Last Updated on July 31, 2023
Tired of scrubbing toilet bowls? Most people think toilet bowls only need to be cleaned from the outside. But cleaning the inside of the toilet bowl is just as significant as cleaning the outside since the water drains out of the bowl after you flush & it can quickly become stained.
Also, it is easy for bacteria and mold to grow in the toilet bowl, especially if there is any waste build-up. Not only does this look unsightly, but it can also lead to nasty smells. These bacteria can easily spread to other bathroom areas if not cleaned regularly. So you need to know how to plug a toilet bowl for cleaning.
You can use various tools and supplies to clean the inside of your toilet bowl. Continue reading to find out how to block a toilet bowl so it can be cleaned effectively, no matter how much dirt is inside.
How to Plug a Toilet Bowl for Cleaning With a Toilet Bowl Plug?
If you want to clean your toilet bowl effectively, one way to do so is by using a toilet bowl plug (such as a Toiee toilet bowl plug).
A toilet bowl plug is simply a rubber balloon seal or plastic disk that fits over the hole in the bowl’s bottom. This will effectively and safely block the hole and allow you to fill the bowl with a cleaning solution.
To begin cleaning your toilet bowl, follow these steps:
Step 01. Attach the Plug to the Toilet Bowl Drain
Attaching the toilet bowl plug to the drain is crucial in ensuring a clean toilet bowl. Locate the rubber balloon seal at the bottom of the toilet bowl plug. This seal will create a snug fit and prevent water from seeping out. Just press the air inlet plug 20 to 25 times directly onto the drain and make sure it is completely sealed.
You can also use a plastic disk to block the drain. Line up the corresponding drain hole on the toilet bowl with the plastic disk. Once you have a good seal, twist the plug clockwise until it is tight. You may need to use a little force, but be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the rubber seal.
Finally, tug at the plug to make sure it is secure. If it feels loose, repeat the process until it is tight. Now your toilet bowl is ready for a deep clean.
Step 02. Press Little Flush to Add Some Water
You need to add some water to the toilet bowl after plugging it in. Press a little flush on the flush lever to add some hard water. Aim for 1/2 gallon of water in the bowl. This will be enough to mix the toilet bowl cleaner effectively.
Also, it will help to wash down any limescale, rust, ochre, and other deposits build up from the toilet bowl surface.
Step 03. Mix Special Cleaning Solution
After adding the water, add the special cleaning solution that you have prepared for this situation. Just pour the toilet cleaner into the water bowl and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
When mixing the solution with water to clean the toilet bowl drain, you must ensure that the product is safe and will not harm any surrounding surfaces.
Also, choose a strong enough solution to break through any build-up in the toilet drain. Correspondingly, you need to be sure that the solution will not cause any damage to the toilet bowl itself.
Step 04. Add More Water to the Mixture
Now that the toilet bowl cleaner has had a chance to work its magic, it’s time to add more water. Pouring additional water into the mixture will help to clean away upper sediment and residue. Remember to keep the water level under the rim of the toilet bowl to avoid damaging any porcelain.
Step 05. Leave the mixture for Some Hours
For a more thorough clean, leaving the cleaner in the bowl for some time (approximately 1/2 hour to one hour) is recommended before scrubbing. This allows the cleaner to break down any tough stains and kill bacteria.
You can gently scrub on the hard-to-reach areas of the bowl with a toilet brush to help loosen hardened deposits.
Also, leaving the mixture for some time allows the cleaners to work around inaccessible spots, such as under the rim. Thus, taking the time to let the cleaner sit will result in a toilet bowl that is much easier to clean and less likely to harbor harmful bacteria.
Step 06. Unplug & Let the Water Run Out
Now gently rotate the air outlet plug knobs to release the air from the seal and allow the water to drain out of the toilet bowl slowly. Once the bowl is emptied, you can flush the toilet several times to rinse off any remaining cleaner.
