There’s no sugarcoating it: Toilets are among the germiest places in any home. Regular cleaning is essential, but far too many of us are doing it wrong. It’s not so much a matter of frequency or the specific cleaning supplies you use, but rather the overlooked areas that can be even dirtier than the bowl…
It All Hinges on This
Given that the bowl comes into direct contact with waste, you might assume it’s the dirtiest part of the toilet. But there’s another area that’s neglected during most cleans, leaving it riddled with grime and hidden bacteria. We’re referring to the toilet seat hinges, whose tight crevices trap gunk that routine cleanings miss.
This isn’t just a case of “out of sight, out of mind” — letting bacteria sit unabated can lead to unsanitary buildup. To stay ahead of it, you should completely remove the toilet seat twice a month for a more thorough cleaning. While removing the seat may sound cumbersome, it’s a breeze if you install a model designed for quick removal. Once it’s off, you can easily tackle that hidden gunk.
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Additional Tips
Cleaning a toilet involves more than just throwing disinfectant into the bowl and hoping for the best. You must also wipe down the entire exterior, including the base, the tank, and the surrounding floor, where bacteria often hide in plain sight.
Before reaching for a spray, use a dry paper towel to remove any hair or debris. This prevents a sticky mess once cleaning solutions are applied. Lastly, always clean from top to bottom. If you start at the base, gravity will just pull grime onto your freshly cleaned surfaces, and you’ll have to start all over again.
