How to Deep Clean Your Toilet
Written by Shannon, Owner and Founder of Long Island MaidsA quick swish with the toilet brush isn't enough. A truly clean toilet means getting under the rim, behind the bowl, around the base, and all those spots everyone forgets. Here's the complete deep-cleaning method.
What You'll Need
The Complete Deep Clean
Apply Bowl Cleaner Under the Rim
Squirt toilet bowl cleaner under the rim, letting it drip down the sides. Be generous—you want the cleaner to coat the entire bowl. Let it sit while you clean the rest of the toilet.
Clean the Exterior (Top to Bottom)
Spray disinfectant on the tank, handle, lid top, and work downward. Wipe with a microfiber cloth. Don't forget the sides and back of the tank—they collect dust.
Clean the Seat (Both Sides)
Lift the seat and spray both the top and bottom. Use a separate cloth for the seat. Pay attention to the hinges—gunk accumulates there. An old toothbrush helps get into hinge crevices.
Scrub the Bowl
Now scrub the inside of the bowl with your toilet brush. Start under the rim and work down, making sure to get into the siphon jets (the small holes under the rim). Scrub the drain hole at the bottom. Flush while scrubbing to rinse.
Clean the Base and Floor
Spray and wipe the entire base of the toilet. Wipe the floor around the toilet—this area gets splashed and is often missed. Don't forget behind the toilet.
The Spots Everyone Misses
Commonly Overlooked Areas
Removing Stubborn Stains
Toilet Ring (Hard Water Stains)
- Turn off water supply and flush to lower water level
- Apply paste of baking soda and vinegar to the ring
- Let sit 15-30 minutes
- Scrub with pumice stone (safe on porcelain) or stiff brush
- Turn water back on, flush, and repeat if needed
Rust Stains
Apply Bar Keepers Friend or a rust remover containing oxalic acid. Let sit 10-15 minutes, scrub, and flush. Avoid bleach—it can set rust stains.
Stubborn Brown Stains
Pour 1 cup of borax into the bowl, swish around, let sit overnight. Scrub and flush in the morning. For extreme cases, use a pumice stone.
DIY Toilet Cleaning Solutions
Daily Freshening
Keep a spray bottle with 1 cup water and ½ cup vinegar near the toilet. Quick spray and swish daily keeps buildup from starting.
Weekly Deep Clean
Sprinkle ½ cup baking soda in the bowl, add 1 cup vinegar. Let fizz for 10 minutes, scrub, and flush.
Monthly Intensive Clean
Pour 1 cup of borax or washing soda into the bowl before bed. Swish to coat. Let sit overnight. Scrub and flush in the morning.
Keeping Your Toilet Clean Longer
- Quick daily swish: Takes 30 seconds and prevents buildup
- Close the lid before flushing: Prevents spray from spreading bacteria
- Deep clean weekly: Makes the job easier each time
- Replace the brush regularly: A worn brush doesn't clean well and harbors bacteria
- Consider a bidet attachment: Less toilet paper means less residue
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I deep clean my toilet?
Deep clean weekly for best results. A quick daily swish with the toilet brush prevents buildup. The exterior and base should be wiped at least twice a week, especially the handle which is one of the germiest spots in any bathroom.
How do I remove hard water rings in my toilet?
Turn off water supply and flush to lower water level. Apply a paste of baking soda and vinegar to the ring. Let sit 15-30 minutes. Scrub with a pumice stone (safe on porcelain) or stiff brush. For stubborn rings, pour 1 cup of borax in the bowl overnight, then scrub.
What are the siphon jets and why do they matter?
Siphon jets are the small holes under the toilet rim that release water during a flush. When clogged with mineral deposits and bacteria, they reduce flush power and harbor germs. Clean them with an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar, or use bent wire to clear each hole.
Can I mix different toilet cleaning products?
Never mix toilet cleaners. Mixing bleach-based cleaners with ammonia or acid-based cleaners creates toxic gases. If switching products, flush the toilet several times first to completely clear the previous cleaner before applying a new one.
How do I clean rust stains in my toilet?
Apply Bar Keepers Friend or a rust remover containing oxalic acid. Let sit 10-15 minutes, scrub, and flush. Avoid bleach on rust stains—it can set them permanently. For prevention, address the source of rust (usually old pipes or well water).
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