The Easiest Way To Clean Behind Your Toilet To Eliminate Funky Lingering Odors

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We tend to have a checklist when it is time to clean the bathroom — scrub the bowl, wipe down the sink, mop the floor, and toss in toilet bowl cleaner tablets for good measure. But there is one spot that hardly ever makes the cut, even though it has been collecting more bacteria than you would imagine. This is the area behind the toilet. If you have been wondering why your bathroom never fully passes the sniff test, this hidden zone might be the culprit. However, all it takes is a few minutes, a disinfectant spray, and a long-handled brush to finally clean that overlooked spot in your bathroom. And once the grime is gone, a little baking soda can help neutralize odors before they take over the room.

The thing about that tight little space is it is a magnet for everything gross. Dust bunnies, stray hair, and yes, droplets from flushes sometimes flying as far as 6 feet, all settle there and fester over time. Since it can be awkward to reach, it becomes a neglected zone. And when the rest of the bathroom is sparkling, that one dirty patch stands, especially to your nose.

Take a minute to gather your cleaning supplies. First, you will need rubber gloves to protect your hands from germs, splashes, and who-knows-what-else. Next, choose a cleaning brush with an extendable handle like the JDNOZW 2-in-1 scrub cleaning brush for $10. With a 180-degree rotating head, it lets you reach tricky spots without the need to hunch over. You will also need a solid disinfectant. Lysol all-purpose cleaner spray can get the job done. Lastly, keep a spare towel on hand.

Begin by removing rugs or items sitting around the toilet base so you have a clear workspace. Put on your rubber gloves and spray your disinfectant generously to soften stuck-on grime. Next, use your extendable brush to scrub the area thoroughly, making sure to reach the base and corners. Once scrubbed, rinse or wipe down with water, then pat dry using the towel.

Once you have tackled the unwanted buildup behind your toilet, maintaining a fresh-smelling bathroom is surprisingly easy. Baking soda, known for its powerful odor-absorbing abilities, can work in the background to keep that musty smell at bay. Just leave an open jar or a small ceramic planter at the back of your toilet. And of course, the most underrated tip of all is consistency. Make it a habit to check and disinfect behind your toilet every time you clean your bathroom. A few extra minutes can save you from that mystery smell.