Cleaning mould off a toilet typically involves using a cleaning agent that can kill mould spores, combined with scrubbing. One effective method utilizes hydrogen peroxide, a common household item.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Toilet Mould
Hydrogen peroxide is not just for sterilizing cuts; it can kill mold too! If you find mould in your toilet bowl or tank, hydrogen peroxide is a readily available solution.
Here’s how to use it based on the reference:
- Prepare: Ensure you have hydrogen peroxide (typically 3% solution) and a toilet brush.
- Pour: Pour a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl. If mould is in the tank, you can carefully add hydrogen peroxide to the tank as well (check your toilet manual first, some tanks have specific material requirements).
- Let Sit (Optional but recommended): Allow the hydrogen peroxide to sit for 15-30 minutes to allow it time to work on killing the mould spores.
- Scrub: Use a toilet brush and scrub the entire bowl. Pay special attention to areas with visible mould growth, including under the rim. If mould is in the tank, gently scrub the affected areas inside the tank with a brush (use gloves).
- Flush: Flush the toilet to rinse away the solution and the scrubbed mould.
Other Methods for Toilet Mould
While hydrogen peroxide is effective, other common household cleaners can also tackle toilet mould:
- White Vinegar: Pour undiluted white vinegar into the bowl and let it sit for several hours or overnight before scrubbing and flushing. The acetic acid in vinegar helps kill mould.
- Baking Soda Paste: For stubborn mould spots, mix baking soda with a little water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the mouldy areas, let it sit, then scrub with a brush. You can also add vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to the baking soda paste for extra cleaning power.
- Commercial Mould Removers: Products specifically designed for bathroom mould removal can be used, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated when using these products.
Important Tips for Cleaning Toilet Mould
- Ventilation: Always ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated by opening windows or using an exhaust fan when cleaning.
- Gloves: Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from cleaning agents and mould spores.
- Safety: Never mix different cleaning agents, especially bleach and ammonia or bleach and vinegar, as this can create toxic fumes. Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can also create a mildly irritating acid when mixed, so use them separately.
- Prevent Recurrence: Mould thrives in damp environments. To help prevent mould from returning, fix any leaks, ensure good ventilation in the bathroom, and clean the toilet regularly.
Tackling mould promptly keeps your toilet hygienic and prevents the mould from spreading.
