Cleaning a Toilet Brush & Holder with Bleach, Disinfectants, or Natural Household Products

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: October 26, 2022

Spraying With Disinfectant

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Soaking in Bleach

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Using Natural Products

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Tips

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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

You might think your chores are done once the toilet is clean, but what about your handy toilet brush and holder? They may not look very dirty, but they've been in one of the germiest places in your entire house and need some tender loving care, too. In this article, we'll walk you through how to clean and disinfect your toilet brush and its holder using disinfectant cleaners as well as natural products. If you want a brush that sparkles as much as your freshly cleaned porcelain throne, keep scrolling!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Spraying With Disinfectant

1
Spray the toilet brush thoroughly with disinfectant. You can use any disinfectant spray. Make sure when you spray the brush that you cover its entire surface area. Don’t stop spraying until the bristles are dripping.^{[1]
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- Spray the brush over the toilet bowl.
2
Place the brush handle under the toilet seat for 10 minutes. The weight of the toilet seat will hold the brush handle in place. You want to position the brush so that the bristles are hanging over the toilet bowl. Let all the excess disinfectant drip into the toilet. Keep the brush there to drip dry for at least 10 minutes.^{[2]
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- You can also dry the brush over a sink or tub. However, if you decide to do this, make sure to clean the sink and tub thoroughly afterward.
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3
Run the brush under hot water. Try to use the hottest water you can find. Place the brush bristles under the water and run the water over them. Keep the brush there until the water running off of the brush is completely clear.^{[3]
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4
Repeat the disinfection process with the brush holder. Spray the holder with disinfectant and let it sit for 10 minutes. You can set the holder to dry on a towel or paper towel. After 10 minutes, run the holder under hot water.^{[4]
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5
Dry and store the brush and holder. Set the brush and holder on a towel to air-dry. When both are completely dry, put the brush in the holder and store them. Make sure both are fully dry, as storing them wet or damp will encourage bacteria growth.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Soaking in Bleach

1
Fill a bucket with hot water and bleach. Make sure the bucket is deep enough to hold enough water to fully submerge the toilet brush and holder. Once you get the bucket, fill it with the hottest water you have access to. Then, pour 2 cups (470 mL) of bleach into the water.^{[6]
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- Read the back of your bleach bottle. If it gives you specific instructions, follow them.
- If you don't have a bucket, add the bleach to the toilet bowl. Then, put the toilet brush into the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
2
Submerge the brush and holder in the bleach for 1 hour. Drop them into the bucket carefully and try not to splash. Wear gloves and if available a disposable plastic apron to make sure you don’t get bleach on your skin/clothes or in your eyes. Leave the brush and holder to soak for at least 1 hour. ^{[7]
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3
Rinse the brush and holder under hot water. Use the hottest water that you have access to. Keep both under the water for at least 30 seconds.^{[8]
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Research source} The hot water decomposes the active ingredient in bleach, making it safe for you to touch the bristles.^{[9]
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4
Dry the brush and holder before storing them. Set the brush and holder on a towel to air-dry. Don’t store them until they are completely dry. Storing a wet or damp brush will result in bacteria growth.^{[10]
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5
Repeat the bleaching process every month. Even if you don’t use the toilet brush that often, the brush will still host bacterial growth and collect filth. It is a good idea to clean it monthly.^{[11]
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- However, you can bleach it less frequently if you rarely use it.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Natural Products

1
Submerge the brush and holder in a vinegar-water solution overnight. Fill a bucket halfway with vinegar and fill the rest with water. Make sure the bucket is big enough to fully submerge the toilet brush and holder. After soaking the brush and holder overnight, put on gloves and remove the brush and holder.^{[12]
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2
Scrub the brush with 2 grams (0.071 oz) of baking soda. Wear rubber gloves and a plastic apron. Sprinkle the 2 grams (0.071 oz) baking soda over the surface area of the brush. Use a separate brush to scrub, making sure to get in between all the bristles.^{[13]
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- While this step isn’t necessary, its helpful to get an even deeper clean.
3
Run the brush and holder under hot water. Use the hottest water you have access to. Leave the brush and holder under the water for at least 30 seconds. Don’t remove either from the water until the water running off of them is completely clear.^{[14]
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4
Leave the brush and holder out to dry and then store them. Leave them on a towel to air-dry. Wait until both are completely dry before storing them. Storing them damp or wet will result in bacteria growth.^{[15]
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Warnings

Never mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia with bleach. They can create toxic fumes.

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Bleach is dangerous. Keep it away from children. Do not get it on your skin or in your eyes.^{[16]
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