should use the spray only after ensuring there is no remaining bleach residue on your toilet from previous steps to avoid mixing the two chemicals. Allow the spray to sit for the amount of time the manufacturer recommends. Then, use a disposable, gentle cleaning brush or sponge to scrub your toilet seat and lid. Dry the surfaces as your final step.