Why You Should Leave the Toilet Scrubber Between the Seat and the Toilet (and Not in the Holder)
Keeping a clean and hygienic bathroom is essential, and one of the tools that helps maintain cleanliness is the toilet scrubber. However, many people make the mistake of immediately placing the scrubber back into its holder after use, which can cause issues over time. A simple but often overlooked trick to improve hygiene and prevent mess is leaving the toilet scrubber between the toilet seat and the toilet for a short period after cleaning.
Here’s why this small action can make a big difference, and how to implement it:
1. Avoid Water Pooling in the Holder
After scrubbing the toilet, the brush is often still wet. Placing a wet scrubber directly into the holder can result in:
- Water buildup: Over time, the dirty water that drips off the scrubber collects in the bottom of the holder, creating a soggy mess that is not only unpleasant but also a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
- Bad odors: The standing water and residue can lead to foul smells in your bathroom, which you may not realize are coming from the scrubber holder. By leaving the scrubber to air dry for a few minutes before returning it to the holder, you allow it to drip dry, preventing this accumulation of water.
2. Reduce Bacteria and Mold Growth
A wet toilet scrubber sitting in a closed holder provides a warm, damp environment ideal for the growth of bacteria and mold. This can:
- Spread germs each time you use the brush.
- Make the scrubber itself dirty, leading to less effective cleaning and requiring frequent replacement of the brush. Allowing the scrubber to air out by placing it under the toilet seat for a few minutes after use ensures it dries properly, reducing bacteria and mold growth.
3. Prevent Messes
When you place the scrubber directly into the holder, there’s often residual water on the brush. This can:
- Leak onto the floor as you carry the wet scrubber, causing water stains or slippery spots.
- Create splatter inside the holder, making the brush harder to handle and less hygienic the next time you use it. Letting the scrubber drip dry into the toilet bowl minimizes the chances of water and grime ending up outside the toilet area, keeping your bathroom cleaner overall.
4. Improved Longevity of the Scrubber
Frequent exposure to water and dirt can wear down the bristles of the scrubber over time. By allowing the brush to air dry properly after each use, you extend its lifespan. You won’t need to replace your toilet scrubber as frequently, saving you money and reducing waste.
How to Properly Air Dry Your Toilet Scrubber
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to follow after cleaning your toilet:
- Scrub the Toilet as usual, making sure to thoroughly clean the bowl and any other areas.
- Flush the toilet, and gently shake off any excess water from the scrubber inside the bowl.
- Lift the toilet seat and position the scrubber between the toilet rim and the underside of the seat so the brush head is suspended over the toilet bowl.
- Allow the scrubber to air dry for 10–15 minutes, or until it’s no longer dripping wet.
- Once dry, place the scrubber back in its holder for proper storage.
Final Thoughts
This simple method of leaving the scrubber between the seat and toilet ensures the brush is as clean and dry as possible before storing it. It keeps your bathroom more sanitary, prevents bacteria buildup, and reduces unpleasant odors. The next time you clean your toilet, take this extra step—it’s a small change that makes a big impact on hygiene and convenience.
