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A sparkling clean toilet in six easy steps

1 First, assemble your kit

You will need the following items:

A toilet brush – buy a new one if you haven’t replaced yours in the last few months. (They tend to get horrible rust spots at the base of the bristles after a while which can be mistaken for something worse. Don’t bother with something fancy – a cheap plastic one, preferably with an integral cap, is ideal as you can replace with frequently.) Rubber gloves reserved for toilet cleaning only Toilet bowl cleaner for the toilet bowl (or white vinegar and baking soda if you want to go the eco route) Powdered or cream degreaser for cleaning under the rim An all-purpose spray degreaser cleaning (for the outside of the toilet and handle) White vinegar, a plastic scouring pad and a pumice stone if there are severe limescale marks Paper towel or old rags that you can throw away after use (and an old plastic bag to dispose of from them)

2 Put on the rubber gloves and pull the chain

Then, using the toilet brush as a plunger, push the water into the toilet down the U-bend so that the water is below the normal water line.

Leave the brush in the toilet and let the toilet bowl cleaner work as you move on to the next step.

3 Spray toilet bowl cleaner around the toilet bowl

Spray the cleaner under the rim and down the sides of the bowl. Then, using the toilet brush, brush the cleaner around the bowl and as far down the rim as the brush will allow.

4 Spray the toilet with the cleaning spray

Spray the outside of the toilet, then wipe it clean with a paper towel. Pay special attention to parts that are often overlooked: the front of the toilet base, just below the bowl, the part next to the toilet seat hinges, and under the toilet seat. Also remember to spray and clean the handle or flush button.

5 Rub under the edge

I know this isn’t the best part of the job, but you’re almost there! Use some cleansing cream for this and kitchen paper or an old rag.

6 flush

When you do this, keep the brush in the bowl to help clean it. Then just put the brush back in the holder.

What if your bathroom hasn’t been cleaned in a while?

I’m sorry, but it happens. Maybe she just moved into a new house that hasn’t been well cared for. Or, dare I say, she just took her eyes off the ball.

If your toilet has lime marks (these are usually around the water line, on the back of the toilet, or around the rim), soak a few paper towels in white vinegar and place them over the marks. Ideally, you’ll want to leave them on for a few hours, or preferably overnight; then the marks should be easily removed with your toilet brush or plastic scouring pad (don’t use a metal one as it will leave rusty marks). Any limescale can be removed by gently rubbing with a pumice stone. Don’t be tempted to use bleach to get rid of the limescale: lye will turn the limescale white but won’t remove it.

If your toilet has horrible yellow stains on the bottom of the seat (sorry again, but it happens), they are very difficult to remove, even with bleach and scouring powder. The tip that works best is to make a thick paste out of Napisan powder (find it in the baby aisle of the supermarket) and bleach. Be careful as it is a strong chemical mix. Spread it on the problematic parts of the seat (and make absolutely sure no one uses the toilet for a while). After a few hours, rub the marks and rinse off the paste.

Alternatively, treat yourself to a new toilet seat. Stores like IKEA make some very useful ones that are easy to clean and inexpensive.

Well, now you have no excuse for anything other than a sparkling clean toilet fit for the Queen.

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