In the realm of household chores, there are tasks we tackle with gusto and those we approach with a grimace.
Among the latter, cleaning the toilet is a duty that often evokes a collective sigh. Yet, it’s not just the act of scrubbing the bowl that’s under scrutiny—it’s the care of the tool we use to do it: the toilet brush.
This seemingly innocuous item has become the centre of a heated online debate, leaving many to wonder if they’ve been cleaning their bathrooms all wrong.
The toilet brush, a staple in nearly every household, is designed to keep our porcelain thrones sparkling.
However, according to professional cleaner Kacie Stephens from The Big Clean Co, it’s also a breeding ground for bacteria—a staggering 2.3 billion on average.
This figure is alarmingly comparable to the bacteria levels found in a sewer. The issue? Most people don’t give a second thought to cleaning or replacing their toilet brush.
‘It sits in that poo soup liquid in the bottom of the toilet brush holder, and if it’s covered in bacteria, it’s not going to be cleaning your toilet but adding more germs to it,’ Kacie explained in an interview.
The phrase ‘poo soup liquid’ alone is enough to send shivers down the spine of any hygiene-conscious individual.
The controversy reached a boiling point when Kacie shared a video on social media demonstrating her method for cleaning the toilet brush and holder.
She suggests that the brush should be cleaned every time you clean the toilet, a practice that many of her followers admitted to never considering. The video sparked a flurry of comments, with some viewers expressing shock at the idea of cleaning the brush in the bathroom sink.
‘No, not in the sink!!! Why are you cleaning it in your sink?’ one commenter exclaimed, voicing a concern shared by many.
The thought of cleaning a bacteria-laden brush in the same sink where one brushes their teeth was too much for some to stomach. However, others defended the practice, pointing out that the sink can be disinfected afterwards.
Kacie reassured her audience, ‘I always clean the sink last, so would completely disinfect that after cleaning the toilet brush there.’
She also shared a tip for allowing the brush to air dry by balancing it between the toilet seat and the rim.
The debate didn’t end there. Charlotte Bosanquet, another professional cleaner from Care Cleaning Services Sydney, weighed in with her expertise.
She argued that simply rinsing the brush isn’t sufficient. ‘People think if they flush and use that water to rinse off their toilet brush, that’s enough, but you wouldn’t wipe a benchtop that had been covered in chicken and then just rinse the cloth. It’s the same thing. Rinsing with water is not cleaning it,’ Charlotte explained.
She recommends soaking the brush in bleach every six weeks or more frequently, depending on household size and usage.
Opinions vary about replacing the brush. Charlotte suggests every six months, while Kacie extends that to every year.
Both agree, however, that expensive brushes aren’t necessarily better. In fact, they prefer the traditional bristled brushes over the newer silicone models, which they find less effective at tackling grime.
So, what’s the takeaway? It’s clear that the humble toilet brush deserves more attention than it’s been getting.
Whether you choose to clean it in the sink, a bucket, or outdoors with a hose, the important thing is that you’re cleaning it regularly and thoroughly.
And when it comes to purchasing a new brush, don’t be swayed by fancy designs or high prices – a simple, bristled brush from your local supermarket will do the job just fine.
Now, we’d love to hear from you. Have you been cleaning your toilet brush regularly, or is this news to you? Do you have any tips or tricks for keeping your bathroom cleaning tools in top shape?
Also read: Survey sparks hygiene debate: Are we cleaning our toilets enough?
