Cleaning toilet seat hinges can be a pain. You never know if you made it worse or not. It’s because cleaning is not that simple as it’s just a hinge. But ignoring the toilet hinge cleaning can lead to some unhealthy and embarrassing situations in the bathroom. From developing an unpleasant odor to bacterial infections, anything can happen if you don’t clean it properly and frequently. This guide will show you how to clean your toilet seat hinges the right way and make it easier for yourself.
Importance of Cleaning Toilet Seat Hinges
Cleaning seat toilet hinges is a job that most people don’t like, but it needs to be done. It may not seem like a big deal to have dirty hinges on your toilet seat, but it could mean more money spent on other repairs in the long run.
Here are some reasons why you should clean your toilet seat hinges:
- It’s Sanitary
If you share your bathroom with other people, you want to make sure that everything is sanitary and clean. Toilet seats can get dirty if they aren’t cleaned regularly, so it’s essential to keep them clean and hygienic.
- It will help prevent damage to the toilet seat
When you have dirty toilet seats, there’s always a chance that mold or mildew will grow on them over time. This can lead to damage such as rusting or corrosion over time which can cause more expensive repairs down the road.
- It helps keep out germs
Germs love dark places where sunlight doesn’t shine through, so when you leave your toilet seat up all day long, it becomes one of those dark places where germs like to hide out until they get exposed to sunlight again (like when someone sits down). When germs are exposed to sunlight, they die, and that’s why it’s essential to clean your toilet seat hinges regularly.
- It prevents stains from forming on the seat
When people sit down on dirty toilets, the dirt and grime from their clothes rub off onto the surface of the seat, leaving behind stains that are difficult to remove. If you clean off those stains regularly, you’ll be able to prevent them from appearing in the first place!
- It prevents bad smells
Bacteria love warm places that are moist and dark – like under a closed lid. If you leave your cover-up all day long (even overnight), the bacteria will grow and produce odors that don’t smell very good! If this happens, then it’s time to clean your seat hinges!
- It makes for a better-looking bathroom
An old toilet with rust stains around the hinges or even around the base can make for an unattractive bathroom. Keeping these areas clean and free from rust will make your bathroom look more modern and inviting!
Steps of Cleaning Toilet Seat Hinges
Cleaning a toilet seat hinge is a little trickier than cleaning the rest of the toilet. The hinges are usually in an area that is hard to reach and often have nooks and crannies that are difficult to clean.
It’s essential to clean these areas because they can harbor germs and bacteria that cause illness.
Step 1 – Remove Toilet Seat
The first thing you need to do is remove the seat from the toilet. This will give you access to all of the parts and areas to be cleaned.
Remove both bolts that secure each of the toilet seat hinges to the bowl by turning them counterclockwise until they are loose enough for you to remove them entirely from their respective holes in the bowl (this may take some muscle). Put them aside so they don’t get lost while cleaning.
Step 2 – Locate Toilet Seat Hinges
The hinges of your toilet seat are typically located on the back of the toilet. They may be found in various places, depending on the style and age of your toilet.
Use a screwdriver to remove any screws holding the hinge in place on your toilet. Be sure to hold onto one side of the hinge while removing the screws from another side so that it doesn’t just fall off when you’re done.
Step 3 – Apply Mild Cleaning Solution
Mix up a hot water solution and mild cleaning soap in a spray bottle or bucket, using equal parts soap and water. Spray or pour this solution over the hinges on each side of your toilet seat lid, letting it soak for five minutes before scrubbing it off with an old toothbrush or sponge. This will remove any dirt or stains accumulated on your hinges over time, making them look brighter and newer than ever before!
Step 4 – Scrub Toilet Seat Hinges
Scrub away any stains with an abrasive scrubbing pad or brush. Place some liquid cleanser onto the scrubbing pad or brush and work it into any stains or grime on the seat hinges until they’re removed completely.
Use a toothbrush or other small brush to get into the small crevices in the hinge. You can use a cotton swab if you need more reach.
Step 5 – Rinse Clean Toilet Seat Hinges
Rinse with warm water and mild soap. Rinse under warm running water with a mild detergent solution (such as dish soap) to remove any remaining dirt or grime from around the hinges. Rinse thoroughly with clear water until all traces of soap are gone
If you want to get rid of any mildew or mold built up on your toilet seat hinges, you can also use bleach. Bleach is quite effective at killing mold spores and preventing the future growth of bacteria. Add about ¼ cup of bleach per gallon of water into a spray bottle, spray it onto your toilet seat hinges, and let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Step 6 – Dry Clean Toilet Seat Hinges
After you have cleaned all of the surfaces well, Let everything dry before putting your seat back on again. If there’s still some water on top of the hinge after cleaning it with soap and water or an enzymatic cleaner, dry them off with a towel or paper towel to soak up any remaining moisture from inside the hinge so it can dry properly.
Step 7 – Reassemble The Toilet Seat
The next step is to put everything back together again in reverse order from when it was taken apart to look new again!
Conclusion
Clean toilet handles and hinges regularly. This menial task may seem insignificant, but it will make your bathroom more presentable and inviting to guests. If you cannot clean the seat hinges on your own, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to handle the task for you.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.