Toilet brushes aren’t that important, right? It’s just a toilet brush, after all. Wrong!
You’d be amazed just how important that little toilet brush is in the fight to keep your toilet bowl clean and free from harmful bacteria.
We put the best toilet brushes under the microscope to see why they are so good and what they can do to keep your toilet germ-free.
- Under-the-rim brush
- Non-slip base
- Antibacterial coating
- Soaked in bleach
- Pumice scrubbing surface
- No cleaning or soaking required
- Sturdy body & nylon bristles
- Air-dry holder
- Anti-odor bristles
- Stainless steel handle
- Removable head
- Air-dried bristles
- Anti-odor & germ materials
- Stain-resistant
- Durable plastic
- Sturdy construction
- Extra-wide head
- Under-the-rim design
- Plunger & brush combo
- Industrial grade rubber plunger
- Nylon bristles
- 60-minute run time
- 3 interchangeable heads
- Comfort-grip handle
- 3-hour run time
- Extendable handle
- Four brush heads
- Anti-grip handle
- Antimicrobial bristle coating
- Sturdy design
Do You Really Need a Toilet Brush?
Why not clean your toilet using bleach and other antibacterial solutions? You could be forgiven for thinking that was sufficient. Don’t they claim to kill almost all germs? But what about stubborn stains, or built-up deposits and toilet bowl rings? These don’t shift so easily.
This is where your toilet brush comes in. It scrubs your toilet bowl’s surface, reaching under the rim to the awkward places to remove stuck-on dirt. The bristles should be firm enough to scrub but flexible enough to get into tight spots for a deep clean.
Types of Toilet Brush
There are two main types of toilet brush, namely, manual and electric. But which is best and what do they bring to the party?
Manual
You’ve probably seen these before. They are typically white, plastic, and pretty cheap to buy. They usually sit in a dispenser that traps any drips from the brush and allows the bristles to air-dry after use.
These are the most common types available and probably the sort your parents had and your best friend’s parents, and the neighbors.
You can buy premium models with chrome handles, but they do the same thing, aside from the extra cost.
Electric
They are a bit like electric toothbrushes, but for your toilet. They oscillate at about 300 RPM, have comfort-grip handles and interchangeable heads to tackle different tasks. These brushes are more expensive, but they offer a better user experience with minimum effort.
How to Choose (Buying Guide)
Even for toilet brushes, the choices seem infinite. So, how do you decide which toilet brush is the best for the job? Here are some fundamental basics you should consider.
Product Reviews
With so many toilet brushes to choose from, we had a challenge narrowing the field down to just 10. Here is our take on the best toilet brushes.
1. Clorox Toilet Wand
Best Budget Toilet Brush
So, there it is, this Clorox is the cheapest brush to make the list, and it gets the highest approval rating from customers. That’s it. Our work is done. It is the best brush you should buy. Period!
We’re only kidding. But for a budget option, it is an excellent toilet brush. The bristles have an antibacterial, mold and odor coating, it has a non-slip rubber base, and it even has an under-the-rim brush for those tight spots where germs like to linger.
The handle is rubber for a superior grip, and the price is ridiculous compared to some on the list. You can buy this toilet brush for a 6th of the premium model.
Pros
- Amazing value for money.
- Rubber handle.
- Under-the-rim brush.
- Non-slip base.
- Antibacterial coating.
Cons
- Feels cheaply made.
- Bristles are stiff.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 12.48 |
Dimensions (inches) | 15.31 x 4.41 x 4.75 |
Material | Plastic |
Antibacterial | Yes |
Rim brush | Yes |
Price | $ |
2. Scotch-Brite Disposable Scrubber Starter Set
Best Disposable Toilet Brush
Sometimes the cleanest way to keep your toilet sparkling is to use disposable brushes. These scourers contain bleach, so they always have a maximum impact on your toilet bowl’s germs. They also have a pumice surface that removes chalk, limescale and even rust from the bowl.
