Hey there! As a home improvement expert who has renovated dozens of bathrooms, I‘m excited to provide you with this comprehensive guide to cleaning your Toto toilet. With over 15 years of experience upgrading bathrooms and repairing all types of toilets, I‘ve learned the ins and outs of keeping Toto toilets sparkling clean.
In this guide, I‘ll share all my top tips and tricks for making your Toto toilet shine. We‘ll cover everything from the best cleaning products to use to removing stubborn stains and mineral buildup. I‘ll also provide helpful cleaning schedules and dos and don‘ts.
Let‘s dive in!
Why Regular Cleaning of Your Toto Toilet Matters
Before we get our hands dirty, I want to emphasize the importance of regular cleaning for your Toto toilet‘s health and performance.
Here are some key reasons to stick to a cleaning routine:
-
Prevents stains and buildup – Regular cleaning prevents mineral deposits, limescale, and dirt buildup that can stain and degrade toilet surfaces over time.
-
Reduces odors – Frequent cleaning eliminates urine, bacteria, and soap scum that can cause unpleasant toilet odors if allowed to linger.
-
Improves flushing performance – Keeping toilet bowls and rim jets clean allows water to flow freely and provides optimal flushing power.
-
Enhances hygiene – A clean toilet prevents the spread of germs and bacteria on bathroom surfaces.
-
Extends toilet lifespan – Regular upkeep keeps all toilet components functioning properly and adds years to your toilet‘s lifespan.
-
Provides visual appeal – A sparkling clean toilet simply looks more appealing than a neglected one.
Hopefully this gives you some motivation to keep your Toto toilet well maintained! Let‘s look at how to do just that.
Recommended Supplies for Cleaning Your Toto Toilet
Having the right cleaning tools and products on hand makes cleaning your Toto toilet quick and efficient. Here are the supplies I recommend having:
For the exterior:
- Mild liquid soap or detergent
- All-purpose cleaner (non-abrasive)
- Soft sponges and microfiber cloths
- Toilet brush (soft nylon or natural bristles)
- Small vacuum brush attachment
For the bowl:
- Toilet wand for scrubbing under rim
- Toilet brush with bowl scraper
- Toilet bowl cleaner (mild or non-chlorine)
For stubborn stains:
- Pumice stone
- Limescale remover (like Lime-A-Way)
- White vinegar
- Non-abrasive gel or foam bowl cleaner
Other supplies:
- Rubber gloves
- Old toothbrush or other small scrub brush
- Grout brush for hard to reach areas
- Toilet light if bowl is poorly lit
Make sure you avoid any harsh acidic or abrasive cleaners that could damage the special glazing on the Toto toilet surfaces.
Now let‘s tackle each area of your toilet using our arsenal of supplies!
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Toto Toilet
Follow these steps to thoroughly clean each part of your Toto toilet:
Cleaning the Toilet Exterior
- Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands.
- Spray exterior surfaces (tank, bowl, base) with non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner.
- Wipe surfaces clean using a soft sponge, cloth or paper towel.
- For stubborn spots, spray directly and let sit briefly before wiping.
- Rinse surfaces with clean water and wipe dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Use the small vacuum brush attachment to clean crevices and base.
Pro Tip: Make sure to wipe down the toilet seat, hinges, and lid exterior as well!
Scrubbing the Toilet Bowl
- Remove toilet seat and set aside. Spray with cleaner and wipe later.
- Apply toilet bowl cleaner under rim, on jets, and over any stains. Let sit.
- Scrub entire bowl including under rim, jets and trapway using toilet brush.
- Use toilet wand to scrub hard to reach areas under rim.
- Flush toilet repeatedly until water runs clear.
- Reattach and wipe down toilet seat with disinfecting cleaner.
- Consider applying a toilet bowl coating like Gel Gloss to help prevent future stains.
Pro Tip: Always start with the least harsh bowl cleaner and increase strength as needed.
Removing Stubborn Stains and Mineral Deposits
For light stains:
- Gently scrub with a pumice stone. Flush toilet to rinse.
For heavier stains:
- Apply a mineral stain remover and let sit according to directions before scrubbing.
- Spray white vinegar directly on stains. Let sit 1-2 hours before scrubbing.
- Use a specialty toilet cleaner made for dissolving mineral deposits and limescale. Spot test first and always rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Pro Tip: Repeat applications and extended "dwell time" helps lift really stubborn buildup!
Cleaning the Toto Washlet
- Always check manufacturer‘s instructions first.
- Wipe seat, lid, and exterior with mild soap and soft cloth.
- Clean nozzle frequently using Premist setting and soft brush. Avoid hard scrubbing.
- Add Washlet cleaning solution to bowl. Operate wand to clean internals.
- Rinse surfaces and dry thoroughly after cleaning.
Pro Tip: Take extra care when cleaning the soft plastic and metal parts of your Washlet!
Helpful Cleaning Schedules
Here are some cleaning schedules I recommend to keep your Toto toilet sparkling:
Daily:
- Quick wipe down of bowl
- Check for any spots on toilet exterior
- Thorough Washlet cleansing on days of heavy use
Weekly:
- Complete bowl cleaning (under rim, jets, trapway)
- Wipe down exterior and base
- Washlet nozzle cleaning
Monthly:
- Intensive bowl cleaning and stain removal
- Thorough Washlet cleaning including internals
- Check for any hidden dust or grime buildup
Annually:
- Schedule a professional deep cleaning
- Inspect all toilet parts for damage or wear
- Replace pumice stone scrubber if worn out
Sticking to regular cleaning intervals prevents buildup and keeps your toilet fresh!
Handy DOs and DON‘Ts for Cleaning Your Toto Toilet
DO:
- Read product instructions before using any cleaner
- Use soft brushes and non-abrasive scrubbers
- Wipe exterior frequently with mild cleaner
- Clean bowl weekly minimum
- Wear gloves to protect hands
DON‘T:
- Use in-tank cleaners that can damage parts
- Use harsh acidic or abrasive cleaners
- Scrub too hard or with coarse materials
- Allow stains and buildup to linger too long
- Mix cleaning products together
Following these simple DOs and DON‘Ts will ensure safe, effective cleaning and help preserve your Toto toilet.
Answers to Common Toto Toilet Cleaning Questions
Cleaning your Toto toilet properly does take some know-how. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
What’s the best way to remove rust stains from my Toto toilet?
Use a non-acidic rust remover gel and a plastic scrub pad. Avoid metal scouring pads that could scratch the surface. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
How can I make my toilet bowl cleaner work better?
Look for cleaners containing dye and fragrance that help maintain visibility and scent between scrubbings. Formula with cling action also improves effectiveness.
What’s the safest way to clean hard water stains from my soft close Toto toilet seat?
Dampen a microfiber cloth slightly with distilled white vinegar. Gently rub the stain until it disappears. Rinse with clean water and thoroughly dry seat to prevent future stains.
How often should I replace my pumice stone toilet scrubber?
Inspect pumice stones every couple months for cracks and excessive wear. Replace stones that have broken edges that could scratch or gouge surfaces.
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out. I‘m always happy to help offer tips about cleaning or upgrading your Toto toilet.
Keep Your Toto Toilet Spotless with Regular Care
Well there you have it – everything you need for keeping your Toto toilet sparkling clean! I hope you found these steps, tips, schedules and recommendations helpful.
Remember, taking good care of your Toto toilet now saves you headaches down the road. Following a consistent cleaning routine will help preserve its beauty and performance.
Let me know if you have any other toilet cleaning questions arise. I‘m always here to help!