To finish cleaning your toilet bowl, simply repeat these steps as often as needed to keep your toilet bowl looking clean and sparkling. Whether you’re tackling built-up grime or stubborn toilet stains, following these steps will help you achieve a spotless toilet bowl in no time.
What Can Happen If You Don’t Plug a Toilet Bowl When Cleaning?
When cleaning a toilet bowl, you should never forget to plug the drain before starting. Toilet bowls contain germs, including E. coli and other fecal bacteria. You expose yourself to potentially harmful bacteria by not plugging the toilet bowl.
When you start scrubbing the toilet bowl without plugging it, you can cause all kinds of unpleasant things to happen. Your brush will likely fall into the bowl if you forget to plug the drain.
Also, an open toilet bowl drain may not enable you to clean it effectively with drain cleaner solutions. This is because the water may not rise to the top of the bowl but instead flow into the drain. So, plugging the drain before cleaning your toilet bowl is critical to a thorough cleaning.
Is it Possible to Plug a Toilet Bowl for Cleaning?
While it may seem counterintuitive, plugging a toilet bowl can actually help to clean it. When you plug the toilet bowl, you can prevent water from flowing to the drain while storing water in the bowl to mix toilet bowl cleaner.
Also, plugging the toilet bowl can help the cleaner mix with other cleaning agents like white vinegar and detergent. It is one of the easiest ways to clean a toilet bowl without manual scrubbing, which can lead to splashing of toilet water all over you or your bathroom.
How Often Should You Clean Your Toilet Bowl With A Plug?
The answer may depend on a few factors. If someone in your house is ill, you may need to clean the bowl more frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
In general, most experts recommend cleaning the bowl at least once a week. This helps to remove any build-up of dirt and grime, and it also helps to keep the bowl smelling fresh. If you have heavy traffic in your bathroom, you may need to clean it more often.
But even with regular use, a once-weekly cleaning should be sufficient to keep your toilet looking and smelling its best. If you have a more prominent family or live in a filthy environment, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.
What Not to Do When Cleaning a Plugged Toilet Bowl?
Most people know the basics of how to clear a plugged toilet bowl. Still, there are a few things that you should avoid doing to prevent further damage:
- When washing a plugged toilet bowl, avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can eat away the plug material.
- To avoid overflowing the toilet bowl, do not pour excess water down the drain when unplugging it.
- If you are plugging a toilet bowl before cleaning it, be careful not to let too much water flow into the bowl.
- It is not advisable to leave an unattended plugged toilet bowl for a prolonged period.
- Do not try to use a plunger or other device to remove the plug if it becomes stuck. Instead, call a professional plumber for assistance.
With these tips in mind, you can safely and effectively clean your plugged toilet bowl without causing any damage. And by taking care of this often-overlooked task, you can help to keep your bathroom clean and healthy.
You Can Also Read: When should I use my toilet air freshener?
Can You Use Any Toilet Bowl Cleaner in a Plugged Toilet Bowl for Cleaning?
When cleaning a plugged toilet bowl, you may wonder if any toilet bowl cleaner will do the trick. The answer is, unfortunately, no. Different toilet bowl cleaners are designed for various purposes, and using the wrong one can worsen the clog.
Many gel-based cleaners contain oils that can coat the sides of the bowl and create a barrier that prevents water from flowing through. This can ultimately lead to an even more significant clog. Also, some cleaners can contain harsh chemicals harming the plug and your toilet.
So, if you’re dealing with a stopped toilet, your best bet is to use a non-chemical cleaner specifically formulated for this purpose. Such cleaners will help to clear the blockage without damaging your toilet or the plug material.
Is it Safe to Plug a Toilet Bowl When Cleaning?
The answer is yes if you have ever wondered whether a toilet bowl can be plugged in for cleaning. The porcelain in the bowl can withstand the pressure from the plug & trapped water, and there is no danger of the bowl cracking or breaking.
Also, the trapped water in the bowl will not flood your floor if you carefully unplug it at the right time. So, as long as you take the necessary precautions and use a toilet plug appropriate for your toilet, plugging a toilet bowl is safe.