The cleanliness of the apartment and bathroom is of great importance. Accordingly, objects with the help of which order is restored cannot be considered insignificant. Cleaning the toilet is not a whim, but an important part of hygiene. Therefore, here are some subtleties about how to choose toilet brushes.
When buying a brush, you should hold it in your hands, checking how comfortably it fits in your hand. If there are models on the counter with handles of different lengths, you should choose the one that is longer, so you don’t have to bend too low over the toilet. Moderate elasticity and strength of the handle characterize a high-quality model. To determine which toilet brush is best, you should take into account one more indicator - the stiffness of the bristles. Stiff bristles efficiently remove dirt from earthenware. The dismountable brush makes it easier to care for – washing, drying, disinfecting.
Appearance is of no small importance. Color, shape, finish should be combined with the design of the bathroom.
Any brush model should be periodically washed and disinfected, and then dried well. How to wash and clean a toilet brush is described below.
Washing and disinfection are usually carried out using chlorine-containing solutions, hydrogen peroxide, and soda. The stand and the brush itself are washed, rinsed, and dried thoroughly. If all conditions are met, no questions will arise about how to keep the toilet brush clean, because steamed chlorine and vinegar do an excellent job of disinfecting even heavily soiled surfaces.
The brush itself should also be regularly disinfected, even in the absence of infectious diseases. There is no need to be tormented by questions, looking for “revolutionary” ways to clean and wash a toilet brush for a toilet bowl. It is enough to use the same solutions with chlorine or buy any chlorine-containing cleaning product.
If you remember the safety rules when working with harmful substances, there will be no difficulties. When working with chlorine solutions or vinegar, precautions should be taken - wear rubber gloves, avoid getting vapors into the respiratory tract and liquid droplets on the mucous membranes.
If you are at a loss about how often to wash this device, you should remember that there are generally accepted rules for using a toilet brush. It needs to be washed at least once a month, and preferably every week. If there are cases of intestinal infection in the family, the device should be washed and disinfected every day.
Manufacturing materials
Toilet brushes can be made from the following materials:
- plastic,
- metal,
- silicone,
- ceramics,
- acrylic,
- tempered glass.
Budget models include brushes made of plastic, acrylic, and silicone. Thanks to their low price and wide selection of colors, these models always find their buyer. Many housewives choose a modern silicone toilet brush.
More expensive accessories made of ceramics, glass, and bronze are no longer just an attribute of cleaning, but a full-fledged interior detail.
Removing thick plaque with strong acids
If no folk remedies or cleaning products help, you can use strong acids. These are extreme measures that should be used rarely and the exposure time strictly observed, since such chemicals can corrode the enamel and harm pipes and plastic parts.
Oxalic acid
Moderately toxic organic acid. A popular cleaning product for plumbing fixtures in the times of our grandmothers. Provides perfect whiteness and effectively removes stone. Nowadays it can be purchased at construction stores. Before use, carefully read the instructions and wear thick rubber gloves.
Mode of application:
- Pour powdered acid onto a damp cloth.
- Apply to contaminated areas. If you need to clean the drain, dissolve it in water.
- Wait 1 hour, during which time the plaque will dissolve.
- Rinse thoroughly with water using a brush.
Orthophosphoric acid
It is an inorganic acid of medium strength. Using it, you can not only clean the toilet from stone, but also remove rust from the internal parts of the tank. The main advantage of this acid is that it does not damage rubber and plastic elements. Mode of application:
- Pour 100-150 ml of acid into the tank and into the drain hole
- Wait 15 minutes
- Rinse with plenty of water and clean with a brush.
Hydrochloric acid
This is a very strong toxic agent
Will remove stone instantly but should be used with extreme caution. Before use, wear safety glasses, a respirator and thick rubber gloves.
The vapors of this acid are also dangerous!
Mode of application:
- Apply liquid to the walls and pour half a glass into the drain hole.
- Exposure time – 10 minutes.
- Rinse with plenty of water
Electrolyte
Battery electrolyte is produced on the basis of sulfuric acid; it can be found in any store for car enthusiasts. This strong and very dangerous product perfectly dissolves limescale and urinary stones. It can be used only in rare cases. The method of application is similar to the method with hydrochloric acid: apply, leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse with water. When using, follow all safety precautions, avoid splashing the product, as you can get chemical burns.
Color and design
Manufacturers produce these accessories in a variety of colors. When choosing the color of the brush and glass, you should focus on the design of the toilet. A good housewife's brush or brush for cleaning and washing the toilet should be in harmony with the color of the tiles, fixtures or decorative elements of the bathroom.
