Dirty secret hiding in Aussie bathrooms—are you clean enough?

The toilet is a household essential, but cleaning it is a task many prefer to avoid.

However, keeping it clean is key to a healthy home. A little effort goes a long way in preventing germs, odours, and stubborn stains, making the job easier in the long run.

With the right approach, this dreaded chore can become quick and hassle-free.


Now, brace yourselves because the recent Australian Heritage Brand Oates survey findings might have you reaching for the bleach a little more often.

A staggering 18 per cent of Australians admit to cleaning their toilets only every 2-3 weeks.

Yes, you read that right—weeks! It's enough to make you think twice about the cleanliness of your loo.


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A survey found that 18 per cent of Australians clean their toilets every 2-3 weeks, highlighting hygiene concerns. Credit: vladans / iStock


Leigh Macdermid, a Melbourne local, shared her experiences, painting a picture many of us can relate to from our younger, carefree days.

Sharehouses are notorious for their 'laissez-faire' approach to cleanliness, and Leigh's was no exception.

'You just didn't do the cleaning. No one wanted to do it; we just wanted to go out,' she recalled.


And the toilet? Well, it was the most neglected of all, only receiving attention when guests were expected or an inspection loomed on the horizon.

But it's not just the toilet suffering from our collective cleaning apathy.

Oates' research also revealed that 21 per cent of Aussies only clean their bath once a month, and a mere 24 per cent scrub their shower with the same frequency.

It seems that the 'ick' factor of bathroom cleaning is deterring many from rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck in.

Aldo Oosterman, a spokesperson from Oates, suggested that the reluctance to clean these areas might stem from the fact that we don't spend as much time in them as we do in the kitchen or living room.

We're more likely to do a quick touch-up clean in these spaces, but the same can't be said for the bathroom.


Yet, the importance of regular cleaning cannot be overstated. Ashley Woolf, MD of Woolf Plumbing, emphasised that a toilet should be cleaned with antibacterial products at least once a week.

Not only does this prevent the build-up of grime and potential damage to the fixtures, but it also wards off health risks such as UTIs, skin rashes, and fungal infections.

Leigh Macdermid's cleaning habits have evolved over time, especially as her children grew older and could lend a hand.

Homeownership also played a role in her newfound dedication to cleanliness.

'You definitely have more pride in your home once it's yours,' she said.

Interestingly, age appears to be a significant factor in cleaning frequency.


Oates' survey of 1,497 Australians found that while younger adults aged 18-29 tend to do just one 'big clean' a month, those aged 60 and over clean the most frequently.

It seems that with age comes not just wisdom but also a keener sense of cleanliness.

Aldo Oosterman offers a novel tip for staying on top of bathroom cleaning: do it as often as necessary to ensure you'd never be embarrassed to have your parents visit and use these spaces.

It's a simple yet effective way to gauge whether it's time to don the rubber gloves.

And let's not forget Ashley Woolf's advice on the airborne nature of bacteria.

Every flush sends fecal particles into the air, so keeping the toilet lid closed and using a disinfectant air freshener can help keep your bathroom a healthier space.


In other news, professional cleaner Kendra Hennessy shared a simple bathroom cleaning tip for effortless upkeep.

Her ‘do-then-clean’ method encourages adding small cleaning tasks to daily routines, like wiping the sink after brushing your teeth. You can read more about it here.
Key Takeaways

  • A survey revealed that 18 per cent of Australians clean their toilets every 2-3 weeks, drawing attention to less-than-ideal hygiene practices.
  • Among the reasons for infrequent cleaning are the 'ick' factor and the requirement of more effort to clean these spaces.
  • Regular cleaning is crucial for the hygiene and longevity of bathroom fittings, with experts recommending at least a weekly clean using antibacterial products to prevent health issues.
  • Age influences cleaning frequency, with older Australians tending to clean more regularly than younger ones, and establishing a routine can also make maintenance easier.
Are you part of the 18 per cent? Or are you diligently keeping your throne fit for royalty? Share your toilet cleaning confessions and tips with us—we promise we won't judge!
 

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I was astounded and shocked to read this article! I always clean vanity and toilet daily and keep lid down on the toilet of course and clean shower weekly. Your bathroom has more germs in it than any other place in your house and it's imperative to try to stop the spread of any bugs.
 
