How To Clean and Sanitise Your Toilet Seat

Cleaning your toilet seat doesn’t have to be a dreaded task! With the right products, techniques and a bit of know-how, you can easily make your toilet seat sparkle, without breaking a sweat. 

Why you should clean your toilet seat regularly

Nobody wants to smell a funky toilet seat, particularly one laden with yellow stains! By frequently cleaning your toilet seat you’ll help remove the build-up of bacteria and viruses that cause odors and stains. If you’re in a busy household with multiple people using the toilet, this is even more important and vital that everybody gets involved in keeping the bathroom / toilet a hygienic place comfortable for all. 

Outside of the basic hygiene/ sanitation reason, with regular cleaning, you reduce the chance of functional issues developing with your toilet seat. From hard water buildup to lime and mineral deposits, keeping your toilet seat clean will prevent these issues from occurring and ensure it lasts longer. Not that it’s an end all issue if it breaks - you can always pick up a replacement toilet seat - but still, think of the hassle? 

There are a few simple steps you can take to effectively remove stains from a toilet seat. 

First, you’ll need cleaning materials. For this, you’ll need some disinfectant, hot water and a cloth.

Which disinfectants are best to clean a toilet seat

Firstly, bleach is not safe to use to clean a toilet seat. Bleach is great for killing bacteria, but it is not the ideal cleaning agent for toilet seats. Bleach is an extremely corrosive and caustic cleaning agent, which can cause the plastic of a toilet seat to crack, discolor, and even melt. 

Additionally, the fumes from bleach can be very harmful if inhaled, and should not be used in an enclosed space. Plus, as bleach can be dangerous for human skin, you run the risk of contact when sitting on the seat. For these reasons, it is better to use a milder cleaning agent, such as vinegar and water, or a specialized toilet cleaner.

Instead, you should use a mild detergent or special bathroom cleaner that is designed to be used on hard surfaces and toilet seats in particular. Other options include White Vinegar or a baking soda based cleaner. 

How to Clean the Toilet Seat 

Step 1 - Gloves on, Seat off

First - put on some gloves. Then, try to remove the seat. You should be able to unclip it from the back. Be careful not to damage the components and take some care over this bit. Otherwise, new seat for you! 

Step 2 - Spray

Start by spraying the seat with your chosen cleaner, whether a non-hazardous disinfectant or white vinegar/baking soda concoction. This will help remove any dirt, grime, and bacteria from the surface of the seat and loosen up for cleaning. 

Step 3 - Brush

Next, brush around the seat carefully ensuring to cover all of the hidden areas underneath the seat. Once you’ve done this, wash off gently with hot water. 

You can either let it air-dry or pad dry with another cloth. Typically this would be suitable for a clean toilet seat, but if you want to be extra-sure, you can spray with a disinfectant (ideally one without chemicals which is harmless to skin) and let it sit to dry. 

Creating a White Vinegar Solution to clean the toilet seat

Cleaning the toilet seat with white vinegar is a simple and effective way to keep your bathroom sparkling. 

Begin by mixing one part white vinegar with two parts warm water in a small bowl. Then, use a soft cloth to wipe down the surface of the toilet seat, ensuring that you completely cover it with the mixture.

Finally, rinse the mixture off with clean water, and use a clean cloth to dry the seat. This process can be repeated as often as needed to keep your toilet seat looking and smelling fresh!

How often should I clean my toilet seat? 

To keep your toilet seat clean, you need to scrub the surface of the seat. You can do this by using a brush or sponge. If you want to extend the life of your toilet seat, you should also clean your toilet seat at least once a week. If your toilet seat is especially grimy, you should clean your toilet seat at least twice a week.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-person-cleaning-toilet-rim-with-sponge-4239072/