How to Clean the Toilet and Tank and Remove Ring Stains

top-down toilet with lid open

Find out how to clean and disinfect your toilet. Follow easy, effective steps to remove stains, kill germs on hard, nonporous surfaces, and keep your bathroom fresh.

More from Clorox experts

If you’re wondering how to clean a toilet, let’s first flush out the common causes that lead to a dirty toilet. Toilet grime can develop due to mold or mildew thriving in the humid environment of bathrooms, particularly within the bowl or tank. Hard water can create mineral deposits that harbor odors and bacteria, while stagnant water in an unused toilet trap can allow sewer gases to rise. Other causes might include a leaking wax ring, loose toilet bolts, inadequate ventilation, or using an unclean toilet brush or plunger.

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How often should you clean your toilet?

To help keep your toilet sparkling clean, aim for a weekly scrub to prevent stains, buildup, mold and odors, and to keep things hygienic. During cold and flu season, a bit more frequent cleaning can help keep those pesky germs at bay. Regular cleaning also helps avoid clogs, spot early issues like leaks, and may even help save you money on bigger repairs down the road.

What you need

Steps to clean the toilet

  1. Flush your toilet

    Before adding any bleach to the toilet bowl, always flush the toilet first.

  2. Apply toilet bowl cleaner

    Apply 6 ounces of Clorox™ Bleach Toilet Bowl Cleaning Gel under and around rim to coat the inside of the bowl.

  3. Brush the entire bowl

    Use the toilet brush to scrub the entire surface of the bowl, including under the rim.

  4. Wait 10 minutes

    Don’t flush the toilet right away. Instead, let the bleachy water in the bowl stand for 10 minutes; set a timer if you need to.

    Tip

    Set the bleach bottle on the closed lid so you don’t forget that toilet cleaning is in progress.

  5. Clean toilet exterior

    While waiting for the bleach toilet cleaner to work its magic, wipe down the toilet exterior with Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes. Make sure to get the handle, base and bolts.

  6. Flush the toilet again

    One final flush rinses away the bleach, and the toilet is ready to use.

How to clean hard water stains and toilet rings

Hard water stains often can be the result of mineral buildup on your surfaces and can also include rust. Rust, limescale and hard water stains require acidic cleaners that have a pH less than 7. Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach has a pH greater than 7 and should never be mixed with acid as hazardous fumes may form. Instead, we recommend using Clorox™ Toilet Bowl Cleaner Lime & Rust Destroyer. Read our guide for how it can help remove hard water stains from the toilet.

How to clean a toilet tank

When used as directed, Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach can be used to clean the inside of an empty toilet tank. Learn how with our guide to cleaning the toilet tank.

How to clean a really dirty toilet

If your toilet is particularly icky, we recommend using a Clorox™ Disinfecting ToiletWand™ Disposable Cleaner. They have single-use cleaning heads that come preloaded with Clorox™ cleaner and feature a scrubbing texture that helps get a deep-down clean. When you’re done, you can just click and toss into the trash without having to touch the used cleaning head.

How to clean toilet cleaning supplies

Clean brushes, plungers, and other tools in a mixture of hot water and disinfecting bleach. Scrub any remaining residue off with a brush, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Let them air dry completely before storing to ensure they're ready for the next use.

If using the Clorox™ ToiletWand™, there is no need for cleanup. Simply clean with the pre-loaded pad and just toss the pad into the trash when finished.

How to clean a bidet

Modern high-tech bidets have self-cleaning features, and you should consult your owner’s manual for the proper cleaning information that works for your exact model. But for simple cleaning tips, we recommend cleaning the nozzle regularly with a Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipe* and drying thoroughly.

How to remove mold & mildew from a toilet interior

Apply a bleach-based spray cleaner like Clorox™ Plus Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover directly to the affected areas inside the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to effectively kill the mold and mildew on hard, nonporous surfaces. Afterward, scrub the bowl thoroughly with a toilet brush and flush to rinse. If you already have bleach on hand, you can just use that instead (or as an alternative) — find out how to make the right bleach solution here.

Tips to clean a toilet with bleach

  • Not sure what bleach-to-water ratio you need? Check out our handy chart.
  • Use freshly mixed solutions. Bleach degrades over time when diluted.
  • Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or any other cleaner; doing so can create dangerous fumes.
  • Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation during use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get rid of urine smell in the bathroom?

Start by deep cleaning around the toilet base, under the seat, and any nearby surfaces where urine can splash. If your bathroom still smells like urine afterward, use Clorox™ Urine Remover Spray to break down odors. Regular cleaning and proper ventilation are key to removing urine smell from the bathroom for good.

Can bleach be used in the toilet or toilet tank?

You can use bleach to clean a toilet bowl, but never mix bleach with other toilet bowl cleaners, as it can create dangerous fumes. If you have a septic system, frequent bleach use may disrupt the natural bacteria needed for it to properly function.

How do you empty a toilet bowl for cleaning?

First, turn off the water supply valve located behind the toilet. Then flush the toilet to drain most of the water out of the bowl. Use a sponge, cup or wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from the bowl. You’ll find it easier to deep clean the toilet without water getting in the way.

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    * Do not use on untreated brass fixtures.