Cleaning pros share how often you should clean your toilet — and you'll be surprised

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

While you might get away with ignoring dust and delaying vacuuming for a few days, one chore simply can’t wait. Cleaning the toilet tops the non-negotiable list.Delaying cleaning your toilet leads to a fast buildup of bacteria, stubborn mineral stains, and unpleasant odors. So if you want to avoid germs and a good deal of extra scrubbing, you’ll want to clean your toilet regularly.But how often should you be cleaning your toilet, and should you give it a deep clean each time? I called on the cleaning pros to share exactly how often you should be cleaning your toilet and how to give it the best clean.How often should you clean your toilet?

(Image credit: Shutterstock)The frequency of how often you should clean your toilet depends on whether it is used daily or occasionally, such as a guest en-suite toilet, but as a general guide, Renata Cruz, Cleaning Expert and Professional Organizer at Coastal Maid San Diego, says, “I would recommend doing a complete clean of a toilet that is being used daily once a week.”However, you shouldn't just leave it for a whole week without any cleaning. “Do a quick clean of the seat and the exterior two or three times during the week as well,” she adds.It will depend on how many people use itYour cleaning routine should also depend on how many people are using the toilet, especially if they are sick or children. In these circumstances, Cruz says, “I would encourage a full clean every four or five days instead of waiting the entire week.“The number of users, especially when including young children or individuals who are ill, will increase bacterial growth at such a rapid rate compared to one person using the toilet at a normal pace.”Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.What if the toilet is rarely used?You shouldn’t completely disregard cleaning a toilet if it is rarely used, such as those in spare ensuites. “It’s still important to flush it once a week,” says Chris Willatt, founder at Alpine Maids."Stagnant water makes the minerals settle into hard rings. This breeds bacteria and eventually evaporates, sending gross sewer gases into your home.”If the toilet is rarely used, you only need to give it a light clean every couple of weeks. "Spray and wipe the seat and touch points and clean the bowl," he says.However, if you notice that it’s stained, he suggests giving it a deep clean. "Sanitize the base of the floor bolts, clean the seat hinges, scrub under the rim jets, and do a final wipe down."How to clean a toilet the right way