Cleaning a toilet brush is more important than many people think. After use, dirt, bacteria and moisture can easily remain in the bristles and in the holder. If you put the brush back while it is still wet, you increase the chance of unpleasant smells and an unhygienic toilet. Fortunately, cleaning a toilet brush does not have to be complicated at all. With a few fixed steps, you can keep your toilet brush fresh, usable and much cleaner.

If you also want to keep your toilet fresher for longer between cleaning sessions, a toilet freshener such as Toilet Tapes can be a useful addition. It provides fragrance and foam when flushing, but it does not replace a proper clean with toilet cleaner and a brush. The combination of good maintenance and regular upkeep works best. You can find more tips on how to keep toilet smell fresh here.

How to keep a toilet brush cleaner right after use

The biggest gain comes from what you do immediately after scrubbing. Cleaning a toilet brush often does not even need to be intensive then, because you prevent dirt from drying out and building up.

After cleaning, leave the brush in the stream of water for a moment while you flush. That way, you rinse off visible dirt straight away. If anything is still stuck between the bristles, use a little toilet cleaner in the bowl and move the brush through it briefly. Do not put the brush straight back into the holder afterwards. Let it drain and dry first by, for example, wedging it between the seat and the bowl.

This simple routine makes cleaning a toilet brush much easier and also helps keep the holder cleaner and drier.

How do I clean a toilet brush?

If you are wondering how to clean your toilet brush, it helps to distinguish between quick cleaning and deep cleaning. Quick cleaning is something you do after every use. Deep cleaning is something you do periodically, for example once a month or sooner if the brush is visibly dirty.

A practical approach is:

• rinse the brush well in the toilet bowl immediately after use;
• apply a little toilet cleaner to the bristles if needed;
• let the brush sit briefly above or in the bowl;
• rinse again;
• let the brush dry properly before putting it back.

This keeps cleaning a toilet brush manageable and helps prevent you from having to tackle a heavily soiled brush every time.

Deep cleaning a toilet brush in 3 practical methods

1. Cleaning with toilet cleaner and hot water

For most households, this is the easiest method. Put some toilet cleaner in the bowl or in a bucket of hot water and place the brush in it. Leave it to soak for about 30 to 60 minutes. Then rinse it well and let the brush dry completely. This method is especially useful if you want to clean a toilet brush without extra special products.

2. Cleaning a toilet brush with soda

If you want to use an alternative, you can clean your toilet brush with soda. Dissolve a small amount of soda in hot water and let the brush soak in it. Soda helps loosen dirt and reduce odours. Rinse the brush thoroughly afterwards. Always use cleaning products according to the instructions on the label and do not mix products casually. For more tips on cleaning a toilet with vinegar, you can read more there.

3. Soaking in a separate bucket or clean holder

If you would rather not do everything in the toilet bowl, use a separate bucket or a holder that has been cleaned first. This is especially practical if you want to tackle the brush and holder at the same time. Fill it with warm water and a suitable cleaning product, let the brush soak, rinse it off and let it dry well. This way, you can clean your toilet brush in a controlled and tidy way.

Also read about cleaning a toilet with bleach if you want to disinfect safely.

How do you remove faeces from a toilet brush?

Faeces in a toilet brush should ideally be removed straight away, before it dries. First rinse the brush thoroughly in the stream of water while flushing. If dirt still remains, put some toilet cleaner in the bowl and move the brush through it firmly a few times. Then flush again and let it drain.

For stubborn dirt, soaking in warm water with a suitable cleaning product is often the fastest solution. Always let the brush dry properly afterwards. Moisture combined with leftover dirt is usually what causes the smell and contamination that people struggle with.

Do not forget to clean the holder

Cleaning a toilet brush is not just about the brush itself. The holder or container catches dripping water and can quickly become a source of unpleasant smells. So empty and clean the holder regularly, preferably weekly or as soon as you see moisture or build-up.

Use an all-purpose cleaner or toilet cleaner, rinse well and dry the holder completely before putting the brush back. That last step is often forgotten, even though a dry holder makes a big difference.

What should you put in the toilet brush holder?

The short answer is: preferably not much. The toilet brush holder is primarily meant to store the brush, not to permanently hold liquid. Standing water or leftover cleaning product can actually cause smells and dirt build-up.

What is sensible:

• empty and clean the holder regularly;
• dry the holder thoroughly after cleaning;
• only put the brush back once it is mostly dry.

If you want to keep the toilet itself fresher for longer between cleaning sessions, a solution on the inside rim of the toilet is often more practical than putting something in the brush holder. For example, Toilet Tapes is suitable for rimless toilets, can be applied without dirty hands and is designed to provide freshness and foam with every flush while using minimal plastic. It still remains an addition to your regular cleaning routine, not a replacement for cleaning a toilet brush.

When should you replace a toilet brush?

Even if you take cleaning your toilet brush seriously, there comes a point when replacing it is smarter than continuing to clean it. Look out for these signs:

• the bristles are misshapen or flattened;
• the brush stays discoloured or looks dirty;
• an unpleasant smell lingers despite cleaning;
• dirt easily remains stuck between the bristles.

In many households, replacing it once a year is a good rule of thumb. With heavy use, it may need replacing sooner. Not sure whether your brush is still good to use? Use the signs above as a guide and replace it in time.

Common mistakes when cleaning a toilet brush

• Putting the brush straight back into the holder while wet.
• Only cleaning the brush and skipping the holder.
• Waiting too long before doing a deep clean.
• Continuing to use a worn-out brush.
• Combining cleaning products without following label instructions.

The last point in particular is important. Always use cleaning products safely and according to the instructions on the packaging. That also fits with CLP legislation: check hazard symbols, warnings and recommended use before using a product.

FAQ about cleaning a toilet brush

How often should you clean a toilet brush?

Ideally, you rinse the brush after every use. A thorough cleaning session is usually enough once a month, or sooner if the brush is visibly dirty or starts to fray.

What is the best way to clean a toilet brush?

The best foundation is to rinse it immediately, let it dry and periodically soak it in warm water with a suitable cleaning product. You should also keep the holder clean and dry. For broader toilet maintenance, cleaning the toilet is also relevant.

Can you clean a toilet brush without aggressive products?

Yes, you can. Many people use warm water with soda or a mild cleaner. Always choose a product that suits the task and follow the label for safe use. If you prefer a milder alternative, you can choose chlorine-free methods.

Why does my toilet brush start to smell so quickly?

Usually because the brush is put back while wet or because moisture remains in the holder. Poor drying is often a bigger culprit than the brush itself.

Does a toilet freshener help with the toilet brush too?

Not directly. A toilet freshener mainly helps keep the toilet fresh between cleaning sessions. So a product like Toilet Tapes supports freshness in the bowl, but cleaning a toilet brush is still necessary.