A clean bathroom has been proven time and again to be an irreplaceable feature of any home. Of all the accessories used to maintain a bathroom, however, the toilet brush is probably one of the least glamorous but most important ones for maintaining the cleanliness of the toilet bowl and getting rid of bacteria.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline everything you ever need to know about toilet brushes-from all the various types that are available to what to watch out for when buying one. We will also touch upon some suggestions for keeping your toilet brush clean and other even more eco-friendly options for those looking to help save the environment.
Types of Toilet Brushes
There are so many toilet brushes that differ by shape, size, and even material, providing their pros and cons. Let’s take a closer view of the most popular types:
- Plastic Toilet Brushes:
Plastic ones are mass-produced. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to use. They also have a plastic holder that makes storage more convenient. One weakness, though, of this material is that it may wear out faster than other kinds of materials. It’s also not the best for people who aim to lessen their use of plastics.
Silicone brushes are widely used, especially because they are quite flexible and durable. Compared with plastic or conventional brushes, their bristles are less likely to wear out or harbour bacteria. Silicone toilet brushes are also easier to clean, hence better hygienic overall.
- Stainless Steel Toilet Brushes:
These are typically paired with a stainless steel stand to give your bathroom a sleek and modern feel. However, stainless steel brushes are much more rugged and longer-lasting than plastic ones, though they cost a bit more to acquire.
- Wooden Toilet Brushes
For the eco-friendly, wooden toilet brushes paired with bristles of natural fibres are the way to go. They are biodegradable and come in a minimalist design for use with an earth-friendly home.
- Electric Toilet Brushes:
Electric or motorized toilet brushes offer a fully hands-off cleaning experience. These brushes have rotating heads that do most of the scrubbing for you, thus giving you a deeper clean with less effort. However, they are usually pricier and often need battery replacement or charging regularly.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Toilet Brush
There are many things you should be concerned with when buying a toilet brush to make sure you’re getting the best toilet brush for your bathroom. Here’s a checklist of the key features to look out for:
- Shape of the Brush Head:
For example, the head shape gives room for how well it covers all areas. The round heads give comprehensive coverage in every direction, a flat one gives wide-angle coverage, and the angled one reaches to the underside of the rim.
- Bristle Type:
They come in different materials and flexibility. A stiff bristle is very effective at scrubbing tough stains, but softer ones may be gentler on your toilet’s surface. Silicone bristles are mostly preferred because they last longer and clean out easily.
- Handle Length and Grip:
A comfort grip on a toilet brush makes all the difference in terms of usability. Make sure it is long enough that your hands stay away from the toilet, but do not wobble or swing around when you need to hold onto it for balance. For some users, ergonomic handles can actually facilitate ease in scrubbing.
- Holder Design:
Apart from being a warehouse, the holder or stand plays an essential role in hygiene. Some holders feature drip trays or ventilation to speed up the drying of the brush and, consequently, eliminate the possibility of bacteria and mould growth. Others are closed for discrete storage. They will help you keep your bathroom tidy.
- Interchangeable Heads of Brushes:
Some units offer changeable toilet brush heads. This facility allows you to change the brush’s head as it becomes worn rather than buying an entire unit. This can save you money and is ultimately better for the planet in the long run.
Cleaning and Care
To maintain hygiene and the longevity of your toilet brush, proper maintenance is essential. Here are some best practices:
- Rinse After Use:
Rinse the brush clean with hot water after each use to remove any debris that may have clung to it. Dry the brush in the open air before putting it back in its holder.
- Disinfect on a Routine Basis:
Submerge the toilet brush in a bleach or vinegar solution for 10-15 minutes once a week. This is meant to kill bacteria or germs that might be lying on the bristles.
- Store Correctly:
Make sure your toilet brush is placed in a well-ventilated holder so that it dries quickly. Don’t stash it in an airtight container where moisture can collect, as this might produce mold.
Replace When:
Even with proper care, toilet brushes get old. Replace your brush after six months or sooner if the bristles begin breaking off or cleaning becomes quite a nuisance.
Eco-friendly toilet brushes are thus growing in popularity as people seek to minimise their environmental footprint. Here is what a greener one can opt for:
- Biodegradable Brushes:
The best options are biodegradable ones, which are prepared from natural materials such as wood and coconut fibre. When they eventually need to be replaced, they do not fill up the landfill.
- Bamboo Toilet Brushes:
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials known with much faster growth rates than other materials, including wood or plastic. Bamboo toilet brushes were also found to utilise significantly less resource than their plastic equivalent. Most bamboo toilet brushes are also packaged with compostable or recyclable packaging.
- Recyclable Plastic Brushes
If you still prefer plastic brushes for your convenience, look for those made from recycled plastic or those whose heads can be replaced. This cuts the overall pollution and waste associated with single-use products.
Why a Good Toilet Brush Matters?
These are not on anyone’s priority list, but they really make a difference in keeping your bathroom clean and hygienic. Here are a few reasons why you should choose the right toilet brush:
- Effective Cleaning:
A good toilet brush will clean faster and more effectively, leaving your toilet free from stains, bacteria, and unpleasant smells.
- Germ Spread Minimised:
Cleans easily and ensures hygiene to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria for a sanitary bathroom.
- Durability:
The low-cost toilet brushes will become rusty faster and will require constant change. A long-lasting, premium-quality toilet brush will serve you longer with minimal waste in the future.
- Appearance:
If you do want functional, your design for your toilet brush might be the most beautiful bathroom item you have ever installed. A modern toilet brush with a stylish holder may add a finishing touch to your decor and make your bathroom look more classy.
Conclusion
Well, the toilet brush is hardly likely to be the most glamorous bathroom accessory available, but that is not to say it doesn’t have a vital role to play in maintaining a clean and hygienic home. Be it for durability, as with stainless steel; for its flexibility, as with silicone; or for its sustainability, as with bamboo, you will find an extensive range of choices so that what you get meets your standards and preferences.
A good-quality toilet brush, proper cleaning over regular periods, and eco-friendly alternatives will ensure that the bathroom remains clean and free of bacteria.
