What Happens If You Never Clean Your Toilet?

We're not going to pretend that cleaning your toilet isn't a pretty, um, crappy job. But sometimes you've got to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty — metaphorically speaking, anyway, as there are toilet brushes and gloves to make that task a bit more palatable. And that's crucial, because while cleaning the toilets in your home can feel a bit gross, choosing not to clean them is far more disgusting. Since your bathroom is one of the more germ-filled spots in your home, skipping regular weekly cleaning is one of the bigger mistakes you can make with your toilet.

Your toilet bowl handles some pretty foul content, and not all of it gets flushed away with each press of the handle. Without regular cleanings, the bowl can collect bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus, each of which could cause a host of health issues ranging from gastrointestinal problems to respiratory concerns. And each flush of the toilet can shoot that bacteria in the air, potentially sending it straight to your body. Left alone, the minerals in your toilet water can also cause hard water stains to build up. On top of being unsightly, they can trap additional bacteria. Finally, since mold can grow quickly in damp environments, it tends to build up in toilet bowls. If those spores get into the air, they can lead to even more respiratory issues.

If you're ready to clean up your act, here are the steps to cleaning your toilet the right way. Start by dusting the toilet — everything from the top of the tank to the bowl — using a clean, dry cloth. Then, using your toilet cleaner of choice, fully coat the inside and let it sit for the recommended time. Scrub thoroughly, using more force on any stains, then flush away any leftover cleaner when you're done. Finish by cleaning the outside of the toilet, including the seat, using a clean cloth or paper towel. And, finally, cleanse the flush handle or push-button using a disinfectant. Be sure to rinse everything down after to remove any product residue.

Once you've finished that dirty work, don't forget one step that's a common toilet cleaning mistake. Since the toilet brush is the tool that handles all that potential bacteria and grime, you'll want to give that a clean as well. You can stick the brush head into the toilet and give it several flushes to whisk away some of the germs. Follow that up by spraying the bristles with hydrogen peroxide, letting everything dry completely before you stash it back in the holder. To prevent hard water stains from building up in the future, once a month you can pour a cup of vinegar into the tank, letting it sit for a half hour before flushing.