The best thing about throw-away pads is you don’t have to worry about after-cleaning care. They don’t need to soak in bleach to disinfect, and when the toilet requires a scrub, grab another and start again.
The only downside to disposable toilet brushes is the cost to the environment, given that the waste pads go to landfill or the sewers if you have the flushable varieties and the cost to your pocket. Replacement scrubs are expensive, costing as much as the budget toilet brush for a pack of 5.
Pros
- Super-convenient.
- Soaked in bleach.
- Pumice scrubbing surface for stubborn stains.
- One-use then toss away.
- No cleaning or soaking required.
- Ideal for optimum cleanliness.
Cons
- Not good for the environment.
- Bad for the sewers.
- Costly to replace.
- One-use item.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 9.86 |
Dimensions (inches) | 5.5 x 2.81 x 16.06 |
Material | Plastic |
Antibacterial | Yes |
Rim brush | Yes |
Price | $$$ |
3. Marbrasse Slim Compact Toilet Bowl Brush Set
Best Toilet Brush for Cleaning Under the Rim
Under the rim is where the bacteria like to hang out. Most toilet brushes are conical in shape and great at shifting the bowl’s germs, but not so good at reaching tight spots. A brush with a hemispherical head design should cope well with the bowl, but has a curve that grips the underside gap of the rim to wipe it clean.
It is lightweight yet sturdy, thanks to the ABS plastic body and flexible nylon bristles. It has an open holder to aid air-drying, and the base of the stand is removable for easy cleaning. The bristles are also non-toxic and odorless.
These cost a lot more than the budget option, and they are not much cheaper than the premium choice, so while they have a great design, you might be asking if they are worth the money.
Pros
- Special head design for maximum reach.
- Sturdy body and nylon bristles.
- Air-dry holder.
- Anti-odor bristles.
- Rubber-grip handle.
Cons
- Water penetrates the hollow handle.
- Potential for bacteria growth.
- Cheaply made.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 8.8 |
Dimensions (inches) | 16.6 x 4.2 x 6.2 |
Material | Plastic and Nylon |
Antibacterial | No |
Rim brush | Yes |
Price | $$ |
4. Simplehuman Toilet Brush with Caddy
Best Premium Toilet Brush
Okay, so you wake one morning to discover that you are Jeff Bezos, and darn it, you want to spend big on your new toilet brush. How about the Simplehuman brush with caddy? Not only is the handle made from stainless steel, but it even has a crescent-shaped head that guarantees to be drip-free when magnetically secured in the holder.
Couple that with the stylish holder that encourages the bristles to air-dry, and you have a toilet brush fit for the world’s wealthiest person. It even has a removable brush head for easier cleaning and replacement.
The 5-year warranty also makes this a winning choice because it gives you hassle-free toilet cleaning without the worry should it break.
Pros
- Stainless steel handle.
- Removable head.
- Crescent design for all-round cleaning.
- Air-dried bristles.
- 5-year warranty.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Handle starts to rust quickly.
- Head loses its shape.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 1.1 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 7.3 x 3.7 x 18.6 |
Material | Plastic and stainless steel |
Antibacterial | No |
Rim brush | Yes |
Price | $$$ |
5. Mr. Siga Pack of 3 Toilet Brush with Holder
Best Toilet Brush Multipack Set
What if you have multiple toilets, and need a multi-pack brush set? This pack of 3 Mr. Siga brush holder sets are the ideal solution. They are pretty basic in design, but they all come with holders and antibacterial and odor resistant material.
The caddy allows the bristles to air-dry, reducing the existence of mildew and mold, and controlling the spread of odors. The brush is conical in shape, making it ideal for general bowl cleaning duties, but you might struggle to reach under the rim.
The best thing about this set is the price. One 3-pack costs less than the premium toilet brush, which gives you change in your pocket.
Pros
- Comes as a 3-pack.
- Fantastic value for money.
- Air-dry bristles.
- Anti-odor and germ materials.
