DIY Toilet Brush Cleaning Hacks You Need to Try Today

Let’s face it: the toilet brush is the unsung hero of the bathroom. It does the dirty work, yet no one ever wants to talk about it—until it’s covered in mystery stains, smelling like a forgotten dungeon, and generally giving off "don't come near me" vibes. But what if I told you that cleaning your toilet brush doesn’t have to feel like an awful chore? You can hack your way to a cleaner, fresher toilet brush, and I’m here to show you how.

First off, let's get this out of the way: if you’re still using the same old toilet brush with a grime-coated handle and bristles that look like they’ve been through a war, you need a reality check. If you're not regularly cleaning the brush itself, you're basically letting it collect bacteria, mold, and who knows what else. If that doesn’t disturb you, then, by all means, skip ahead. But for the rest of us, here are some DIY hacks that will make your toilet brush cleaning routine way more tolerable (and even somewhat satisfying).

Start with the basics: vinegar. I know, I know, it's a classic, but there's a reason it works. Vinegar is like the Swiss Army knife of cleaning products—cheap, effective, and practically magic when it comes to breaking down grime and killing bacteria. The easiest hack? Fill a bucket or bowl with equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Dunk your toilet brush in there, swish it around a bit, and leave it for 30 minutes to an hour. The acid in the vinegar breaks down mineral buildup and loosens the debris stuck in the bristles. It's like giving your brush a spa day—minus the soothing music, but with all the cleanliness.

Want to take it up a notch? Add some baking soda to the mix. If you're trying to clean and deodorize at the same time, this duo is unstoppable. After soaking your brush in the vinegar-water combo, sprinkle baking soda on the bristles and let it fizz and foam. Not only will it lift any lingering gunk, but the fizzing action helps scrub out whatever vinegar didn’t get to. It’s a little science experiment happening right in your toilet bowl, and it's surprisingly satisfying. Also, the baking soda neutralizes odors, so when you pull that brush out, it’s fresh as a daisy. Bonus: If your brush holder smells funky (and let’s be honest, they all do at some point), sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom to absorb the odor.

Next, let’s talk about essential oils. No, this isn’t some hippie nonsense—it’s practical, and it works. Essential oils like tea tree oil or lavender oil are natural disinfectants and deodorants. After your brush has soaked and you’ve given it a good scrub, a few drops of essential oil can take it from "ugh" to "ahh" in no time. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that will give your brush an extra layer of protection against bacteria. Plus, the smell is pretty great. I personally swear by a few drops of eucalyptus oil—something about it makes the whole bathroom feel like a spa (even if it's just a regular Tuesday night).

But here’s the real kicker: Drying your brush properly is key. If you leave it to drip on your bathroom floor, you're defeating the whole purpose of cleaning it in the first place. Get yourself a decent toilet brush holder that has ventilation (yes, they exist), or better yet, DIY one. I’ve seen people hang their brushes from a simple, upturned cup or container, letting it dry off without ever touching anything. The key is air circulation—when your brush dries out properly, it won’t develop that gross, stagnant water smell that’s enough to make you reconsider your entire cleaning routine.

And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, there’s always the bleach option. But let’s be clear: bleach is a last resort. It’s potent, it’s harsh, and it’ll do the job, but it’s not something you should rely on all the time. A deep bleach soak every couple of months is good for killing any stubborn germs and for ensuring your brush is at peak cleanliness. Just be careful not to overdo it—you don’t need your brush smelling like a hospital to get it clean. A good 15-20 minute soak, followed by a rinse, and you’re good to go.

Here’s a fun little case study: I once had a friend who was constantly complaining about how gross his toilet brush was—until he tried soaking it in vinegar and adding some essential oils. The difference was night and day. Not only did his brush look cleaner, but it smelled like a legit high-end hotel bathroom. He also noticed his brush lasted longer because the buildup was gone and the bristles didn’t get stiff and gross. It was an "aha" moment for him, and honestly, it was pretty satisfying to watch.

Cleaning your toilet brush doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little creativity and some basic ingredients, you can get it looking and smelling like new again. The best part? You’re not just cleaning the brush—you’re taking control of your bathroom hygiene in a way that’s easy, affordable, and surprisingly effective.