How to Clean a Toilet with Bleach

Regularly disinfecting and deodorizing your toilet is important for a healthy home. With our easy to follow steps, you can use bleach to clean, disinfect, and deodorize toilets in no time.

More from Clorox experts
By Mary Gagliardi

Make toilet cleaning a breeze with our all-in-one system.

Use as directed.

No matter the size of your family, cleaning and disinfecting your toilet is an important part of keeping a clean home. This is easy to do with Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach and your favorite toilet scrubbing brush. Detailed steps below will help you properly use the product to clean, disinfect and deodorize a toilet, and you’ll be ready for guests before you know it.1

If you want a germ-killing cleaning solution with the convenience of a ready-to-use spray, try Clorox® Clean-Up® Cleaner + Bleach. Just remove excess dirt, and spray Clean-Up® Cleaner 4–6 inches from the surface until thoroughly wet. Let stand for 30 seconds, then rinse or wipe clean. The trusted disinfecting power you need, all in a convenient spray.

Related Articles

What you need

Steps to clean a toilet with bleach

  1. Flush your toilet

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

  2. Pour the bleach into the bowl

    Use the measuring cup to pour 1/3 cup Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach into the water in the toilet bowl.

  3. Brush the entire bowl

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

  4. Wait while the bleach keeps working

    Don’t flush the toilet right away. Instead, let the bleachy water in the bowl stand for 6 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. Flush the toilet again

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

    Never mix chlorine bleach products with toilet bowl cleaning products or other strong acids as hazardous fumes may result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put bleach in a toilet bowl?

Yes, Clorox® Bleach is safe to add to the water in the toilet bowl. Always flush the toilet first before scrubbing, and then again when toilet cleaning is finished.

Can I use Splash-Less® bleach to clean my toilet?

Yes, now that Clorox® Splash-Less® Bleach is registered as a disinfectant with the EPA, you can use it for disinfecting toilets. Be sure to read and follow all the label instructions.

Is bleach safe for septic systems?

Yes, when used as directed, Clorox® Bleach is safe for homes with septic systems.

Can I use Clorox® Clean-Up® Cleaner + Bleach?

Yes, Clorox® Clean-Up® Cleaner + Bleach is great for cleaning most hard, non-porous surfaces when used as directed. Start by removing excess dirt, then spray Clean-Up® Cleaner 4–6 inches from the surface until thoroughly wet. Let stand for 30 seconds, then rinse or wipe clean.

  • 1.

    When stored as directed in a cool dry place away from direct heat or sunlight, Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach has a one year shelf life. This applies to both opened and unopened bottles.