Everyone knows that in the house there is no dirtier and “rich” place in various bacteria than a toilet bowl. This plumbing requires constant sanitation, and the brush is exactly the tool that achieves the necessary cleanliness. Although such a subject seems familiar and commonplace to many of us, in fact, it can be chosen from many existing options, and it must be done wisely.
What is it and what is it for?
If you, after reading the subtitle, are now laughing at people who do not know what a toilet brush is, do not rush to sneer - in many ways this is “our” invention, which is not in demand in other countries. Abroad, in particular, in Europe and America, the water from the cistern is constantly pouring out little by little - this is enough to keep the toilet bowl in good shape. In post-Soviet countries, cisterns are designed in such a way as to drain water in batches - thanks to this, we save on water supply, but we have to scrub plumbing by hand.
Just for cleaning and washing toilets, the ruff was invented. In essence, it represents a brush made of synthetic fibers with a long handle - about 50-60 cm. The base for this ingenious invention of mankind is a bowl, into which at the same time the moisture that accumulates in the fibers after hygienic procedures flows down.
In fairness, let us clarify that only the most popular version of the brush looks like this, while there are several varieties.
Species overview
An ordinary toilet brush is able to appear before a picky consumer in a variety of possible versions, and each of the models has its own pros and cons.
Floor standing
This variety still has another name - glass ruff, and this is exactly the option that is familiar to every Russian person. Above, we have already described such a model with a bowl-shaped stand, which is usually installed directly on the floor somewhere near the toilet. It is curious that, despite its immense popularity and seeming lack of alternative, this particular option was criticized by experts, since it does not provide anything similar to normal hygienic conditions.
Moisture from the brush flows into a container-stand, which from there not only does not go anywhere, but is not even really ventilated. As a result, such conditions of dirt and moisture develop at the bottom of the bowl, which can be considered ideal for the reproduction of the very pathogenic bacteria that should be combated. It turns out that instead of one very dirty place, we create the second one with our own hands.
Wall mounted
In fact, there is no fundamental difference between the wall-mounted and the above-described floor brush - both look approximately the same and stand upright in the bowl when not in use. The only difference is that the wall-mounted version, as the name suggests, does not stand on the floor, but is attached to the wall at a certain height. To be honest, this causes even more confusion - it turns out that the source of unpleasant odors is deliberately raised higher.
Suspended
This type of toilet accessory is considered the most correct from the point of view of ensuring hygiene, although this statement can also be debated. The brush, which has a classic look, is not placed in any glass here - instead, it is hung on a hook, which, in turn, can be held on the wall with a suction cup. In this case, the glass also performs the function of collecting liquid, but you do not need to lower the bristles into it - the container is only located exactly under the brush in order to receive moisture dripping from it.
Whether each owner will be able to install the receiver so that not a single drop falls by is a question. The idea is usually praised for the fact that in this position the brush is ventilated, and if it is washed well, hygiene will be provided at a fairly high level.
Then the question arises why the floor ruff is considered unhygienic - after all, it is also not forbidden to wash it.
Multifunctional
When choosing in favor of a multifunctional brush, one must understand that the brush itself is ordinary in this case, and, naturally, it does not have any additional functions. All the versatility lies in the fact that the stand is no longer an ordinary glass - instead, it looks like a tall frame on which the same toilet paper or newspaper holders are attached. Larger models can even be equipped with cleaning racks. Many owners note that in conditions of great cramped conditions such a solution may be very appropriate, but then you need to handle the counter very carefully, otherwise one awkward movement can make a real mess in the restroom.
Materials (edit)
Some of the modern types of plastic are usually used as a material for the production of bristles, but the handle of a toilet brush offers a huge number of options. Many consumers, in their choice of a specific model, rely solely on the appearance, but do not forget that a primitive device is used in conditions of high humidity, so the choice must be made more responsibly. The most typical version of the brush assumes a plastic or silicone handle, which is sometimes mistakenly called rubber for some elasticity. The relevance of such a product is obvious - even if it does not last too long, it costs a penny, and it is not a problem to replace it. In addition, the choice of colors and sizes is truly huge, and plastic is also indifferent to the effects of water, it is easy to clean and does not absorb any dirt or odors.
For those who value durability and are ready to overpay a little for it, metal models will be interesting. Such a product can overlap with taps and showers matched in the same way.
Do not be afraid that the metal will quickly deteriorate from constant humidity, because the ruffs are made from the same materials as many mixers - from chrome-plated stainless steel or bronze.
Ceramics as a material for making a brush is rare, but it also happens. The ceramic product turns out to be massive and rather durable, it can stylishly fit into the interior, but it has only one obvious disadvantage - such a ruff should definitely not be dropped from a great height, otherwise it will shatter and damage the tiles. As a designer "masterpiece" you come across brushes even with a wooden handle, but think ten times before buying this. No wood, even varnished and treated with all possible protective impregnations, will not serve for a long time in a bathroom. At the same time, a real solid wood is quite expensive and without varnish will absorb both moisture and odors.
