Stop Doing This One Thing With Your Toilet Brush That Absolutely Everybody Does
Every time you clean your toilet, be grateful we no longer hang toilet brushes on a hook on the wall. Now you can store it in a toilet brush holder (that is, once you're done using it to clean your toilet from a safe distance away). You can even find a sleek one that matches your bathroom's design style and enjoy displaying that caddy in the corner. But before you wrap up your next toilet cleaning—don’t be in such a rush to stow that wet brush back in its container.
“Bacteria love moisture,” says Will Cotter, COO of FreshSpace Cleaning. “Storing [your toilet brush] wet in its holder can be a bit of an open invitation to the germs, and all that bacteria growth can lead to some unpleasant bathroom odors.”
You’re Making Your Toilet Brush Worse
Of course, it’s your bathroom, your rules, and while you can put that wet brush back in the canister if you really want to—don't.
"You really shouldn't because it's gross," says Jessica Samson, cleaning expert at The Maids.
Instead, give it time to dry it out first. “Leave it between the seat and the toilet and let the brush air dry for at least an hour,” Samson says. “Once dry, you can then place it in the container.”
Now, a toilet brush wedged in between the seat and the bowl probably isn’t the design aesthetic you were going for in your bathroom. But it’s just a temporary eyesore, not to mention a necessary one.
Aside from undoing all the great work the brush just did to clean and sanitize your toilet bowl, if you put that wet brush back in the holder you are creating an excellent opportunity for mold or mildew to grow in your bathroom.
The way to stop this is to give it "breathing room," says Cotter. Aside from the ick factor, mold can be a major health concern, he says.
Tip
If you’re cleaning your bathroom in anticipation of guests arriving, scrub the toilet bowl early and give that brush plenty of dry time.
The Right Thing to Do With Your Toilet Brush
Your toilet brush deserves all the respect considering the job it’s been given. It also deserves a good cleaning from time to time—and not just a swish or two through a flush of clean water in your toilet bowl.
Samson advises washing your toilet brush at least once every two weeks. Her tip is to spray the brush with hydrogen peroxide, an inexpensive household staple known for its cleaning and disinfecting properties.
“This will kill the bacteria and keep your toilet brush fresh and clean for days to come,” Samson says.
Cotter recommends soaking a toilet brush for at least a few minutes in a bucket of hot, soapy water with a bit of bleach or disinfectant cleaner. (For safety, he also reminds us to wear gloves and work in a ventilated area.) Then, rinse the brush thoroughly with clean water and let it air dry.
“Don't forget to clean the holder itself,” he says. Good call there, especially if you have been remiss and stored a wet toilet brush prematurely in the past.
The One Place to Not Clean Your Toilet Brush
Of course, the goal here is to stop the growth and spread of bacteria, so whatever you do, just don’t wash your toilet brush in a sink, warns Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids.
If you're cleaning your toilet weekly, the brush should be sanitized with a bleach tablet about once a month, says Willatt. You can even use the container you store it in—just fill it with water, drop a tablet in, and let it soak for a bit. Then, let everything air dry.
No Matter What: Air Dry the Brush
If you haven’t gotten the hint by now, it’s really important to let that sucker air dry. In addition to keeping bacteria at bay, Samson also says this practice will help your toilet brush last longer. But you will have to replace it at some point; Samson and Cotter say this should happen at least twice a year. Your brush’s mileage may vary, depending on how often you clean and how durable the bristles are.
“If you notice visible wear and tear on the bristles or any signs of damage, it's a good indicator that it's time for a replacement,” says Cotter. “Also, if your toilet brush has been used in a household with illness or you've had a particularly stubborn cleaning challenge, change it sooner.”
Cotter recommends purchasing a toilet brush with anti-microbial bristles to reduce bacteria—but that still won't get you out of air drying it first.
Read Next: 10 Weird Toilet Cleaning Hacks That Work
Read the original article on The Spruce.
