Do you need to clean a toilet plunger?

A toilet plunger is an essential tool that most households have on hand for unclogging toilets. While it may seem unsanitary, cleaning a toilet plunger regularly is important for keeping it functioning properly and avoiding the spread of germs.

Why You Should Clean Your Toilet Plunger

Here are some key reasons why cleaning a toilet plunger is important:

• Removes built-up residue – Each time you use a toilet plunger, more residue from the toilet bowl builds up on the plunger head. This can include feces, urine, toilet paper, and other grime. Letting it accumulate can impede the suction of the plunger.
• Eliminates odors – The residue that remains on a toilet plunger after use can create unpleasant odors over time. Giving it a good clean helps eliminate any lingering smells.
• Prevents germ spread – Toilet plungers harbor a lot of germs, including E. coli and other bacteria that can cause illness. Proper cleaning helps kill these germs and prevent them from spreading to other areas.
• Extends plunger life – Letting a toilet plunger get too dirty can degrade the rubber over time, shortening its lifespan. Regular cleaning helps preserve its suction power.

Failing to clean a toilet plunger means you are leaving behind germs, dirt, and odor-causing residue each time you set it back in the bathroom. Getting into the habit of occasional cleaning is worthwhile for both hygiene and plunger performance.

How Often Should You Clean It?

A good rule of thumb is to clean your toilet plunger after every use. But realistically, very few people want to go through the cleaning process each time. Here are some general guidelines on cleaning frequency:

• At minimum, clean once per month – This allows you to regularly eliminate most germs and residue buildup.
• Clean after periods of frequent use – You may need to plunge a toilet more often when household members suffer from stomach flu or other gastrointestinal issues. Disinfect the plunger after these episodes.
• Clean when you notice grime and odors – If you can see a clear buildup of residue or smell unpleasant odors, it’s time for a cleaning.
• Clean before first use – When using a brand new toilet plunger for the first time, give it a thorough cleaning to eliminate factory germs.

Checking your toilet plunger once a month and cleaning when needed is adequate for most households. Increase the frequency based on amount of use and any visible buildup.

How to Clean a Toilet Plunger

Cleaning a toilet plunger only takes a few minutes. Here are the basic steps:

1. Wear gloves – Household rubber gloves help keep your hands clean and protected throughout the process.
2. Rinse under warm water – Rinse the plunger under warm running water to wash away any visible residue stuck to the bell and handle.
3. Scrub with brush and cleaner – Use a stiff scrub brush and an antibacterial cleaner or disinfectant to scrub the plunger head, handle, and flange. Scrub all surfaces until visibly clean.
4. Rinse again – Rinse thoroughly with warm water to eliminate all soap residue.
5. Air dry – Allow the plunger to completely air dry before storing or using again. Drying it thoroughly prevents mold growth.

Some other tips for getting a toilet plunger completely clean include:

• Use bleach or hydrogen peroxide for extra disinfecting against household germs
• Remove stubborn gunk with an old toothbrush
• Clean the flange edge with an old rag or toothpick
• Plug the sink and fill with hot water and cleaner to soak the plunger

Repeating this thorough cleaning process monthly or whenever you notice buildup will keep your toilet plunger sanitary and working efficiently.

Where to Clean It

You have a couple options on where to actually clean your toilet plunger:

• In the bathtub – This contains the mess and allows you to rinse the plunger thoroughly.
• Outside with a hose – Your backyard lets you avoid making a mess inside. The outdoor hose offers ample rinsing ability.
• In a bucket – A 5-gallon bucket lets you fill with warm water and cleaner to soak the plunger.
• Utility sink – Many garages or laundry rooms have a utility sink perfect for scrubbing tools like plungers.

Choose a location that is easy to clean up afterwards – you don’t want to leave grime from the dirty plunger behind. Protecting any surfaces with a towel can help. Remember to rinse all cleaning tools and supplies when finished.

Cleaning Solutions to Use

Any standard household bathroom cleaner or disinfectant works well for cleaning toilet plungers. Here are some specific solutions:

• Bleach – The chlorine in bleach disinfects and kills germs. Mix 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of warm water. Rinse thoroughly after soaking.
• Hydrogen peroxide – Its bubbling reaction helps lift residue. Use 3% solution. Rinse thoroughly after soaking.
• Borax – The abrasiveness of borax can help scrub away tough gunk. Mix 1/2 cup borax per gallon of warm water.
• Baking soda – Sprinkling baking soda on the plunger and scrubbing with a brush cleans and deodorizes.
• White vinegar – The acidity of vinegar cuts through residue. Mix equal parts vinegar and water to soak.
• Antibacterial cleaner – Any bathroom disinfecting cleaner or spray works to kill germs.

Always read any safety precautions before using cleaning chemicals. Rinsing very thoroughly is key after soaking in solutions like bleach.

