Yes, You Should Be Cleaning Your Toilet Brush—Here's How

It’s one of the most practical, essential cleaning tools in your home—and one of the easiest to overlook. The toilet brush does the necessary work of keeping your bathroom fresh, but without proper care, it can quickly become a source of bacteria, odors, and buildup itself. The good news? Keeping a toilet brush clean doesn’t require much time or effort; just a few consistent habits and the right approach.

Below, the fundamental steps of maintaining this everyday tool so it stays as hygienic as the surfaces it's meant to clean.

Rinse Well After Every Use

First things first: If you weren’t already doing so, a toilet brush should be cleaned after every time you use it. “Rinse thoroughly after each use,” instructs home maintenance expert Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi, a referral and booking platform for trusted home service professionals. “This helps prevent bacteria and odor buildup.”

“Hold the brush under hot running water to remove debris immediately after scrubbing,” says Hicks. Taking this extra moment ensures that residue doesn’t sit on the bristles and linger between uses.

Always Allow to Air Dry Completely

One of the most important (and often skipped) steps is drying the brush properly. "Air dry completely," says Hicks. "After rinsing, let the brush air dry completely in a well-ventilated holder or open space."

Instead of placing the brush directly back into its holder, consider balancing it on the toilet bowl or resting it so that excess water can drip off before storage. "A damp brush can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors," Hicks notes.

Choose the Right Holder

Where and how you store your toilet brush matters more than you might think. "Choose a ventilated holder," says Hicks. "If using a container, opt for one with airflow or drainage so any remaining moisture can evaporate, keeping the brush hygienic between uses."

A closed container may look tidy, but it can trap moisture and create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. A holder with ventilation or drainage holes helps keep things fresh.

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Clean Regularly

"Regular rinsing isn’t enough on its own," shares Hicks. If you use your brush frequently, clean it at least once a week—soak the brush in a disinfectant solution, such as diluted bleach or white vinegar, to break down germs and keep it sanitary, she says.

For best results, let the brush soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the solution to penetrate the bristles and eliminate lingering bacteria that a rinse alone can’t remove.

Don't Forget to Clean the Holder

Like the toilet brush itself, its holder’s biggest vulnerabilities are moisture and neglect. "Make sure to clean the holder, too," says Hicks. "Wipe or rinse the brush container with a disinfectant each time the brush is cleaned to maintain overall hygiene."

Any drips or residue that collect in the base can quickly lead to odors and buildup (and transfer to the brush), so be sure to dry the holder thoroughly after cleaning. "Keeping a damp brush trapped in a non-ventilated holder creates the perfect environment for germs to multiply," notes Hicks.

Replace on a Regular Schedule

Even with diligent care, a toilet brush isn’t meant to last forever. "Replace your brush every six to 12 months, or sooner if the bristles become misshapen, frayed, or discolored," Hicks recommends. "Using a frayed or misshapen brush can reduce cleaning effectiveness and harbor bacteria, so replacing it on schedule is key, as pros on Angi recommend."

If your brush is no longer holding its shape or looks visibly worn, it’s time for a fresh one. You (and your bathroom) deserve it.