Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey all, and welcome back to all Things cleaning. I
hope you all are having a great day. Today we're
going to talk about not my favorite subject and probably
not yours as well. And as a professional cleaner, they
(00:21):
can be really gross to clean, especially somebody else's and
I've really been shocked at the way that people allow
their toilets and the condition that they allow them to
be in. So yep, today we're going to talk about
(00:41):
the toilet. Let's face it, it's not exactly the most
glamorous room feature, right, but it is a vital part
of our homes. It's what makes us a first of
will country and domesticated, one of the many things. But
that's vital, and a clean, well maintained toilet is essential
(01:04):
for both hygiene and a pleasant bathroom experience. Ignoring it
hoping it will magically clean itself, that's a cleaning strategy
destined for failure. We're going to conquer the porcelain throne together,
and I promise it will be less of a battle
and more of a satisfying victory. First, let's talk strategy.
(01:28):
Cleaning your toilet shouldn't be a once a year event
unless you're a champion of procrastination, in which case, congratulations,
you've found your people. But please do not allow your
toilet to go for a year. A quick daily wipe
down with toilet paper or a disaffecting wipe is your
secret weapon, or one of those disposable toilet bowl brushes.
(01:54):
This prevents those unsightly stains from ever truly taking hold.
Think of it as preventative maintenance for your porcelain friend.
It's like flossing for your teeth. I don't even like
talking about teeth and toilet in the same sentence, but
we are a small effort that yields big results in
the long run. This quick daily clean will catch the
(02:17):
small messes before they become large, horrifying messes. Now for
the weekly deep clean. This is where we pull out
the big guns. You'll need your trusty toilet brush. Please
replace this regularly if you're not using one with a
disposable head. Nobody wants to share the toilet bowl with
a biohazard. A good toilet bowl cleaner and some all
(02:41):
purpose cleaner. Start by spraying your chosen toilet cleaner liberally
around the bowl, focusing on the waterline where stains tend
to accumulate. Don't forget to get up underneath the lip
of the bowl if you have that in there. Sometimes
some stuff can get stuck in there and you don't
(03:01):
want it to Let it sit for a few minutes
to work its magic. While the cleaner is doing its job,
you can clean the exterior of the toilet. Spray the
toilet's exterior with your all purpose cleaner, paying close attention
to the base, seat and handle. Wipe it down with
(03:21):
a clean cloth or paper towel. I actually use paper towels.
I think it's important not to cross contaminate, so I
use one paper towel for the top of the toilet,
for the the tank of the toilet, the top of
the seat, I throw that away, and then I do
the base and the front. I throw that away. Then
(03:43):
I do under the seat, under the lid the seat,
and then under the seat and around the toilet, and
I throw that away. Then we don't have cross contaminations.
Don't forget the often overlooked areas, such as the top
of the tank or the underside of the seat. Next,
grab your toilet brush and give the bowl a thorough scrubbing.
(04:05):
Get under the rim. That's where the real action is
don't be shy. The more vigorous the scrubbing, the cleaner bowl,
cleaner the bowl. Once you're satisfied with the scrubbing, flush
the toilet. If persistent stains remain, don't despair. Many commercial
cleaners have a soaking time, allowing the chemicals to break
(04:26):
down the stubborn grime. If you prefer a more natural approach,
tie try a paste made of baking soda and vinegar.
Let it sit for a few hours or even overnight,
before scrubbing again. This method may require more elbow grease,
but it could be kinder to the environment. Lime scale
(04:47):
can be particularly persistent enemy hard water leaves behind mineral
deposits that look unsightly and feel rough to the touch.
Commercial lime scale removers are very effective. However, if you're
looking for natural solutions, try a paste of baking soda
and vinegar. Yes, we will repeat this over and over
(05:09):
and over in this podcast. I cannot repeat how effective
baking soda and vinegar is in cleaning pretty much almost anything.
