How to Keep Your Toilet Cleaner Brush Clean
You probably don’t think about your toilet cleaner brush often, but it can be one of the germiest tools in your home. Luckily, there are some simple ways to keep it sanitary.
The key is to make sure it’s regularly soaked in warm water and disinfected every 4-6 weeks. Our picks have replaceable heads that click on and off the handle for easy cleaning, too.
Features
The best toilet cleaner brushes have bonus features that make scrubbing and cleaning the toilet more efficient. Look for a handle that is comfortable and easy to grip, as well as anti-drip features that keep toilet water from leaving streaks on your bathroom floor. If you’re looking to cut down on cleaning time, consider a disposable brush that comes with pre-treated sponges or brushes that snap on and off at the push of a button.
This elegant toilet brush has a thin bamboo handle that’s about as attractive as a toilet accessory can get. Unlike any other selections on our list, this pick has single-use, biodegradable coconut husk scrubbing pads infused with lemon and tea tree oil for a fresh, invigorated clean each time you use it.
During testing, the Boomjoy brush’s rubber bristles didn’t scratch surfaces, and it cleaned up even the most stubborn residue with one pass. It also has a compact storage container that fits the brush snugly, and there are notches in the inside of the container so you can secure it to the wall to free up space. The container and bathroom products supplier brush stayed dry during our 24 hours of testing, although it may tip over if you kick it or bump into it. It’s smaller than other options, though, so you can tuck it in a tight corner or behind the toilet where it’s out of sight.
Design
The lowly toilet brush isn’t exactly glamorous, but it’s one of the germiest items in your home, and cleaning and disinfecting it is a quick way to make a bathroom look more sanitized. While bleach is the most common option, a natural toilet scrubber with a built-in disinfectant spray or an electric option can keep you from putting down harsh chemicals and saving you time.
You can also find an array of design options that bring this utilitarian item into the modern era. Choose a sleek stainless steel toilet brush and holder for a modern look or opt for a stylish wood brush with a bamboo handle accent to fit in with a rustic design. Some of these brushes come as part of a set that pairs with other bathroom accessories like a trash can, toothbrush holder or soap dispenser for a coordinated look.
You can even take a minimalist approach to scrubbing your toilet and keep the brush out of sight completely with a simple designer caddy. This caddy catches any drips from removing or depositing the brush head and fits flush with your wall to minimize visual distraction. It even has a non-marking bottom ring to prevent any stains on the floor and has notches for the handle so it’s easy to place the brush head back into place.
Bristles
Brush bristles are the most important component of a toilet cleaner brush and can make or break how well it performs. Nylon bristles are durable and popular, while silicone bristles are a newer option that’s becoming more common due to their ease of cleaning and resistance to bacterial growth.
Whether you choose nylon or silicone, look for a brush with thick bristles that can scrub without scratching the toilet. You’ll also want to consider the handle material, which can impact how comfortable the brush feels and how long it lasts. Handles are available in stainless steel, durable plastic or wood to suit any design scheme.
You’ll need to rinse and clean your brush regularly, especially after every use. To do this, first fill a bucket with hot, soapy water and a few capfuls of household bleach. Dunk the brush in the solution and leave it to soak for about an hour. Once you’re done soaking, rinse and flush the toilet to drain the brush and allow it to dry completely before placing it back in its holder.
For an even easier cleaning process, choose a model that uses disposable, flushable toilet toilet cleaner brush pads. Just snap the two handle pieces together until they click and follow instructions to line jaws with a pad. After scrubbing the bowl and under the rim, slide the blue button on the handle to release the pad and flush it away.
Storage
If you’re not a fan of having your toilet cleaner brush out in the open, there are plenty of options for keeping it away from view. Some brushes have a handle that fits into a container, which keeps the bristles hidden until they’re needed. This option is a good choice for those who want to keep their bathroom looking tidy and clean.
Some holder designs also have notches that hold the brush’s head in place, making it difficult for it to tip over. These containers are often made from durable materials that resist rust and are treated to minimize the growth of mildew. Many are designed to be wall-mounted, which can save space and keep the handle further from a child’s reach.
This model from OXO Good Grips has a sleek white design that complements many bathroom styles. Its compact, slim body takes up little floor space and has a lid that automatically opens when you lift the brush. The brush and holder are easy to clean and feature ventilation slots that allow the brush to dry quickly.
The Superior Houseware caddy is another option that keeps the toilet cleaning brush and plunger in a closed, compartmentalized design. Its trays have vented holes to help the tools dry faster, and a drip tray prevents water from splashing onto the floor.