Interestingly, manufacturers who offer to buy a brush with a handle made of some expensive material understand that the bristle itself will be less durable than the handle, and you will need to throw the entire product away. To prevent this from happening, such brands produce additional replaceable threaded brushes, which can always be purchased separately. This will keep the bristles looking clean as long as an expensive pen.
Popular brands
Most consumers do not bother at all about which manufacturer released their toilet brush - they take the simplest and cheapest black or white accessories, and that's all. If you are accustomed to always purchasing not just beautiful, but also reliable, durable things, then the choice in favor of not just an expensive, but a branded accessory may be justified. To a certain extent, elite products, not devoid of indescribable style and impressive durability, are considered Brushes from manufacturers such as Wess and Grohe, SmartSant and My Space, Brabantia, Mar Plast Prestige and Axentia.
Nuances of choice
It would seem that there is nothing to choose here - in view of the specifics of its work, the brush, in principle, is not considered as a purchase for a long time, it is immediately bought as a temporary tool. Although such equipment does not have any numerical technical characteristics, it is still better to choose an accessory so that it "recaptures" the money invested in it. Here are some tips on how to make the right choice.
- Ergonomics. Cleaning the toilet has never been a pleasant experience, so it is best to simplify the task as much as possible and choose a tool that will allow it to be completed in a short time. The handle should be comfortable and not slip out of your hands, the length should be sufficient so as not to climb your hands directly into the toilet. The brush needs some flexibility, but no frills, and it certainly doesn't have to be stiff or it will just break on first use.
- Stubble. The requirements for it are simple - it must be synthetic and tough enough to withstand constant moisture and pressure. Choose a model with soft bristles - you will constantly be faced with the fact that dirt is invincible.
- Collapsible models are a priority. It is believed that such solutions allow for more convenient and correct washing, disinfection and drying, but be prepared that such a model will cost more. On the other hand, in the future, you can only buy the brushes themselves if the handle is still in order, and this is already some kind of savings.
- Design. The ruff may have an unsightly function, but it is unlikely to spoil the impression of your beautifully renovated designer bathroom. If the owners of the apartment have invested heavily in expensive plumbing and tiles, it would be strange to see in all this splendor a ridiculous, completely out of place plastic brush for a penny.
In the meantime, manufacturers offer such different models that you can even pick up bowls in the shape of animals, if this turns out to be more stylish and cozy.
How to use?
To most people, the ruff does not seem to be the device for which an instruction manual is needed, but this is the problem - many do not even know how to use the accessory correctly. Let's conduct a short educational program, thanks to which the toilet bowl, hands, and the bathroom will become a little cleaner.
- Hold the brush in your hands confidently, moderately far from the stubble, but not neatly at the very edge. Most models suggest volumetric or color highlighting of the part that is suitable for the palm - and focus on it.
- It is wrong to use just a dry brush - the result will be, to put it mildly, imperfect. Ideally, the bristles should be slightly damp, it will be even more confusing if both the brush itself and the toilet bowl are poured with a small amount of some antibacterial agent. Only in this case the toilet will become really clean, and not just be devoid of visible dirt.
- Do not use force where it is unnecessary - this will only create unnecessary splashes. First, walk over the entire contaminated surface with comparatively gentleness and evaluate the result. Only after that, seeing that in some places such treatment is not enough, apply force, but also with a certain degree of accuracy.
- The fact that you rubbed the dirt in the toilet bowl with a brush does not mean that the plumbing is now clean. To bring it to a state of adequate cleanliness, drain the water from the tank, ensuring that the mixture of dirt and cleaning agent is thoroughly washed off. After that, drain the water again - this time in order to wash the brush itself in jets. Hold the bristles so that they are caught in the streams of water and washed out. Ideally, the brush should then look clean and tidy.
- There is no need to accumulate excess moisture in a glass, therefore, after washing, the ruff must be shaken well, but carefully. To achieve this goal, lower the bristles deep into the toilet, almost to the level of the water standing in it, and there gently tap the accessory on the inner wall.
- Only after completing all of the above can the device be sent to its usual place. At the same time, it is very advisable not to pour water on the floor, therefore act quickly, but without sudden movements.
Storage and care tips
The brush in the most primitive version is not expensive, but if it needs to be changed often, then this is an extra concern and a waste of money. It also means that you do not know how to properly store such accessories, and this needs to be corrected. First of all, floor and wall models are always less durable than suspended ones, and this is understandable - the latter will not be constantly stored in moisture.
Using classic models with a stand bowl, no matter how hard you try, you will not be able to avoid the accumulation of moisture in the container.
Having decided to hang a toilet brush, decide at what height to do it. It is not necessary to raise it to the level of the waist - a few centimeters above the moisture collector will be enough to prevent contact with water and provide ventilation. In any case, a water trap should give you the assurance that not a single drop falls by. At the same time, it is important to find a hook that allows the ruff to hang without touching any walls or floor.
Once a week or at least once a month, all parts of the ruff should be cleaned with detergents. Whiteness, acetic and boric acid, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate are suitable for processing the accessory. Use rubber gloves to protect your hands, and you may not delay the process too much - corrosive substances will cope with it. Wash both the brush, handle and bowl, and then dry them. If someone has intestinal infections in the family, such a cleaning should be done every day.