The toilet may be a small fixture, but it’s where you answer nature’s calls. And after just one trip, the amount of bacteria that surfaces can get quite significant!
That’s why experts advise that you clean your bathroom at least two to three times a week. If you have kids at home, it’s best to clean it daily.
Don’t have time to clean your toilet that often? Here are some must-have cleaners to ensure a deep clean when you do have the time. These products are sure to reduce your cleaning frequency! We also have home cleaning bundles for the best deals.
1. Types of toilet bowl cleaners you need for your home
Many of us get great ideas and inspiration when we’re in the bathroom. To make your toilet breaks a pleasant experience, here are four main types of toilet cleaners that you need!
Toilet bowl cleaners can come in different forms — common ones include cleaner balls, tablets, gels and liquids. The following cleaners are ranked from least to most effort required.
Cleaning balls
For convenience:
Get toilet cleaning balls that can clip to the side of the toilet bowl. When you flush, these cleaners release a powerful cleaning solution into the toilet bowl to keep it fresh.
Bref Duo-Active Toilet Cleaner & Freshener
Attach the product to the toilet bowl rim.
Provides a powerful clean and deodorisation with every flush.
Bref Power Active Toilet Cleaner & Freshener
Hang the product on the rim of the toilet bowl and watch as it removes stains and dirt effortlessly.
Tablets
Toilet cleaner tablets are fuss-free and easy to use! Here’s how:
Step 1: Cut open the package
Note: Wear gloves so that you won’t touch the tablet directly!
Step 2: Flush the toilet to decrease the water level in the tank
Step 3: Drop the tablet into the bottom corner of the tank
The tablet should dissolve in about 5 minutes to sanitise the toilet bowl. It’ll effectively clean and deodorise the toilet for up to 2-3 months!
Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets
Eliminates stubborn stains and kills 99.9% of germs.
Mr Muscle 4 in 1 Active Clean In-Cistern Block
Concentrated formula that gives you a fresh fragrance with every flush.
Gels
A gel toilet cleaner has a viscous formula that clings to the sides of the toilet bowl when applied. When left for a few minutes, it works effectively to break down grime and remove dirt when flushed.
Be sure to reach the gap underneath the toilet bowl rim where bacteria can be trapped!
Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Turn off the water to the toilet and flush so that the water drains out
Step 2: Squeeze the cleaner on the inside of the toilet bowl starting from underneath the rim
Step 3: Let the solution sit for 5 mins
Step 4: Turn on the water and flush!
Harpic Toilet Cleaner Gel
Kills germs and removes stubborn stains.
Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel
Whitens the toilet and kills 99.9% of germs.
Liquids
Automatic solutions may not be the most effective, so most homeowners would want to do it themselves. In such cases, a liquid toilet cleaner would be a great option.
Liquid-based cleaners are less viscous than gel-based ones. They’ll flow down the sides of the toilet once applied, which would require you to scrub diligently using a toilet brush.
With this, any dirt can be easily removed!
Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner Liquid with Bleach
Disinfects the toilet and leaves a nice, clean shine.
Magiclean Dual Power Toilet Cleaner
Prevents stain accumulation and protects the toilet bowl for up to 60 flushes.
Tip: Use baking soda to clean your toilet bowl
Looking for a milder, yet effective alternative to clean the toilet bowl? Try baking soda, an alkaline substance that can remove odours and stains easily.
In between thorough cleaning, it’s a good idea to:
- sprinkle baking soda liberally into the toilet bowl,
- wait for about two hours, and
- flush!
This is great as part of routine cleaning so that when you do get down to deep cleaning, less work is required.
2. Other cleaners for a sparkling clean bathroom
Glass cleaner
Other than toilet bowl cleaners, you’ll need a glass cleaner to make other parts of the bathroom such as the shower doors and mirrors sparkle!
You might want to keep a lookout for these particular ingredients in a glass cleaner: rubbing alcohol, isopropanol or dimethyl carbinol or isopropyl alcohol. These ingredients dissolve oil or grease upon contact and evaporate almost immediately.
Other than getting a glass cleaner, you’ll also need a cloth or sponge handy to spread the cleaning solution!
Magiclean Glass Cleaner
Dissolves stains without leaving any watermarks behind.
Mr Muscle Glass Cleaner
Prevents dust particles from building up and removes stains and dirt.
Tile cleaner
The backbone of the bathroom are the tiles on the floor and walls. If they aren’t kept clean, your toilet will risk looking like a nightmare of dirt especially if you have white tiles.
Therefore, tile cleaners are essential to clean tile grout and remove any oil, water and soap stains.
Note!
All spills or stains should be cleaned immediately! The longer the stain is left unattended, the harder it might be to remove it. It’d also help to clean the tiles regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt.
Goo Gone Grout and Tile Cleaner
Suitable for cleaning:
✓ Grout
✓ Ceramic tiles
✓ Porcelain
✓ Natural stone
✓ Fibreglass
Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover
Suitable for cleaning:
✓ Glass shower doors
✓ Ceramic tiles
✓ Plastic
✓ Chrome
✓ Porcelain
✓ Stone
Advice: Don’t use overly acidic solutions on your tiles
Overly acidic solutions can damage tile grout. If the tile grout isn’t repaired, it’ll absorb water and bacteria.
If you’re using an acidic solution, remember to dilute it and try it on an obscure corner of the bathroom first!
Multi-purpose cleaner
The last type of cleaner that would come in handy would be a multi-purpose cleaner. This product can be used to clean the sink, countertops, cabinets and shelves.
Magiclean Bathroom and Toilet Cleaner
Suitable for cleaning:
✓ Shower screen
✓ Shower head
✓ Faucet
✓ Sink
Dettol Antibacterial Trigger Spray
Suitable for cleaning:
✓ Sink
✓ Toilet seat
✓ Tiles
✓ Glass surfaces
✓ Wood surfaces
Using effective toilet cleaners for your bathroom
After a long day at work, all you want is a nice, refreshing bath. And nothing’s more disappointing than going home to an unclean toilet. With this article, you now know DIY hacks and the effective cleaning supplies you need to achieve a quick and easy cleaning routine!
Please note: The efficacy of the tips provided may vary depending on skill, quality of tools used and build of machines involved (if any).