Do you own a toilet brush?

Years ago, I was taught by someone in a professional cleaning company the best way to clean a loo. The first thing was to use the loo brush to pump up and down which lowered the water level. This meant that the normal water level where most of the dirt/bacteria were could be properly cleaned with the brush and cleaning substance.

Since then I have always done this; no need for bleach. I use a mixture of vinegar, washing up liquid, water and Tea Tree oil instead of the cleaning liquid used then. I spray the same mixture onto all the surfaces of the loo seat, lid, flush etc., and wipe it off with loo paper. Actually I do that bit first then flush the paper away before doing bowl with the brush.

I don't like the smell of bleach so wouldn't like having the brush sitting in it, but the thorough whooshing up and down in the toilet bowl then leaving to dry seems fine.

It works for me, and no nasties going into the water system.

I use silicone ones and when I squirt bleach into the loo I leave the brush there . I hate traditional brush type ones 🤮

I agree with Vegansrock, you wipe yourself with toilet paper, what goes down the toilet is just the same do you use a toilet brush to wipe your bottom!

I often think "the old ways" are the best, both for the environment and the purse.

I think back to our loo when I was growing up in the 50’s.

It had a wooden seat. And a ‘chain’ to flush it.

No idea how Mum cleaned it, but four of us used it, and didn’t seem to pick up anything untoward. Mum wasn’t that keen on too much housework (think I take after her). So unsure how often the loo was cleaned.

No idea if we had a loo brush or not.

Well in the end I think we are all trying to be environmentally cautious, economic and as hygienic as possible. Saving water, not polluting the environment and reducing waste have always been foremost in my thoughts without even realising it before climate discussions became headline news. I still rate reusing a loo brush over disposable gloves, rubber gloves tissue paper etc especially as I often have guests.

Fascinating topic! I find the modern toilets have smaller flushes so rinsing a loo brush after use is less efficient. I got one of the silicone ones but did not like it.

I don't mean seatless toilets . I'm talking about the 'tucked in' bit around the edge - the bit that the ads portray as teeming with hideous germs. The seat would be the same whether there is a rim or not.

DanniRae

Rimless toilets might be easier to keep clean but surely they are really cold on your poor bottom

Silly me!

I have an old fashioned loo brush and I keep it in a container full of bleach .
It seems to be an acceptable way to clean the lavatory .

Never owned a toilet brush and never will. Nor did my mother for whom "cleanliness was next to godliness". They are nasty things and I shudder when I see them, especially in establishments like restaurants and hotels. Having said that I think there has been a recommendation (or even a ban) on using them in hospitality venues and for good reason in my opinion.

These days there are detachable pad things you can buy but I personally don rubber gloves and use bleach, disposable gloves and a cloth which are discarded. I then wash my hands and upper arms as if about to perform surgery!

I expect all of you that use brushes / bleach and wear rubber gloves also use brushes, rubber gloves and bleach to wipe your bottom or change a babies nappy. It’s all the same stuff folks. Try just using loo paper it works. Wash your hands as thoroughly as you would after bottom wiping.

infoman

Bleach is a acid,
which kills germs in a very small area for a very short time.
Germs will always be with us,
bleach ends up going down the sewers and is then classified as "not now MY problem"
How many dead rivers and streams are we now seeing, not to mention the amount of fish we don't see any more?
Next time you poor acid down your sinks and drains etc,
think to yourself am I contributing to polluting the Worlds Oceans?

* * * *

I am shocked that there are people who think bleach is an acid. It is surely the most caustic thing available in the shops with a pH of at least 10.

.....

I've just looked it up and found this: Bleach is one of the most common cleaning supplies in households and commercial settings. This particular product has a pH between 11 and 13. Its high level of alkalinity is what makes it corrosive. As a result, ventilation is important when using bleach.

(Sorry if someone has already pointed this out. I think I may have missed a page of this long thread!)

Having said that, it would never have occurred to me to use bleach in the loo. After years of finding them disgusting, I have re-discovered loo brushes and use them when necessary. Our 2 toilets are cleaned daily with a mixture I make up myself and sprayed with a little washing up liquid.

The water in the toilet is, after all, the same water that we drink.

I think it's generational. My parents had one which was quite gross. My father would yell at me when I tried to clean it.

None of my 5 children have them in their homes.

Handy tip. If you know you're going to go, squirt WD40 in the bowl. Nothing sticks to that. Quick flush and it's clean as a whistle.

Not sure that putting WD40 down the loo is environmentally friendly though.

I've been researching this gripping subject and some articles say it's fine to use.

Who knows.

They still have a seat on them.

Rimless toilets might be easier to keep clean but surely they are really cold on your poor bottom

Doodledog

Whilst we're on the subject, does anyone know the pros and cons of rims in toilets, please? Should I go for a rimless one, or is there a good reason for having a rim?

Definitely go for rimless.

When we viewed one in the bathroom showroom, I thought it looked a bit ‘odd’, but now I can’t imagine having a rimmed one.

Cannot see what use the rims are, and wonder why no one thought of ‘rimless’ years ago.

Hens are not keen on being rinsed in very hot water, cossy. Especially in toilets. 😂

No!
I wouldn’t have a toilet brush in my house. I use bleach or toilet gel after cleaning the toilet.

Well the bleach that goes into the water keeps Covid away. Ask Donald Trump. 🌚

I suppose Desdemona should ask her daughter to ask the cleaners what they do now?

Come back and tell us please Desdemona

I use mine for scrubbing the toilet after I add washing powder to the water, then I rinse the inside of the pan with a flush and hold the brush under the flush. I am not supposed to bend down so the brush allows me to clean without bending too much.
If the brush did become contaminated with faecal matter I'd don Marigolds and wash and bleach it.

Callistemon21

Crikey!

This is one of the most active threads on GN today 😂
🚾🧻🧹

Yes, but it’s giving us such a good chuckle! 🤣

Oreo

A strange subject for a thread😂
My answer, of course I have a toilet brush, it’s a necessity!
They can be kept clean, bleach and hot water are all that’s needed.

Yes I have toilet brushes in our 3 loos/bathrooms. I buy the cheapish ones, bleach them after use and "hang"in the toilet bowl to dry before they go in their holders.When they look a bit dingy I replace them! I haven't resorted to the dishwasher idea yet!😂😂But I suppose being inferior quality they may fall apart!!😭😭

Cossy

Lollin

I find it doubles up as a good back scrubber before I use it for the loo before popping into the dishwasher.

Oooh I’ll have to try that! 😂😂😂😂😂😂

🤣