You’re lucky. My husband has never cleaned anything in the bathroom for as long as I have known him. Not much in the rest of the house either. 😡
Yep.I think that's the norm, especially baby boomers
I always put a squirt of bleach into the toilet bowl last thing before bed too for overnight germ kill.Its not surprising the over 60s clean the most
Young ones have just tooooouch to do and more important things to do with their lives than clean toilets



I hear this dll the time everywhere from hairdressing Salons to cafes
 
I visited my friend in NZ once and she used to clean her toilets and basins, sinks everyday so I started doing that. My husband got very annoyed. Now that he has moved out I can obviously do what I want without any complaints but I can't get over how much cleaner overall the house is. I am the messy one leaving things around so I am trying harder to stop that but I take my shoes off at the door etc and for some reason there is so much less dust now than when he lived here. His room was exceptionally dusty and now it isn't and neither is the rest of the house. Weird.
 
I had polished floor boards throughout my house and a few months ago I covered them with floating floorboards except for the bedrooms. I'm amazed at house it has stopped the dust.

I originally lifted the carpet and polished the floorboards because of asthmatic kids. A friend told me how I will see more dust due to the tiny gaps in all floorboards. At the time I never believed her but now I actually see it. Pity she is nolonger with us.

I just don't see dust on my furniture and the rooms I added floating floorboards to don't get as hot.

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Screenshot_20250301_105218_Gallery.jpg
 
I visited my friend in NZ once and she used to clean her toilets and basins, sinks everyday so I started doing that. My husband got very annoyed. Now that he has moved out I can obviously do what I want without any complaints but I can't get over how much cleaner overall the house is. I am the messy one leaving things around so I am trying harder to stop that but I take my shoes off at the door etc and for some reason there is so much less dust now than when he lived here. His room was exceptionally dusty and now it isn't and neither is the rest of the house. Weird.
No men ARE MESSY AND USED TO US OLDER STAY AT HOME GENERATIONAL WOMEN TO CLEAN EVERYTHING.Been married 45 years.Do you think I have been able to get him to clean up the sink after shaving,?Razer blades,foaming bottle water and little shaved hair everywhere.If I don't,then I need to get ready and put on some makeup.or do my hair,so I HAVE TO DO IT.YES THEY ARE MESSY FOR THE MIST PART.😫
 
I had polished floor boards throughout my house and a few months ago I covered them with floating floorboards except for the bedrooms. I'm amazed at house it has stopped the dust.

I originally lifted the carpet and polished the floorboards because of asthmatic kids. A friend told me how I will see more dust due to the tiny gaps in all floorboards. At the time I never believed her but now I actually see it. Pity she is nolonger with us.

I just don't see dust on my furniture and the rooms I added floating floorboards to don't get as hot.

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View attachment 69724
That's interesting and helpful Thanks
 
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You’re lucky. My husband has never cleaned anything in the bathroom for as long as I have known him. Not much in the rest of the house either. 😡
I left home at 16 not because of parent problems just wanted my own place my mother was very good at teaching us how to do things so I could iron wash clean toilets and my grandmother taught me how to cook so that was never a problem either
 
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No men ARE MESSY AND USED TO US OLDER STAY AT HOME GENERATIONAL WOMEN TO CLEAN EVERYTHING.Been married 45 years.Do you think I have been able to get him to clean up the sink after shaving,?Razer blades,foaming bottle water and little shaved hair everywhere.If I don't,then I need to get ready and put on some makeup.or do my hair,so I HAVE TO DO IT.YES THEY ARE MESSY FOR THE MIST PART.😫
Not all men
 
Good grief no. Every flush a squish of cleaner. Every week a thorough clean from my lovely thorough cleaner.
 
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I don't eat out of the toilet bowl, nor do I shit and piss on the kitchen benches....

So the kitchen gets cleaned more frequently than the bathroom as I have three meals a day and shower once a day on average.

And as for "faecal matter being atomised into the air when flushing", well, what a fallacy! I challenge these so called experts conduct a scientific study to determine the concentration of these mythical atmospheric particles!
 
I don't eat out of the toilet bowl, nor do I shit and piss on the kitchen benches....

So the kitchen gets cleaned more frequently than the bathroom as I have three meals a day and shower once a day on average.

And as for "faecal matter being atomised into the air when flushing", well, what a fallacy! I challenge these so called experts conduct a scientific study to determine the concentration of these mythical atmospheric particles!
"Faecal matter being atomised into the air when flushing" Flush slowly and don't put your head in the bowl while flushing. Other than that, your immune system developed over millions of years can handle that.
 
"Faecal matter being atomised into the air when flushing" Flush slowly and don't put your head in the bowl while flushing. Other than that, your immune system developed over millions of years can handle that.
If we listened to all these "experts', we would be all living like "boys and girls in bubbles".
 

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