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.

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!

 

[MariaG]

I clean my loo every day. Doesn't take much effort as I had a genius moment when I selected a rimless bowl. It's like a modern miracle. No nasties hiding in my loo. The puppies like watching it flush too.
As far as the sink goes. Every morning when I wash my face, I give the sink a quick wipe. Only takes a few seconds.
I dont need to worry about the shower much as I give the glass and walls a quick wipe after every shower. I've been here for 8 years and have not had to give the shower a scrub, not once.
Dirty bathrooms are a pet peeve of mine, so, the quick daily ritual suits me quite well.

 

[Ivory]

Well I’m not fanatical about cleaning, but I do like to have a clean bathroom. Benches and toilet wiped down every morning and vinegar in the bowl a couple of times per week. A major clean is done 2 weekly when I have cleaning support.
As for airborne particles? I’d like to see the evidence. As a child I, and the other 7 in my family, relied on a good old fashioned long drop, a good trot from the back door. All our friends were in the same position and we all developed healthy immune systems. I’m sure if airborne particles exits I would have grown up in clouds of them in and around our sunny!

 

[Littleboy8]

I’ve only ever lived in houses and units that have a seperate toilet and seperate bathroom. Even in our house of 7 kids growing up the toilet and bathroom were seperate. I’d hate to have to live with the toilet in the bathroom. Yuk.