Should I Replace my Toilet Brush with Something Less Germ-y?
Sometimes we do things because it’s the way we’ve always done things. Perhaps we don’t even give it a second thought because we’re raised to believe that “this is the way and the only way”.
One tradition: the use of the toilet brush. The plastic toilet brush was invented in 1932 by William C. Schopp and patented by the Addis Brush Company in 1933.
Since then, a lot has changed in our culture. We now have better knowledge of germs, better technology, and better inventions. We no longer put lead in our paint, either (just sayin’).
I don’t know about you, but many of the toilet brushes I’ve owned over the years have been thrown away because they’ve seen better days. They’re also a petri dish for bacteria and mold growth. They sit in a tiny reservoir that lacks proper air flow.
Fortunately, there have been better inventions of the toilet brush such as one’s that have better air flow to dry out when not in use. I’ll get to that below, with a few recommendations for you.
A few tips when it comes to best practices when it comes to the tools you use for cleaning your toilet:
🦠 Sanitize your brush after use. Try spraying a DIY sanitizer spray or The Tidy People Glass Cleaner or All Purpose Spray — both have alcohol in them.
💦 Ensure there’s proper air flow with a brush after using it. Try placing your brush wand in between the toilet seat and toilet base to let dry after use before putting it away.
✨ Ensure your toilet brush housing container also have proper air flow like this Havanex Soft Silicone Toilet Brush or this Ecoco Silicone Toilet Brush. You can also opt for a natural wood that keeps the brush out in the open like this one by Plastic Free Pursuit.
🧼 My unpopular opinion: reusable sponges are far superior over toilet brushes. Try a reusable, washable sponge instead. These can be washed after each use. If you have a reusable towel management system at home, you can easily throw these into the wash on laundry day, with your other reusable cleaning towels. The great thing about using cloth reusable sponges is that you’re using a clean tool every time you clean your toilet. Invest in a good set of long armed gloves and you can throw these into the wash as well. And yes, in order to scrub your toilet, you’re using your hand. Using the glove will protect your hand!
The Tidy People Sink&Toilet Cleaner
For toilet cleaning, a few dollops of a good concentrated cleaner such as The Tidy People Sink&Toilet Cleaner can be used. To apply, pump the cleaner onto the reusable sponge or into the toilet before scrubbing. It’s also vegan, non-toxic, phosphate free, phthalate free, chlorine & dye free, organic, eco friendly, and reduces landfill waste.