Apply it liberally, let it sit for several hours, even
overnight for tougher lime scale, Then scrub with your toilet
brush for particularly stubborn lime scale, you might need to
(05:31):
repeat the process. Remember to always follow the instructions on
your chosen cleaner, and if you're unsure, always do a
patch test in an inconspicuous area first. Once you've completed
the scrubbing, finish off by wiping down the exterior of
the toilet again to remove any strain cleaner residue. This
(05:55):
adds the final touch to a sparkling clean toilet. Now
talk about toilet brush care. Your toilet brush is an
unsung hero in your bathroom cleaning arsenal, but it deserves
a little respect. After each use, rynch the brush brush
thoroughly under running water. Many brushes have a holder with
(06:18):
a built in container for cleaner, but the best practice
is to let your brush air dry. Store your toilet
brush where it can be dried completely to prevent mold
and bacteria growth. A damp toilet brush is a breeding
ground for germs, defeating the very purpose of cleaning your toilet.
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Consider replacing your toilet brush every three months or sooner
if it shows significant signs of wear and tear. Excuse me.
Beyond the regular cleaning, a periodic deep cleaning is highly recommended.
This might involve giving the toilet a more thorough scrubbing
with a stronger cleaner, paying particular attention to grout in
(07:02):
any areas where mildew might be forming. This is a
chance to get rid of any lingering stains or grime.
You could also take this opportunity to disinfect the entire toilet,
including the handle and the seat. A bleach solution, always
diluted effectively, can be highly effective for disinfection. And finally,
(07:28):
let's address the issue of those hard to reach spots.
Many modern toilets have intricate designs, and the cleaner might
not be able to reach those awkward crevices without a
little extra help. A long handled cleaning brush or a
pipe cleaner can help you get those areas sparkling. You
(07:49):
might need to get creative. Maybe a slightly bent wire
or even an old toothbrush can work. Wonders, Remember, a
clean toilet is not just about aesthetics. It's about hygiene
and preventing the spread of germs. The techniques mentioned above
will help maintain a sparkling clean toilet, but don't forget
(08:10):
the importance of proper hand washing after each use. I
know we're not five, but we've just got to mention it.
Maintaining a clean toilet is a small effort that contributes
to a healthier hone. Beyond cleaning, consider other factors that
contribute to a clean and fresh smelling toilet. Using toilet
(08:31):
bowl fresheners or tablets can help prevent unpleasant odors and
add a touch of frenchness. However, ensure the fresheners do
not interact with your toilet cleaner, causing any potential damage
or undesirable chemical reactions. These fresheners should only be a
supplement to your cleaning regime, not up replacement. Now, let's
(08:55):
move on to some of the most common toilet issues
we all face at some point. Number one, stubborn stains.
These can range from rust rings to those mysterious dark
spots that seem impossible to remove. For rust stains, a
specialized rust remover or a paste of baking soda and
lemon juice might be effective. For those mysterious dark stains,
(09:19):
a stronger cleaner, or even a commercial toilet bowl cleaner
specifically designed for stain remover might be necessary. Always follow
the instructions carefully, allow for adequate soaking time. Clogged toilets
ah the dreaded clog. While this isn't strictly a cleaning issue,
(09:39):
it's often related to poor hygiene. To prevent clogs, avoid
flushing anything other than toilet paper. If a clog does occur,
a plunger is usually the first line of defense. For
persisting clogs. A toilet auger or snake might be necessary.
If these solutions fail, it's time to call a plumber.
(10:00):
Mildew and mold. Mildew and mold can grow in dark,
damp areas, particularly around the base of the toilet or
in the grout. Regularly cleaning these areas can prevent growth,
but if milder or mold does appear, a bleach solution
diluted properly can effectively kill the mold. Ensure proper ventilation
(10:21):
in the bathroom to minimize the risks of future growth
and damaged toilet. If your toilet is chipped, cracked, or
otherwise damage, it's crucial to address the problem to prevent
further issues. A damaged toilet can lead to leaks, which
can cause significant water damage. It's best to repair or
(10:42):
replace a damaged toilet as soon as possible. Cleaning your
toilet might not be the most exciting task, but by
following these tips and incorporating a regular cleaning routine, you
can maintain a clean, healthy, and fresh bathroom. It's a
small investment of time and effort that yields significant rewards
(11:03):
in terms of both hygiene and overall well being. And remember,
every time you conquer that toilet near one step closer
to the bathroom, bliss, bliss. We all crave, So grab
that toilet brush and let the battle begin. This is
not just cleaning, this is toilet triumph. Thank you all
(11:26):
so much for tuning in. Make sure to tune into
the next episode, where we'll talk more about cleaning your
home to keep it sparkling.