You're Forgetting To Clean One Spot On Your Toilet (And It's Super Gross)

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Cleaning the bathroom isn't a fun task, and the toilet is one of the more gross aspects of it. You may have discovered that there are some excellent toilet cleaning hacks that can make your bathroom sparkle. Scrubbing the bowl and wiping down the porcelain are necessary for your health, to keep your toilet working for a long time, and so that it doesn't hold onto stains or odors. Just when you think you've gotten your toilet as clean as it can be, though, you may want to think again. Maybe you've even noticed a lingering dirty smell after cleaning it. There is an overlooked part of the toilet where things like dirt, grime, hair, and moisture build up, and it's pretty gross: the base of your toilet, right where the toilet meets the floor.

The base of your toilet isn't easy to see or access, which is probably why it often gets missed when cleaning. Most people think that the forgotten spot for cleaning is behind the toilet, and while that is part of the area that needs covering, there's more to it. If you squat down and really look at the spot where the caulk is around the base, you might be surprised how much grosser it looks up close. The bottom edge of a toilet's base is prone to retaining moisture, and the bolt caps often don't get removed and cleaned, leaving a distinct smell lingering — even after the rest of the toilet is sparkling clean.

Cleaning your toilet should happen every day, but it doesn't have to be a deep clean — you only need to do that about once a week. Some helpful essentials to have on hand when cleaning your toilet are disinfectant sprays like Lysol Power Foaming Bathroom Cleaner, some paper or microfiber towels for wiping, scrub brushes, and a pair of cleaning gloves. Having the right tools on hand ensures that you'll follow the steps to cleaning your toilet the right way.

To start cleaning, move everything out of the way, like trash cans, mats, or toilet brushes, so you have a clear view of the appliance. This is the easiest way to clean behind your toilet, as well as the rest of it — including the base. Spray down the floor around the base and back of the toilet. Make sure you let the cleaner sit for a little while so it can break down the dirt and grime. Next, wipe around the entire base of the toilet, and be sure to get all the way around the back. You may want to have a scrub brush with a longer handle and possibly a grout brush like these SHUNWEI 2 Pcs Bathroom Cleaning Brushes to scrub thoroughly around the caulking. Follow up by removing the bolt cap and wiping the area where the cap was before replacing it. Keep your toilet squeaky clean by doing a quick wipe down of the toilet's exterior every day or by spraying and wiping with a little bit of hydrogen peroxide.