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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think about not having a toilet brush?

135 replies

JoelyJoe · 12/12/2023 15:51

So, during a particularly scintillating conversation at work today, about the state of the staff toilets, a colleague mentioned that she would never have a toilet brush in her house, because they are disgusting! Another colleague agreed.
I was surprised. While I hate the toilet brush, and its revolting little pot, I don't know of another alternative, other than putting my hand down there. Do they just use bleach? I don't really like using super strong chemicals any more than necessary.
I'd love to not have one. What do people do??

OP posts:
AHFaemale · 12/12/2023 16:44

toilet brushes in hospitals and cafes are gross - cos they are used to wipe skid marks off the toilet pan.

I have a toilet brush but it's used to give a clean pan (no skiddies) a good wash and wash under the rim. The brush is never dirty or gross so it really depends on how you use it.

PinkflowersWhiteBerries · 12/12/2023 16:43

takealettermsjones · 12/12/2023 16:04

People who keep gloves for "that purpose," why is that any better than keeping a toilet brush for "that purpose?" Assuming you wash your toilet brush?

Not saying it’s better, just what I do. My mum never had a toilet brush, it’s just not a ‘thing’ I am in the habit of using.

HandyLittleGadget · 12/12/2023 16:43

I've been married for 43 years, never had a toilet brush. I use bleach and toilet roll.

GnomeDePlume · 12/12/2023 16:42

We are in a very hard water area. Bleaches will get the porcelain looking white but hard water means the surface isn't polished. A scrub will be necessary. We have toilet brushes and are not ashamed.

NightmareGirl · 12/12/2023 16:40

Daisies12 · 12/12/2023 16:35

I don’t see how they are unhygienic? It’s only going in the toilet. I hate using bleach it’s so toxic. I’m always shocked how ultra obsessed people on MN are with hygiene. No wonder everyone has allergies and asthma, I rarely use any chemicals at home and we’re never ill

I have bad memories of the toilet brush when I was a child of the little basin thing it sits in being filled with gross dirty water

Daisies12 · 12/12/2023 16:35

I don’t see how they are unhygienic? It’s only going in the toilet. I hate using bleach it’s so toxic. I’m always shocked how ultra obsessed people on MN are with hygiene. No wonder everyone has allergies and asthma, I rarely use any chemicals at home and we’re never ill

mambojambodothetango · 12/12/2023 16:31

I got some ace silicon ones on Temu (I know). Much more hygienic.

JoelyJoe · 12/12/2023 16:22

Thetwilightscone · 12/12/2023 16:18

We have those silicone brush things which feel much less gross that the brush! But they are £30! So expensive. Maybe ask for some for Xmas OP 😂😂

Just what I've always dreamed of having in my stocking! 🤣🎄

OP posts:
mumof2many1943 · 12/12/2023 16:21

I am a no toilet brush person after finding my DD age 3 with Down Syndrome brushing her hair with it💗😫

Thetwilightscone · 12/12/2023 16:18

We have those silicone brush things which feel much less gross that the brush! But they are £30! So expensive. Maybe ask for some for Xmas OP 😂😂

NightmareGirl · 12/12/2023 16:15

Sexlivesofthepotatomen · 12/12/2023 16:13

Ouch, does it not irritate your hands?

Yeah it can feel like my skin is a bit jelly- like afterward. Sometimes I use spray cleaner

TheCadoganArms · 12/12/2023 16:14

Have to confess to owning a toilet brush. Can't believe all the faff of alternative methods being described above when a brush cleans up everything in seconds. It sits out of sight in a pot full of bleach so hardly smells or is an eyesore.

Sexlivesofthepotatomen · 12/12/2023 16:13

NightmareGirl · 12/12/2023 16:06

After touching a toilet yeah

Ouch, does it not irritate your hands?

Jeannie88 · 12/12/2023 16:10

Yes they aren't pleasant but they're not intended for anything other than their job description! You can keep them cleaner by adding bleach and water to the tube and buying new ones every few months. I scrub with a hard sponge regularly but plan to keep the toilet brush. It's inside a long cylinder so no odours due to the bleach and can't be seen.

HardcoreLadyType · 12/12/2023 16:09

I put a toilet brush next to every loo, and one of those “toilet duck” bottles of bleach (I refill them when they are empty, from a big bottle which reduces the plastic waste a bit).

I keep the brush reasonably clean by rinsing it well in the loo after each use.

Nothing is going to be perfect, but if there is the wherewithal to clean the loo when it gets dirty right there, it is more likely to be done on a regular basis that if you have to do it as a separate chore, as it were.

tokesqueen · 12/12/2023 16:09

We just use bleach.
Never had my hand down the loo in my life.

Greycottage · 12/12/2023 16:08

For people thinking it’s gross to use your hands, I don’t think it’s gross if you’ve got kids and are used to changing nappies and wiping poo bums (or picking up dog poo even). It’s the same protocol. Fold the wetwipe or tissue in such a way that you aren’t directly touching the offending area, then wash your hands after with soap and warm water.

Week54 · 12/12/2023 16:08

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

roombaclean · 12/12/2023 16:08

I've never tried it but there's FlushBrush. The handle is separate and magnetic, the brush head is silicone and sits in a clip in the loo. Pick it up with the magnetic handle, scrub and pop it back. The flush cleans the head.

Edit: Misread your post but I'll leave it up in case someone wants to try FB out!

NightmareGirl · 12/12/2023 16:06

Sexlivesofthepotatomen · 12/12/2023 16:03

You wash your hands with bleach?!

After touching a toilet yeah

Greycottage · 12/12/2023 16:05

I just put bleach down. My toilet has never had any marks.

If there was a stubborn mark still there after bleach and some flushes, I would bleach again, then wipe the bowl directly with a thick wad of loo roll. It comes off right away.

Loo brushes are gross, and I frankly don’t know what people are doing to their toilets that means the inside of the bowl needs vigorous scrubbing. Maybe if you have medical issues I suppose. But i’d still favour something disposable.

OhmygodDont · 12/12/2023 16:04

We don’t have one. Dh is chief toilet cleaner..

I can’t say I recall leaving anything that a double flush hasn’t cleared though but then I have ibs-d so might be why.

takealettermsjones · 12/12/2023 16:04

People who keep gloves for "that purpose," why is that any better than keeping a toilet brush for "that purpose?" Assuming you wash your toilet brush?

Sexlivesofthepotatomen · 12/12/2023 16:03

NightmareGirl · 12/12/2023 16:02

Yeah I put my hand in inside the toilet bowl. I used to wear gloves but I just wash my hands after with bleach lately

Edited

You wash your hands with bleach?!

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