How to clean a dirty toilet

As a high-bacteria area, toilets often need a more thorough clean than other areas of your home. However, this doesn't mean it has to be complicated. The most effective way to clean your toilet is by using Borax, which is a multi-purpose cleaning product that effectively cleans hard water stains in the toilet and other plumbing fixtures. Paired with vinegar and other common cleaning products, you'll have sparkling toilets in no time.

Pour 1/4 cup of Borax into the toilet bowl and swish it around with a toilet brush. Add one cup of vinegar and allow the mixture to sit in the bowl for about 20 minutes.

While the cleaner is working its magic, turn your attention to the exterior and tank. Using a cloth and disinfecting spray, lift the seat and clean underneath and around it.

Once 20 minutes has passed, scrub your toilet with a toilet brush, ensuring you're getting all angles of the toilet.

For stubborn hard water toilet stains, use a Borax paste. This requires a slightly different approach:

• Shut off the water to the toilet at the fixture shutoff valve, then flush the toilet to drain the bowl so the stains are not covered by water.
• Make a paste by mixing 1/2 cup of Borax and enough vinegar to form a thick paste.
• Spread the paste immediately onto the hard water stains in the toilet so they are completely covered by the paste. The Borax will harden quickly so don't add the vinegar until you are ready to apply the paste.
• Allow the paste to sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove the paste and stains by scrubbing with a stiff-bristled nylon brush.

Now that your toilet is clean, place the toilet brush in between the seat and toilet bowl so the brush is hanging over the toilet bowl. Pour hot water over the brush to disinfect and clean.

Lastly, flush to complete!

Top tips:

- Leaving the toilet bowl cleaner for longer will ensure all bacteria is removed.

- If you can, leave the toilet cleaner in the bowl overnight for a quick and easy clean in the morning.