If the washroom is dominated by light colors and does not have contrasting trim, the bright color of the cleaning kit will look out of place. Gold and silver patterns on the brush and glass would be appropriate in the case of similar elements on tiles or wall borders.
If the toilet room is finished in marble, a toilet brush with a stand of the same color will look great in it.
The shapes of toilet brushes are also varied. Silicone models are especially different. The good plasticity of the material allows you to give fancy images to products made from it. In addition to the usual flat, round or oval shapes, manufacturers have launched the production of original models in the form of plants, household items, and weapons. In stores you can see a silicone toilet brush standing on the counter in the form of a fruit brush, a pistol brush, a flower vase brush, or anything else.
Varieties
A toilet brush is essentially an artificial fiber brush that is attached to a handle about half a meter long. It is usually sold complete with a glass stand.
Today there are many varieties of such products on the market.
If we talk about the classification of such intimate devices, they differ in color, materials of manufacture and method of storage. Let's look at each indicator in detail.
Material
Its quality and strength depend on what material was used to make the brush. A similar parameter is reflected in the cost of the brush. Today you can find products from:
- plastics. There are two types: completely plastic and having a metal rod with a plastic stand. Typically, such brushes are placed on the floor in a special holding device, but you can also find devices without stands. The products are quite cheap, but their strength leaves much to be desired;
- glass Such structures are most often fixed on the wall. The floor-standing version is equipped with metal legs or a stand;
- silicone. This species appeared on the market relatively recently. The advantage of the material is that it does not absorb moisture and does not provoke the growth of pathogenic microflora. Such an accessory, if stored properly, can last for a long time;
- acrylic Made from fairly durable material. Can be found in a variety of colors. In addition, there are transparent specimens that are filled with gel. Careful care is recommended for such products;
- ceramics. This is usually an expensive custom-made product. It is distinguished by its high cost and extraordinary fragility;
- metal (brass, stainless steel). Fits perfectly into a modern interior. This product is easy to use and maintain.
Brushes have long ceased to be just a device for maintaining frequency
It is necessary to understand that a toilet brush with a plastic or acrylic stand with filler looks out of place in classic interiors, just like a ceramic product in a modern setting.
The more reliable the material, the longer the brush can last. However, this will affect the cost. For example, metal brushes can last much longer than plastic products, but they also cost accordingly.
By storage method
According to the method of placement, brushes are divided into:
- floor. Considered a classic type. It is sometimes called a glass brush, since the toilet brush is placed in a special stand that looks like a glass. It is installed directly on the floor. Despite the popularity of this type, it is considered the least hygienic solution. The container where it is stored has dirty, damp conditions, which is a favorable environment for the growth of pathogenic microflora;
- wall. This type of brush is not too different from a floor brush. Only the stand in this modification is not located on the floor, but is mounted on the wall. The disadvantages of such a brush are the same as those of a floor brush;
- suspension. This storage method is optimal. With this placement option, the brush is hung on a special hook, and the liquid that drains will fall into a glass placed under the brush. This makes it possible to ventilate the device, which does not allow harmful microorganisms to multiply;
- multifunctional. Outwardly it looks like a high stand on which other accessories can be additionally placed, for example, containers with cleaning products.
There can be a great variety of options for placing such a prosaic item as a brush.
How to use a toilet brush correctly
In order for the use of a toilet brush to give the desired effect, you must follow some rules:
- The brush should be taken by the upper part of the handle;
- To better clean the surface, you need to apply a cleaning agent to the bristles;
- The toilet should be cleaned with calm, smooth movements, avoiding splashing;
- At the end of cleaning, the brush should be rinsed, shaken slightly and carefully placed in a glass. These procedures must be carried out very carefully to avoid splashes on the walls and floor of the toilet.
These were the basic principles on how to properly use a toilet brush. By following these rules, you can keep the toilet clean and tidy.
Main functionality of kvacha
In some European countries and America, they do not know that such a toilet cleaner exists. This is explained by the fact that some regions have a special flushing system. They release water in a large stream, which removes all traces.
In Russia there are cisterns, so the water comes in small doses, which does not allow all traces to be completely washed away, and it is necessary to use a wall-mounted or floor-mounted toilet brush to maintain cleanliness.
This item also helps prevent the formation of limescale. It rids the surface of various microbes, which in large quantities can be dangerous to human life.
Storage and care
Some housewives wonder how often they need to change their toilet brush. Toilet brushes are items that require regular replacement. Even with constant use of disinfectants, they should be replaced with new ones every 3 months. During operation, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- after each use, the brush is rinsed in water with a disinfectant;
- every week the brush should be soaked in disinfectant solutions (with chlorine, potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, boric acid), and the liquid for the toilet brush should be prepared fresh each time;
- After visiting the toilet by a person with a gastrointestinal disorder, the brush is cleaned every day.
