The Most Important Place To Use A Toilet Brush That You're Probably Missing

Bathrooms rank high among the most-used spaces in a home, and they also have areas that can get quite repulsive when it comes to keeping them clean. Even so, most people realize the importance of maintaining an immaculate bathroom, especially the toilet, both inside and out.

The standard tool for cleaning inside the bowl, the toilet brush, can take different forms, as mentioned on HomeQuestionsAnswered. Some people prefer disposable brushes with built-in disinfectant cleaners touted more hygienic, while others gravitate toward reusable brushes for environmental and economic reasons. Silicone and stiff bristle brushes have fans, including models that are decorative, keep the brush hidden, or have their own stands. There are also environmentally-friendly sustainable options available now, according to EcoMasteryProject. Tools made for toilet cleaning come in as many varieties as brushes. But when it comes to utilizing these products to clean your toilet thoroughly, there are some areas you might be overlooking.

Even when toilets look clean at first glance, some areas can easily be missed when given a cursory swish with a brush. The site under the rim is one of the main areas that usually need more attention. As reported in The Washington Post, aerosol scientist Changjie Cai studies what might be directed into the air each time a toilet is flushed. Cai's findings as lab chief for the University of Oklahoma's Hudson College of Public Health determined that bacteria can be launched into the bathroom atmosphere whenever a toilet handle is pushed. This includes the nasty bug Salmonella, which can live under the rim for months in this perfect storm of an environment.

Using a toilet brush and disinfecting cleaner to intentionally tackle the area will eliminate potentially harmful bacteria lingering under the rim. To be super thorough, you may consider employing a smaller brush, like an old toothbrush relegated for bathroom cleaning. While you're at it, consider cleaning the seat hinges, too. 

If you've ever had to change out a toilet seat, you know what can lurk under the hinge caps and around the nuts. If you haven't, here's the news: It can get gross under there. Not only does this mess present a hygiene issue, but it can also get stinky when left unattended. Whether you use your toilet brush or other cleaning tools like a sponge or paper towels, many cleaning professionals recommend deep cleaning your toilet in this area every so often on top of routine cleaning, as noted on Nine Entertainment Co.

Doing this requires removing the toilet seat. They have different types of hinges, hinge covers, and nuts holding them in place, so the method for exposing them varies. Following your manufacturer's recommendations for the seat installed on your toilet is the best bet. Once it's off, you can use a disinfecting cleaner to get the job done. Remember to scrub the hardware and let it completely dry before putting it back in place. Taking the time to do this occasionally, along with regular cleaning under the rim, will keep your toilet fresher than ever.