To kill bacteria in a toilet, use commercial disinfectants with ingredients like sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or quaternary ammonium compounds for tough jobs, or natural options like vinegar and baking soda for a less harsh clean, allowing them to sit on surfaces and then scrubbing thoroughly, paying attention to the rim, seat, handle, and bowl, and always flushing with the lid closed.
You should never flush wet wipes (even "flushable" ones) or sanitary products (tampons, pads), as they don't break down like toilet paper and cause major sewer blockages; other common culprits include paper towels, tissues, cotton balls, hair, dental floss, and cooking fats/oils, which all contribute to clogs and "fatbergs".
Common types of disinfectants used for facility maintenance may include active ingredients such as quaternary ammonium (quat), sodium hypochlorite (bleach), hydrogen peroxide, silver ions, iodine, acids or alcohol – each of which may be effective on different strains of pathogens.
Bathrooms can be bacteria and virus hotspots because of toilets. It's here that faeces can be aerosolized and in turn land on surfaces. Get into the habit of using Dettol Disinfectant Spray* or Dettol Antiseptic Liquid to kill bacteria and viruses from surfaces.
You can use straight or a diluted vinegar cleaning solution for the bathroom to clean bacteria, especially around the toilet. Cleaning with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar in the bathroom can work really well. To clean your toilet with vinegar, pour a cup of vinegar in the toilet bowl and let sit overnight.
Plumbers recommend regular cleaning with a good toilet brush and a cleaner (like vinegar/baking soda or commercial products), using pumice stones for tough stains, disinfecting with antibacterial sprays on the exterior, and occasionally deep-cleaning the tank with vinegar, always letting cleaners sit to work, and avoiding mixing chemicals like bleach with other cleaners.
Turn off the water to the toilet, flush the toilet to minimize the water in the bowl, and pour in a gallon of vinegar to remove scale and mineral deposits. Leave the vinegar in the toilet for 24-48 hours. This may improve the flushing.
Antiseptic Liquid for Bathing
Like we are advised to wash our hands with a disinfectant bar soap or liquid, we are also recommended to include antiseptic liquids in our bathing routines as well. Using an antiseptic liquid can give us protection from harmful bacteria and viruses that can target the body and skin.
KILLS 99.9% OF BATHROOM VIRUSES AND BACTERIA: Lysol Power Toilet Cleaner is tested and proven to kill 99.9% of bathroom viruses and bacteria (when used as directed); EPA Reg no.
Hydrogen peroxide works by killing all bacteria.
Both Clorox and Lysol wipes are EPA-approved to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including nasty ones like E. coli, Salmonella, and Influenza A. I tested both on kitchen counters, door handles, and my phone screen (gross, I know). They both did a solid job.
Kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria to bring peace of mind
If someone's touching it, there are germs on it. But don't worry, Lysol Disinfectant Spray can be used throughout your home to kills 99.9% of germs found on commonly touched surfaces,† including: BATHROOMS: Bath Tubs & Shower, Toilet Seats, Faucets.
Letting pee sit makes it harder to clean your toilet. This is the best reason I can find for flushing every time you pee. Why? Because the combination of urine and hard water (i.e., water that contains a lot of minerals), if left to sit for a few hours, can create a crusty deposit on the side of the bowl over time.
In many Amish homes, rags are a common toilet paper alternative. These rags are typically old clothes that have been worn out. After simple processing, they become practical cleaning tools.
Do use plain water or an emollient to wash your genitals. Whilst water is fine to use alone, we recommend washing with an emollient such as aqueous cream, diprobase or double base. These are available from a pharmacy or supermarket (and online) and are very cost effective.
Here's why you shouldn't use Dettol on your vulva: -Can cause irritation. -Disrupts the natural delicate ecosystem balance. - The vulva is self-cleaning, and using harsh chemicals like Dettol isn't needed for hygiene.
### Understanding the Need for Dettol Baths: A Dermatologist's Insight 🛁 Many in the African and Caribbean communities are familiar with the practice of incorporating Dettol into their baths, often believing it enhances cleanliness.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution
Then, pour one to two cups of white vinegar on top of the baking soda. You'll see and hear it begin to fizz. Let the mixture sit for about 15 to 20 minutes, then simply scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and flush.
The 20-minute cleaning rule (also known as the 20/10 rule) is a simple, time-boxed method to tackle household chores by cleaning with focused intensity for 20 minutes and then taking a 10-minute break, repeating as needed to prevent burnout and keep messes from piling up. It breaks large tasks into manageable sprints, making cleaning less overwhelming by focusing on progress over perfection through short, frequent sessions rather than marathon cleaning days, often tied to the FlyLady system or similar organizing principles.
Products like drain cleaners and bleach should never come into contact with your toilet as they can corrode porcelain or loosen seals, causing damage that is difficult to repair.
Limited Effectiveness for Serious Clogs
The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar can break up some minor debris, but it won't dislodge or dissolve the heavier blockages caused by grease, hair, soap scum, or mineral buildup.
Here's how I do it: ✅ Vinegar Magic – Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the bowl once a week and leave it to do its thing. One hour is good, overnight is fabulous. It melts away mineral gunk like a dream! ✅ Call in Reinforcements – If vinegar's not cutting it, grab a good acidic toilet cleaner.
Next, use a disinfectant spray, preferably one made with white vinegar, to spray down the entire inside of the tank. Let this sit for approximately 10-15 minutes before cleaning it off the surface. This allows ample time for the solution to dislodge dirt or debris and kill any germs.