Proper Storage

The way you store your toilet plunger between uses can also impact how dirty it gets. Here are some tips for hygienic storage:

• Store in a bucket – Keep a bucket next to the toilet specifically for holding the plunger.
• Hang on a toilet tank – Look for toilet tank plunger holders that grip onto the side of the tank.
• Use a protective cover – Plastic covers slip over the plunger bell to contain drips.
• Set on a towel – Keep it on a dedicated towel that can be regularly washed.
• Store in cabinet below sink – Place it in a plastic bucket lined with a trash bag for easy removal.

Always make sure to store the plunger away from other items and allow it to fully dry between uses. Any contained storage away from open air can help prevent odors.

When to Replace Your Plunger

With periodic cleaning, a quality rubber toilet plunger can last for years. But here are some signs it may need replacement:

• Cracks in the rubber – Cracks or cuts will impede suction during plunging.
• Stiff, misshapen, or warped – The plunger should regain its original bell shape after use. Stiff rubber indicates age.
• Odor persists after cleaning – A very old plunger can retain odors even after cleaning.
• Handle cracked or broken – Stress from use can cause the wooden handle to crack over time.
• Ineffective plunging – Your plunger should still have strong suction. Weak plunging ability indicates loss of seal.

Many basic toilet plungers cost around $10 to $15 to replace. Select one with a quality cup and handle for longevity.

Other Plunger Cleaning Tips

Here are some other useful toilet plunger cleaning tips:

• Scrub the plunger head, flange, and handle thoroughly – Don’t forget areas like the underside of the rim.
• Use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bell if heavily soiled – Bristles reach inner surfaces.
• Use a disinfectant spray on the handle – This kills germs where your hands grip.
• Consider replacing if used for major sewage clogs – The porous rubber will absorb sewage and odors more stubbornly.
• Clean your plunger before applying another use – Never plunge repeatedly before cleaning.
• Wash your hands after cleaning – Rinsing with soap and hot water prevents spread of germs.

Staying on top of occasional toilet plunger cleaning and replacement when worn out will help keep your bathroom sanitary and ensure you have an effective tool when clogs strike.

Can You Clean a Toilet Plunger in the Dishwasher?

Cleaning a toilet plunger in the dishwasher is not recommended. Here’s why:

• May transfer bacteria – It can spread germs and bacteria onto dishes and other items in the dishwasher.
• Leaves grime behind – Dishwashers often miss residue left inside the bell and on the bottom rim of the plunger.
• Retains odors – The dishwasher does not eliminate odors like hand cleaning does.
• Can melt – High heat can warp or melt the rubber of the plunger.
• Uses dishwasher space – It takes up room needed for dishes and cutlery.

Hand washing is the most effective cleaning method. The scrubbing action helps remove stubborn gunk. Soaking in disinfectants kills more germs than a dishwasher does. And it avoids transferring bacteria onto other items you place in the dishwasher.

Can You Put a Toilet Plunger in the Washing Machine?

It’s also best to avoid putting a toilet plunger into the washing machine. Here’s why:

• Transfers germs – It will spread bacteria and germs onto clothing items washed at the same time.
• Leaves residue – Agitation from the washer can loosen residue but not fully remove it.
• Retains odors – Washing machine detergent does not fully eliminate odors and bacteria like disinfectants can.
• No scrubbing – The washing machine cannot scrub stuck-on gunk off a plunger like hand cleaning does.
• Can unbalance – The odd shape may throw off the washer balance and cause vibration.

For the same reasons as a dishwasher, hand cleaning and disinfecting works much better for toilet plungers. The added scrubbing action gets it cleaner and kills more germs than a washing machine cycle can accomplish.

Conclusion

Cleaning your toilet plunger may seem like an unpleasant chore, but it’s essential for sanitary reasons and to keep the plunger working properly. Allowing gunk, bacteria, and odors to build up on the plunger can spread germs around your bathroom whenever you go to use it.

Setting aside a few minutes each month to thoroughly wash a toilet plunger prevents issues. Use disinfectants and plenty of scrubbing to kill germs and remove residue. With periodic cleaning and proper storage, a quality rubber plunger should provide years of effective plunging when needed.

While it may be tempting to take shortcuts like using a dishwasher or washing machine, hand cleaning really is necessary to fully sanitize and remove grime from a toilet plunger. The small investment of time pays off in a hygienic bathroom environment.

Recommended Cleaning Schedule for Toilet Plungers

Plunger Use Frequency	Recommended Cleaning Schedule
Rare use	Clean every 3-6 months
Moderate use (1-3 times per month)	Clean monthly
Heavy use (weekly)	Clean every 2 weeks
Extreme use (daily / several times weekly)	Clean weekly or before storing

Use the above schedule as a guideline for your specific household plunging requirements. Increase cleaning frequency when you notice odors or visible buildup on the plunger.

Key Takeaways on Cleaning Toilet Plungers

• Remove residue, bacteria, and odors by cleaning regularly
• Scrub with disinfectant cleaner and rinse thoroughly
• Monthly cleaning is usually sufficient for moderate use
• Always wear gloves during cleaning
• Hand wash only – don’t use dishwasher or washing machine
• Replace plunger if cracked, warped, or ineffective

Staying on top of occasional toilet plunger cleaning and replacement when worn out will help keep your bathroom sanitary and ensure you have an effective tool when clogs strike.