These are the usual recommendations for cleaning a toilet brush. During disinfection, we must not forget about safety precautions. You should wear gloves when working with disinfecting solutions, avoiding getting them into your mouth, eyes, or mucous membranes.
Accessory requirements
When you are thinking about buying a brush, you need to think about how well it will meet your requirements and certain criteria. There is a small list of characteristics that any toilet brush must meet.
- The cleaning element must be made of a synthetic material with sufficient rigidity. With its help, it will be much easier to remove dirt.
- The handle is preferably smooth in texture, long enough, and made of durable material. It should be comfortable to hold, but at the same time strong bends are not allowed.
- Preference should be given to collapsible models, since cleaning them in this case will be much easier.
Terms of use
Photo of a designer brush
For some this may seem funny. In principle, you have every right to laugh at the instructions for a toilet accessory. However, you should have a clear understanding of how to use a brush. This will be useful to you yourself, and will also allow you to correctly interpret to your child what this thing is, what it is for, and how to use it correctly.
- The first thing you need to do is grab the handle comfortably and with a firm grip. Do not hold the toilet brush too close to the cleaning head. Actually, almost every model has a specific section of the handle intended for holding by hand.
- Using progressive, gentle movements, begin to remove dirt. You should first dip the brush in water and wet it, after which removal will be easier. In order to simultaneously get rid of excess odors and disinfect the toilet, add a little detergent and cleaner to the toilet.
- Drain the toilet using the flush cistern, while placing a brush under the pressure of the water. This will remove any remaining dirt from it and clean it.
- After rinsing the toilet brush, shake it off a little, after which you can safely put it back in its rightful place.
There are a couple more very useful tips that you should definitely follow and that it is extremely important to teach your children
- When you start cleaning after your business using a toilet brush, do not make any sudden movements. This may result in splashes that fly towards you, onto your clothing, or even onto your skin. We think you shouldn’t imagine what sensations you will experience. Don't take risks, so work the tool smoothly.
- Shake the accessory while it is still inside the toilet by hitting the walls directly next to the water in the plumbing. Many people begin to shake off, hitting the end of the handle on the toilet seat. This causes splashes to fly in different directions, onto the toilet seat itself, onto the toilet lid, onto the wallpaper, and so on.
Storage and care
Interestingly, many people prefer glass and wall-mounted models. However, from the point of view of safety and hygiene, this is the most wrong decision.
But the recommended option is suspended. But even here it is advisable to comply with certain conditions:
- Your toilet brush should not be in contact with the floor;
- The accessory should not come into contact with the wall;
- Be sure to place a container underneath it that is wide enough to allow all the water to drain into it.
Now regarding care. Please note that the toilet brush will have to be washed periodically. The more often this happens, the safer it will be to use. Essentially, there are two proven, effective cleaning methods.
- Dip the cleaning head into any liquid intended for disinfection, thereby getting rid of all kinds of bacteria and infections.
- Wet the toilet brush using white vinegar. Just be careful not to get the liquid on your skin, especially your eyes.
When the disinfection procedure is completed, lower the cleaning head into the toilet, press the water release button, thereby washing the instrument. After this, you can safely put the accessory in place.
It is recommended to hold such events at least once a month. But this is provided that you or your household do not have an intestinal infection. If there are any, then the brush should be cleaned weekly.
As you can see, a brush is far from the simplest accessory for toilets. It has its own characteristics, its own recommendations for use and care.
Despite a number of recommendations for use and selection, you should purchase not only on the basis of safety, so to speak. The modern range of brushes is so huge that all your personal wishes can be combined in one model, and at the same time the tool will fully comply with even the most stringent requirements for hygiene and reliability.
Leading manufacturers
The modern choice of toilet brushes is so diverse that leading manufacturers of this product segment try to combine all the buyer’s wishes in one product, bringing the device into compliance with all stringent requirements for hygiene and durability.
Brabantia
Product made of plastic and metal. A chrome-plated holder will hide the brush. The base of the stand is equipped with a plastic gasket, which prevents scratches on the coating. Comfortable removal and reinstallation: one side is completely closed, therefore hiding all the details of the brush, and the second is open for convenient placement of the brush in the stand. It has a hard pile, is reliable and lightweight.
Features of cleaning with home remedies
Many household products can help in the process of cleaning up dirt and stains. They are found in almost every home, and proper use will give no worse results than using expensive store-bought products. These include citric and acetic acid, baking soda, and even regular Coca-Cola.
