How to Clean the Mildew Under the Toilet Bowl Rim

Mildew is a fungal growth, typically white or gray in color. The cause of mildew under a toilet rim, the part that overhangs the bowl, is typically excess moisture in the bathroom and around the fixture. Some toilets have a large rim that can accommodate a brush. Many, however, have a small slit that only a rag can penetrate. Either way, it is important to clean the mildew from this area frequently to avoid spores and a strong smell.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Masking tape
• Spray bottle
• Indelible marker
• Portable fan (optional)
• Household gloves
• Bleach
• 2 rags

1. Tear off a 5-inch piece of masking tape and attach it to a spray bottle. Write "Bleach" on the masking tape with an indelible marker.

2. Open a window or turn on the bathroom fan for ventilation. Bleach fumes can make you sick if you inhale too much of them. If you do not have a window or a fan, place a portable fan in front of the bathroom door facing out.

3. Put on protective household gloves. Pour bleach into the spray bottle about 1/4 of the way full. Turn the sprayer to the "mist" setting.

4. Spray the bleach over the toilet bowl rim, as well as under the rim. Drench the area with the bleach. Liquid should be dripping into the bowl and down the sides. Leave the room for roughly 20 minutes.

5. Wipe the toilet bowl rim with a rag. Scrub in a circle around the toilet. Rub any spillage of bleach down the sides as well. Use a second rag moist to clean the bleach from the rim.

6. Clean under the toilet bowl rim with the first cloth. Wrap the cloth around your finger to get inside the rim slit. Scrub in a circle, two or three times. Rinse the second rag and wrap your finger inside. Clean the bleach from rim.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow three hours for the bleach fumes to dissipate before closing the window or turning off either fan.
• You may need to repeat bleaching process more than once for excessive mildew buildup.
• Even after it is empty, do not fill the bleach spray bottle with any other cleaner and do not use it for any other purpose. Bleach can be difficult to remove entirely from the bottle and spray mechanism, resulting in problems of varying degree.

References

• Author's Den: Bathroom Cleaning Tips