Here's Exactly How Often You Should Be Cleaning (And Replacing) Your Toilet Seat

When it comes to cleaning the bathroom, the toilet is probably everyone's least favorite area to tackle. But cleaning the toilet is one of the most important bathroom cleaning chores because it can harbor numerous germs. The toilet seat in particular deserves careful attention because it comes into direct contact with the skin and typically has approximately 50 bacteria per square inch. Cleaning your toilet seat regularly doesn't just keep your family healthier, though. It can also extend the lifespan of the seat. Fortunately, you usually only need to clean your toilet seat once a week, and this regular cleaning schedule can help you go five to seven years before you have to replace it.

It's easy to understand why a toilet seat gets so dirty. Each flush sends a fine spray of aerolized waste and bacteria into the air, which can cover the area in your bathroom that surrounds the toilet if the lid is up. But while closing the toilet lid can limit the damage done to the rest of your bathroom, the seat is always in the line of fire. That's why it can be home to a wide range of germs, including streptococcus, salmonella, shigella, and influenza virus. There are plenty of hacks for cleaning your toilet, though, so sticking to a weekly cleaning schedule for the seat doesn't have to be difficult.

Because it is such a germ-laden area, you should typically clean your toilet, including the seat, at least once a week. If you have a large family, and the bathroom gets heavy use, though, you may want to up it to twice a week. In between deep cleanings, it's a good idea to wipe down the toilet seat with disinfecting bleach wipes to keep the germs at bay.

However, knowing how often you need to clean your toilet seats is only part of the battle. It's also essential to know the right way to clean. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleansers, which can damage, stain, and even shorten the lifespan of a toilet seat. Instead, opt for a mild dishwashing liquid, mixing it with warm water to dilute it. Apply it to both sides of the seat with a soft sponge or cloth. Some toilet seats have hinges with covers that open to allow for cleaning, but if they don't open, you can use an old toothbrush to scrub those hard-to-reach areas.After you've wiped down the seat's surfaces with the dish soap and water mixture, use a clean, damp cloth to rinse the seat. You can wipe the seat and hinges with a clean, dry towel or allow them to air-dry completely before closing the lid.

If you clean your toilet seat regularly, it will generally last for at least five years. Depending on how often it gets used, the material it's made of, and how well you care for it, though, it can even last as long as a decade. Going by its age works as a general rule, but you should look out for other signs to determine if it's time to replace your toilet seat.

Seats with cracks, chips, or other obvious signs of wear and tear are clear candidates for replacement. These damaged areas are a prime breeding ground for bacteria and can also make the seat uncomfortable to sit on. If the seat moves when you sit down or feels loose and wobbly even after tightening the bolts, it's another sign that it is time for a replacement.

While stains and discolorations are more of a cosmetic issue, they are another sign that your toilet seat needs to be replaced. Not only can they ruin the look of your bathroom, but they can also indicate that the seat has suffered damage from harsh cleansers, which is one of the hidden downsides of cleaning plastic toilet seats with Soft Scrub or other abrasive cleaning products. In some cases, they can become more porous, making them more difficult to clean and causing bacteria and grime to build up.