Keeping your toilet clean is vital for a healthy home. But if you’re not cleaning it properly, you could be spreading more germs than you’re removing. Many people make simple mistakes without realizing the risks. These errors can cause hygiene problems, damage surfaces, or even make you sick.

Here are five common mistakes to avoid when cleaning your toilet — and what to do instead.

1. Not Wearing Gloves

Cleaning a toilet exposes your hands to harmful bacteria, viruses, and harsh cleaning chemicals. Yet many people skip wearing gloves. This mistake puts you at risk of skin irritation and infection.

Your skin is your first defense against germs. When it’s exposed to toilet water or chemicals, your risk of illness increases. Gloves provide a barrier that protects your hands.

What to do:
Always wear disposable or reusable rubber gloves. After cleaning, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, even if you wore gloves.

2. Using the Same Cleaning Tools for Other Surfaces

Cross-contamination is a serious concern. Using the same sponge, cloth, or brush on the toilet and other surfaces (like sinks or countertops) spreads bacteria. Pathogens from the toilet can end up where you wash your hands or brush your teeth.

This mistake is common and dangerous. It increases the risk of spreading illnesses like stomach viruses, urinary tract infections, and other bacterial infections.

What to do:
Keep separate cleaning tools for the toilet. Label them clearly. Store them in a separate container away from other supplies.

3. Not Letting the Cleaner Sit Long Enough

Toilet cleaners need time to work. If you spray and scrub immediately, the disinfectant doesn’t have a chance to kill germs. This reduces the effectiveness of your cleaning and allows bacteria to survive.

Many cleaning agents require a “dwell time” — the amount of time they must remain on a surface to properly disinfect.

What to do:
Read the label on your cleaning product. Most disinfectants need to sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Spray the bowl and outer surfaces, wait, then scrub and rinse.

4. Neglecting the Toilet Handle and Outer Areas

Most people focus only on the inside of the toilet bowl. But the handle, seat, lid, and base are just as important. These are high-touch areas where bacteria can thrive.

The toilet handle is especially germ-prone. Every time it’s flushed, hands touch it — often before washing. Studies have found high levels of bacteria, including E. coli, on toilet flush handles.

What to do:
Wipe down the toilet handle, seat, lid, and base with a disinfecting wipe or spray. Clean these areas every time you clean the bowl.

5. Flushing with the Lid Open

Flushing the toilet with the lid open creates what’s known as a “toilet plume.” Tiny particles of water, urine, feces, and bacteria shoot into the air and settle on nearby surfaces. This includes your toothbrush, towels, and sink.

This invisible spray can spread germs throughout your bathroom.

What to do:
Always close the lid before flushing. This simple habit reduces airborne germs and protects the cleanliness of your bathroom.

Final Thoughts

Toilet cleaning is more than just scrubbing the bowl. Avoiding these common mistakes helps ensure your bathroom stays sanitary and safe. Wear gloves. Use separate tools. Give disinfectants time to work. Don’t forget the outer surfaces. And close the lid before flushing.

These small changes can make a big difference in your health and hygiene. A clean toilet isn’t just about appearances — it’s about protecting your home from harmful germs.

Keep it clean. Keep it safe. Your health depends on it.