How to Clean a Toilet Brush and Holder — Toronto Home Guide

Toilet brushes are one of the most bacteria-laden items in the bathroom — they are used in direct contact with toilet waste and stored in an enclosed, poorly ventilated holder. Without regular cleaning, they become a source of bacterial contamination rather than a cleaning tool.

After Every Use

1. After scrubbing the toilet, hold the brush over the toilet bowl and pour a small amount of bleach or toilet cleaner over the bristles
2. Let it drip-drain back into the bowl for 30–60 seconds before returning it to the holder
3. This prevents the brush from sitting wet with waste material in the holder between uses

Weekly Deep Clean

1. Pour 50–100ml of undiluted bleach into the bottom of the holder
2. Place the brush back in the holder so the bristles sit in the bleach solution
3. Let soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour
4. Remove the brush and rinse both the brush and the holder with hot water from the tap or shower head
5. Allow both to dry before reassembling — place the brush across the toilet seat rim to drip dry into the bowl, or dry outdoors

Cleaning the Holder

1. Empty the holder and rinse with hot water
2. Use a small brush or cloth with bleach solution to scrub the inside of the holder
3. Rinse thoroughly and dry before returning the brush

When to Replace

Replace toilet brushes every 6–12 months, or sooner if:

• Bristles are frayed, splayed, or falling out
• The brush retains a persistent odour even after cleaning
• Bristles have become permanently discoloured