Cleaning a toilet may seem like a simple, albeit unpleasant task, but if not done properly and regularly, germs and bacteria can fester in the area. To learn how to clean a toilet properly, refer to the instructions provided in this guide.

• Use a non-abrasive cleaner to avoid scratching your toilet

• Reserve a cloth and pair of gloves specifically for cleaning the toilet to avoid spreading germs to other areas in the house

• Use disinfectant cleansers designed specifically for bathroom use

• Cleaning a toilet is something that few people enjoy doing. However, the longer a toilet goes uncleaned, the dirtier it gets. Due to the function of the appliance, the toilet is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. This makes it even more important that the toilet gets a good thorough cleaning on a regular basis.

• Gather the following supplies to prepare yourself for the cleaning process:

1. A toilet brush
2. A pair of rubber or disposable latex gloves. If you use rubber gloves, use a different pair than those you use for general household cleaning
3. A cleaning cloth
4. Paper towels
5. Your choice of toilet bowl cleaner. If you use a powder cleaner, opt for one that is non-abrasive to avoid scratches
6. A disinfectant spray cleaner designed for bathroom use

• Before you start cleaning, clear the area around the toilet of any bathroom supplies, magazines, and anything else in the vicinity. Dampen your cloth with warm water and give the exterior of the toilet—the lid, the outside of the bowl and the tank—a quick wipe to remove any surface dust.

• As you can imagine, the dirtiest part of the toilet is the bowl, so you'll want to ensure that you give it a thorough cleaning using a strong disinfecting cleanser designed specifically for toilet bowls.

1. Lift up the toilet seat
2. Liberally shake powdered cleaner or squirt liquid cleaner in the bowl, ensuring to get some cleaner under the rim
3. Use your toilet brush to scrub the toilet bowl. Start at the top, near the rim, and work your way down toward the bottom
4. Flush the toilet. As the toilet flushes and begins refilling, continue scrubbing. This will help remove any residual cleaner and also clean off your toilet brush
5. Repeat the step 4 above as many times as necessary until the bowl and brush are clean

• Although some people may stop cleaning the toilet after the bowl is clean, it is just as important to clean the rest of the toilet. The handle, which everyone touches after using the toilet, can house nearly as many germs as the bowl.

1. Close the toilet lid and spray the entire toilet liberally with your spray cleaner
2. Using paper towels, wipe all toilet surfaces, starting at the top of the tank and working your way down toward the floor
3. Lift up the lid, spray the seat with cleaner and then wipe with paper towels
4. Lift up the seat, and then spray and wipe the underside
5. Use your paper towels and spray cleaner to wipe the floor and walls around the toilet

• Although it's a nasty job, keeping your toilet clean not only makes it look better, but can also help reduce the spread of germs. Giving your toilet a good cleaning does not stop at the bowl—to eliminate all dirt and germs, clean all parts of the toilet, from the tank to the bottom of the bowl as well as the surrounding floor and walls.