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House Cleaning
The toilet brush and its holder get no respect. This housekeeping tool tackles one of the germiest spots in the home with very little praise or care. When was the last time you cleaned or retired your toilet brush? It’s time to take action.
How Often to Clean a Toilet Brush and Holder
Ideally, the toilet brush and holder should be cleaned after every use and disinfected at least monthly. If the brush is allowed to dry completely before replacing it in the holder, then the holder should only need a thorough cleaning monthly. However, if the brush is not cleaned or allowed to dry after each use, then the holder should be cleaned at least weekly.
Steps to clean and disinfect your toilet brush and holder
- Once you have finished cleaning the toilet, you can do a quick clean of the toilet brush using a disinfectant spray and disinfectant wipe.
- After cleaning, flush the toilet and rinse the toilet brush in the water. Hold the handle with the brush head directly over the bowl of the toilet.
- Generously spray the brush head with a disinfectant spray or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, turning it so that all sides are sprayed.
- Use a disinfectant wipe to wipe down the handle. Use a second wipe to clean the holder inside and out. The surfaces should remain wet for at least 10 minutes.
- Balance the toilet brush handle between the toilet bowl rim and the lowered toilet seat to dry.
- Dry the holder with a microfiber cloth. Allow the brush to air-dry thoroughly before placing it into the holder.
When to Replace a Toilet Brush
If you are using a nylon-bristle toilet brush, it should be replaced when the bristles become smelly, discolored, flattened, brittle, or begin to fall off the head while toilet brushes with a silicone head are usually more durable and should be replaced if the head becomes loose or damaged. With proper cleaning, they should last at least one year. A toilet brush’s longevity depends on how frequently it is used, but most brushes should be replaced every six to eight months.
Five Tips to Help Your Toilet Brush and Holder Last Longer
- Rinse the toilet brush in clean water after every use.
- Allow the brush to air-dry completely before storing.
- Do not allow a messy soup of bacteria-laden water to pool and dry in the bottom of the holder.
- Choose a holder that keeps the brush head off the bottom of the holder to prevent bending and breakage of the bristles.
- Use a toilet wand with disposable heads. Simply use a disinfecting wipe to clean the handle after each use and allow it to air-dry. The handle can be stored under the sink or from a hook—no need for a holder.
