When it comes to cleaning the toilet, you need to make sure that the tool you're using is clean too.
A toilet brush is many people's go-to for the job - and while bleach is great for killing germs that linger in the bowl or brush, experts have urged homeowners to rethink whether it is enough to keep them sanitary.
Instead, cleaning professionals have suggested using a different item for a more "sanitary" toilet, reducing the risk of bacteria in your bathroom.
It's common knowledge that toilet bowls can contain large amounts of germs, but the very thing many of us use to clean them could make it even worse, the Express reports.
Scrubbing the porcelain bowl with a clean brush is an effective way to get rid of any mess, though it can quickly become dangerous if you store the brush incorrectly.
According to experts, placing a wet toilet brush back in its holder is one of the worst mistakes made while cleaning, and can lead to everything from bad smells to illness.
Expert plumber, Gary Johnson said: "Keep in mind that it not only has bacteria from the toilet water, but also it can trap fecal matter or toilet paper which is not only unsanitary but unhealthy."
The toilet brush holder provides the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow and will continue to do so if not cleaned regularly.
For this reason, it is important to always clean and dry the brush properly after use or avoid it altogether.
Speaking to The Guardian, How Clean is Your House? presenter Aggie MacKenzie, recommended using rubber gloves instead.
While it is more hands-on, the famous cleaner explained that gloves are better than a "vile" brush for hygiene purposes.
She told the publication she "would much rather get a pair of thick rubber gloves on and use my fingernail under the gloves to get any bits".
To safely clean your toilet this way, a mixture of white vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils is all you need.
Start by combining 15 drops of your chosen oil with two cups of vinegar.
Sprinkle baking soda directly into the toilet bowl and use thick gloves to lather the powder into foam. Flush the toilet to clear the residue and reveal a sparkling surface.
For stubborn stains, leave the mixture to sit for 10 minutes after scrubbing with your hands before rinsing the bowl.
Spray more vinegar and essential oils onto the exterior of the toilet and use a rag or cloth to wipe the surface.
According to experts, these should be washed at 60C after use to remove bacteria.
For tough stains, a pumice stone is an ideal alternative to a dirty toilet brush.
This handy tool is effective on delicate porcelain as it is harder than most mineral materials, yet softer than porcelain.
As you scrub the stain, the stone wears down, leaving small pumice particles on the watery surface to form an abrasive paste.
While it's guaranteed to remove stains, pumice stone isn't suitable for cleaning the toilet regularly, and should only be saved for the occasional deep clean.
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