Tackle this dirty job with these pro tips to make it less unpleasant.
Time 1 to 3 hours
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$0 to $10
Introduction
Quit putting it off. I know it's an unpleasant and dirty task but here's how to clean your toilet brush and holder the right way.
You’ve got pro-like skills when it comes to cleaning the bathroom. The shower, bath, sinks and toilet gleam. Can you say the same about your toilet brush and holder?
These oft-neglected, crucial cleaning tools get pretty gross. So if you’re just tossing the wet brush in the holder and walking away, stop. Cleaning the brush and holder properly doesn’t take long, and you’ll dramatically improve conditions behind your toilet.
Hair, grime, germs and mold get nice and cozy in the brush and holder, so roll up your sleeves. (If your set is truly disgusting, it might be a good time to start fresh.) I’ll show you how to clean your toilet brush using tips from cleaning pro Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid.
Tip No. 1: Clean the brush every time you use it. Don’t worry, it’s a snap, and most of it is drying time. Follow Mock’s advice when you clean your toilet for a fresh, clean (and dry!) toilet brush every time you reach for it.
Tools Required
- Mop bucket or laundry sink or bathtub
- Spray bottle (optional)
- Toilet brush and holder
Materials Required
- Bleach (optional)
- Disinfectant wipes or paper towel or microfiber cloth
- Disinfecting bathroom cleaner (optional)
Watch How To Clean a Toilet Brush and Holder
Project step-by-step (6)
Step 1
Choose disinfectant spray
- Make a bleach solution in the spray bottle.
- Alternative: Use a commercial disinfectant spray, like Lysol or Clorox bathroom cleaner.
- Pro tip: If you choose a bleach solution, don’t keep it longer than 24 hours. Bleach becomes less effective over time.
Step 2
Clean, flush and rinse
- Clean your toilet as usual.
- Flush the toilet to clean the bowl.
- Flush again to rinse the brush.
Step 3
Spray the brush
- Hold the brush over the clean toilet water and spray the bristles with the disinfectant.
- Turn the brush to get the disinfectant into the bristles.
- Wipe the handle with a disinfectant wipe, or spray with cleaner/bleach and wipe with towels.
- Sandwich the brush handle between the toilet seat and the base.
Step 4
Wait and rinse
- Allow the disinfectant to work for the appropriate amount of time to kill germs.
- Check the instructions on the bleach or disinfectant spray label. If you can’t find them, follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
- Rinse the brush by pouring hot tap water over the bristles into the toilet.
- Leave the brush sandwiched between the seat and toilet until dry.
Step 5
Clean the holder
- Wipe down the holder with disinfectant wipes or spray with bleach solution.
- For deep cleaning, Mock says to soak the brush and holder in hot water and bleach.
- Make a disinfecting solution in the bucket using hot water and bleach. Add holder and brush.
- Soak for the time indicated in the instructions on the bottle of bleach (mine said six minutes), or follow the CDC guidelines.
Step 6
Air dry
- Allow the brush and holder to air dry. This step is important, so don’t skip it. Standing water harbors germs.
- This may take a couple of hours. Tap the brush on the toilet to verify before putting away.
- When completely dry, put the brush back. “Make sure you’re not putting a wet brush back in the holder,” Mock says.
- You’re done!
About the expert
- Marla Mock is the president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company providing residential house cleaning and maid services.
