Removing a Toilet Seat

Bolt Covers

Toilet seats are attached with bolts, but on most toilets these bolts remain hidden from view by use of a plastic cover. The bolts are usually on the rear of the toilet seat. Simply flip up the covers before removing the bolts. It is very easy for these bolt covers to accumulate gunk over time and you may not necessarily want to come into contact with that gunk with your skin. Either wear gloves or clean away the gunk with warm water and soap.

Bolt Removal

You will need a screwdriver and a wrench to remove the bolts holding the toilet seat in place. Use the wrench to securely hold the nut from beneath while using the screwdriver to loosen the screw from above. If you run into trouble with unloosening a tight screw, spray a little WD-40 on the nut beneath and allow it to sit for a few minutes, then try unscrewing again.

Cleaning

After you have removed the toilet seat but before you replace it with a new one, take the time to clean the area around the mounting holes to make replacement easier. One of the most effective methods for cleaning the mounting holes is to use an old toothbrush and give it a good scrubbing with a strong brand of toothpaste. You can also use a steel wool pad, but just be careful not to damage the surface.