Application of citric acid
It has long been known that citric acid has good whitening properties. Therefore, this product is suitable for cleaning the toilet and will provide the expected result of cleanliness and freshness. 3 tablespoons of powder should be poured inside the toilet, and the same amount into the flush tank, wait a few hours, and then rinse off using a brush for more effective cleaning.
Using Vinegar
Vinegar is another effective toilet cleaner. 70% vinegar is best, but you can also use 9% table vinegar. Before use, it needs to be heated, so a glass of liquid is poured into a pan and placed on fire. Warm vinegar is poured into the toilet, a few tablespoons of baking soda are added and left for several hours. After this, you can rinse off the water several times and clean the inner surface with a brush. You can also wash the insides of the tank with vinegar.
Baking soda
Another homemade toilet cleaner is baking soda, which is definitely found in every home. Many housewives know that this inexpensive product helps in cleaning many contaminated surfaces, including that it can easily wash away any traces and stains inside the toilet. 2-3 tablespoons of white powder should be poured into water, stir it with a brush and clean the earthenware, leave for several hours, and then rinse well several times. This procedure will be enough to get clean plumbing without streaks and dirt.
Uses of Coca-Cola
Many different stories and warnings have been written about this drink, but it is reliably known that Coca-Cola has corrosive properties. Therefore, using it to clean the toilet will give a good effect. To get the desired result, you need to take several liters of the drink, pour it into the toilet and wait a few hours. The very first rinse will show what a good detergent it is.
How to clean a toilet with White
Another home remedy that helps fight plaque and deposits on the inner surface of plumbing fixtures is Whiteness. But its use is characterized by one feature: you must first remove all water from the plumbing product. And this is not always as simple as we would like. A liter of White is poured into a dry toilet bowl and left for 3-4 hours, or even overnight. After which it is washed off with the usual amount of water.
The advantage of homemade cleaning products is the absence of unpleasant odors and chemical fumes, that is, cleaning is not harmful to humans
But you still need to take precautions to ensure that toilet cleaning is not only effective, but also safe for your health. Such measures include the use of rubber gloves for cleaning and a sufficient distance at which you need to keep your face from the area being cleaned.
Recommendations
To make the owner happy with the result of washing your beloved assistant, you can use the following recommendations:
- If it is possible to unscrew the removable elements, do so.
- Never use powders or other products with abrasive ingredients.
- Avoid temperature changes; do not wash the multicooker with cold water.
- After finishing washing, wipe the kitchen unit dry.
The quality of cleaning the multicooker depends on the choice of detergent.
Liquid dishwashing gel
Simple daily dirt, carbon deposits and grease can be easily removed using a traditional liquid gel dishwashing detergent.
After washing, it is important to completely rinse off any remaining product and wipe the multicooker dry with a soft cloth.
Soft sponge or cloth to wipe dry
When choosing a material for wiping, you need to pay attention to the fluffiness of the napkin, rag or sponge. There should be no pellets or hairs left on the surface of the multicooker, especially on the heating element.
They may burn or get into your food. In addition, the cloth should be soft so as not to leave micro-scratches or damage on the surface.
How to clean the bottom?
The bottom of the multicooker is cleaned when the heating element has cooled down. Minor stains can be easily removed with a damp cloth. When removing burnt fat, you can use baking soda or citric acid, which has a dual effect: it removes old stains and unpleasant odors, and also disinfects the surface. You can clean the bottom using cotton pads and a soft, lint-free cloth.
How to clean the lid?
The multicooker lid is in close contact with the food being prepared. Consists of a steam valve, surface and rubber seal. To properly clean the lid, the elements must be separated.
Removable
All removable elements of the multicooker are washed separately, cleaned of old dirt, rinsed thoroughly, wiped dry and assembled.
Fixed
When washing a non-removable lid, the main part of the kitchen appliance is covered with polyethylene and tilted over the sink. After all manipulations, household appliances are rinsed and wiped dry.
Washing the moisture collector
The moisture collector collects remaining condensation and moisture after cooking. It must be washed after each cooking. The collected water is drained, and the container itself is washed with soapy water and wiped with a soft sponge.
How to clean a steam valve
The correct taste and aroma of cooked dishes depends on the cleanliness of the steam valve (be it a Redmond or Polaris multicooker). If the steam valve is dirty, the steam does not find a way out of the pan body, the cooked food “runs away”, and often floods the heating element.
Remaining food and fat particles create an unpleasant odor inside the multicooker. First of all, the valve is washed with running warm water, then cleaned with a brush to remove dirt using citric acid, rinsed, wiped dry and installed in place.
The outside of the multicooker is cleaned using household chemicals. You can use melamine sponges and cleaning powders. In order to remove fingerprints from chrome surfaces, you can use products containing ammonia.