- Stain-resistant.
- Durable plastic.
Cons
- Feels cheaply made.
- No under-the-rim design.
- No removable base to the caddy.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 16 |
Dimensions (inches) | 16.1 x 10.5 x 4.9 |
Material | Plastic |
Antibacterial | Yes |
Rim brush | No |
Price | $ |
6. Rubbermaid Toilet Brush and Caddy
Best Toilet Brush for Commercial Use
Thanks to the durable bristles of this Rubbermaid brush, it can take the rigors of commercial use. The bristles have a high break strength and excellent shape recovery, which is ideal for the increased wear and tear these brushes get.
The body and handle are constructed from durable plastic to give rigidity to the overall design, and the brush shape ensures that the maximum surface area is cleaned. The brush also has a curved section to get into the tightest spots under the rim.
Rubbermaid is not the cheapest brand of toilet brush, but when you are buying a toilet brush set to cope with commercial settings, you don’t mind the extra outlay, as long as you get the quality that comes with it.
Pros
- Sturdy construction.
- Extra-wide head for maximum cleaning coverage.
- Under-the-rim design.
- Durable bristles.
Cons
- Expensive to buy.
- Packaging is hard to remove.
- Caddy is thin plastic.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 9.6 |
Dimensions (inches) | 12 x 3 x 1 |
Material | Plastic |
Antibacterial | No |
Rim brush | Yes |
Price | $$ |
7. Mr. Siga Toilet Plunger and Brush Combo Set
Best Toilet Brush Plunger Combo
Sometimes, when cleaning your toilet, you need more than a brush to scrub it clean. Maybe the issue is a blockage? The best way to deal with this problem is to purchase a toilet plunger and brush combo.
This Mr. Siga brush and plunger set is space-saving because it combines the two tools into one holder. The plunger is constructed from heavy-duty commercial grade rubber, so it should shift whatever blockage you have. It even has a pull-out extension to clear stubborn blockages.
The brush has stiff nylon bristles that hold their shape and deep clean every surface they contact. The durable plastic handle has a comfortable wider grip and adds rigidity to the brush and plunger’s overall feel. If we didn’t already have a winner in the commercial spot, this could have been a contender.
Pros
- Plunger and brush combo.
- Durable industrial grade rubber plunger.
- Nylon bristles.
- Dual caddy.
- Brush with a broad surface.
Cons
- Expensive set.
- Narrow plunger.
- Very stiff rubber.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 1.52 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 17.72 x 8.35 x 6.18 |
Material | Plastic and Nylon |
Antibacterial | No |
Rim brush | No |
Price | $$ |
8. MECO Electric Spin Scrubber
Best Rechargeable Toilet Brush
This is a power scrubber for all occasions. It has a flat brush, a round brush for general bowl cleaning and a pointed brush for hard to reach spots. This is a cordless hand-held electric cleaner, so there is no need to worry about power cords, and the battery can run for 60 minutes between 4-hour charges.
It is a multi-use cleaner, but obviously, once you clean the toilet with it, you probably wouldn’t want to use it on anything else. It has a comfort-grip handle and an indicator light that changes from red to blue when the battery is charged.
It saves time, reduces arm and shoulder strain, and is more effective at removing the grime.
Pros
- Rechargeable.
- 60-minute run time.
- 3 interchangeable heads.
- Comfort-grip handle.
- Battery charge indicator.
- 2,200 Ah battery.
- Spins at 350 RPM.
Cons
- 4 to 5-hour charge time.
- Fairly heavy.
- Only runs for 1-hour.
- Expensive.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 2.55 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 14.96 x 7.68 x 3.54 |
Material | Plastic |
Antibacterial | No |
Rim brush | Yes |
Price | $$$$ |
9. Tilswall Electric Spin Scrubber
Best Electric Toilet Brush
This Tilswall electric scrubber is truly an all-rounder. It has an extendable arm for a longer reach, interchangeable heads that cater to different surfaces. You can have an extra-wide flat brush, a corner rounded brush, a pointed brush, and a small flat brush if you so desire.
It has an overcharge and anti-short circuit protection for efficient 4-hour charging of the 4000 mAh battery charging and has a maximum run time of 180 minutes. The head also pivots, making it the ideal tool to reach those under-the-rim spots. If you take cleaning your toilet seriously and want the best results, this could be your dream come true.
The brushes come in 4 varieties: a wide, round, a corner brush and a small pointed version for tighter spots.
Pros
- 4 replacement heads.
- 3-hour run time.
- Battery protection.
- Extendable handle.
- Pivoting head.
- Spins at 300 RPM.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Not waterproof.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 3.78 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 26.77 x 3.15 x 3.15 |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Antibacterial | No |
Rim brush | Yes |
Price | $$$$ |
10. Quickie Toilet Bowl Brush and Caddy
Best Anti-Odor Toilet Brush
This toilet brush looks like all the rest but to escape any odors and grime build-up, the brush fibers are coated with an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of bacteria and smells that other toilet brushes suffer from.
It also protects against the growth of mold and mildew, two of the things responsible for bad smells. The bristles are hard-wearing, and thanks to the rim brush, getting into tight spots will be a breeze.
The caddy is constructed from durable plastic with an open lid to allow the brush to air-dry. It has a comfort-grip handle with an anti-slip design, and the material gives the brush a sturdy feel.
Pros
- Anti-grip handle.
- Antimicrobial bristle coating.
- Anti-odor and mold protection.
- Sturdy design.
Cons
- Feels cheaply made.
- The brush is in two parts and disconnects.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 7.7 |
Dimensions (inches) | 6.02 x 5.5 x 17.69 |
Material | Plastic |
Antibacterial | Yes |
Rim brush | Yes |
Price | $$ |
Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Material | Antibacterial | Rim brush |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Clorox Toilet Wand | Budget Pick | 12.48 oz | 15.31 x 4.41 x 4.75″ | Plastic | Yes | Yes |
Scotch-Brite Disposable Scrubber | Disposable | 9.86 oz | 5.5 x 2.81 x 16.06″ | Plastic | Yes | Yes |
Marbrasse Slim Toilet Brush Set | Under the Rim | 9 oz | 16.6 x 4.2 x 6.2″ | Plastic & Nylon | No | Yes |
Simplehuman Toilet Brush with Caddy | Premium Brush | 1.1 lbs | 7.3 x 3.7 x 18.6″ | Plastic & stainless steel | No | Yes |
Mr. Siga Toilet Brush with Holder | Multipack Set | 16 oz | 16.1 x 10.5 x 4.9″ | Plastic | Yes | No |
Rubbermaid Toilet Brush & Caddy | Commercial Use | 10 oz | 12 x 3 x 1″ | Plastic | No | Yes |
Mr. Siga Toilet Plunger & Brush | Brush Plunger Combo | 1.52 lbs | 17.72 x 8.35 x 6.18″ | Plastic & Nylon | No | No |
MECO Electric Spin Scrubber | Rechargeable | 2.55 lbs | 14.96 x 7.68 x 3.54″ | Plastic | No | Yes |
Tilswall Electric Spin Scrubber | Electric | 3.78 lbs | 26.77 x 3.15 x 3.15″ | Stainless Steel | No | Yes |
Quickie Toilet Bowl Brush & Caddy | Anti-Odor | 7.7 oz | 6.02 x 5.5 x 17.69″ | Plastic | Yes | Yes |
Toilet Brush FAQs
Brush up on the Facts
If you want the cleanest toilet, you need an effective toilet brush. And if you want the best brush, it needs to be sturdy, have some kind of antimicrobial or bacterial agent that protects the bristles from mold, mildew and odors.
This is one of those rare occasions where we can say with all honesty that you don’t have to spend a lot to get a great product. Just look at the first brush we featured. It was the cheapest, but also got the highest customer satisfaction.