Last Updated on January 3, 2023 by acechapman
Wooden toilet seats are toilet seats that are made from wood, rather than other materials such as plastic or composite. Some wooden toilet seats are also more comfortable than others, as the wood can be contoured to fit the shape of the body. However, they do require more maintenance than other types of toilet seats, as wood is prone to chipping, splintering, and staining if it is not properly cared for. This article will give you some tips to clean and care for your wooden toilet seats.
How To Properly Clean Wooden Toilet Seats
To clean wooden toilet seats, follow these steps:
- Remove the seat from the toilet and place it on a flat surface.
- Wipe down the seat with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap to remove any dirt, dust, or grime. Be sure to get into all the crevices and corners.
- Rinse the seat with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a towel. Be sure to remove all excess water to prevent water damage.
- If the seat is particularly dirty or stained, you may need to use a wood cleaner specifically designed for toilet seats. Follow the instructions on the cleaner to ensure that you use it correctly.
- Once the seat is clean, apply a wood conditioner or oil to the seat to help preserve the wood and keep it looking its best.
Is it hard to care for a wooden toilet seat?
Caring for a wooden toilet seat can be a bit more labor-intensive than caring for other types of toilet seats, as wood is more prone to damage than other materials. Here are a few tips for caring for a wooden toilet seat:
- Clean it regularly: Wipe down the seat with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap to remove any dirt, dust, or grime. Be sure to dry it thoroughly to prevent water damage.
- Protect it from moisture: Avoid getting the seat wet, as wood is susceptible to warping, splitting, and staining if it becomes too wet. If the seat does get wet, dry it off immediately to prevent damage.
- Condition it regularly: Apply a wood conditioner or oil to the seat at least once a month to keep the wood looking its best and to help prevent it from drying out and cracking.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners: Don’t use harsh cleaners or scouring pads on the seat, as they can damage the wood. Stick to mild soap and a soft cloth for cleaning.
By following these simple care tips, you can help your wooden toilet seat last longer and maintain its beauty.
Goals To Care For a Wooden Toilet Seat
- Cleaning. Make sure the toilet seat is spotless.
- Disinfecting. Make sure to kill all bacteria and viruses.
- Protecting. Keep the wood in good condition so it doesn’t crack and peel.
Harmful Cleaning Products to Wooden Toilet Seats
Your usual household cleaning product might cause more harm than good when you clean wooden toilet seats. Obviously, wood is a natural material. It won’t withstand some of the strong cleaning products that we use in the bathroom.
If possible, try not to use the following:
- Bleach. Just as it is designed to, bleach will bleach your wooden toilet seat’s color. Although it won’t be visible immediately, the wood will gradually lighten or become discolored. You can also use bleach to slowly dissolve the protective coating on the wood. This exposes the wood below and accelerates the process of discoloration.
- Vinegar. Although vinegar is considered to be a natural and more eco-friendly cleaning product, it is not recommended for wood surfaces. Vinegar (or acetic acid) is acidic and can cause damage to wood surfaces. It will remove the protective coating from the toilet seat and also harm the wood below.
- Abrasive Cleaners. These cleaning products can be dangerous. They contain bleach, which can discolor the wood’s surface. The powder’s abrasive nature will scratch the wood and cause damage to the protective coating.
Harmless Cleaning Products To Wooden Toilet Seats
Wooden toilet seats don’t need to be treated with the same care as other surfaces. This simply means that you use products that are gentler on the wood surface, while still cleaning and disinfecting.
These cleaning products can clean, disinfect, protect, and preserve.
- Dish soap. A mild detergent like dish soap is the best for cleaning wooden toilet seats. Any spillages or mishaps can be cleaned up with hot soapy water.
- Hydrogen Peroxide. For over so many years, people have been using hydrogen peroxide solution (H2O2) to disinfect. It destroys the cell walls of bacteria and mold. You can use hydrogen peroxide straight from the bottle (usually sold in a 3% solution), but you can also mix it with water to make a dilute solution. Let it sit on the surface for about a minute, then rinse off and dry.
- Murphy’s Oil Soap. It is the last step to caring for wooden toilet seat surfaces. It protects the wood from drying over time. Murphy’s Oil Soap can clean and protect wooden seats, including their surfaces. However, it does not disinfect so make sure you use another disinfecting product such as Hydrogen Peroxide.
Tips for caring for wooden toilet seats
Keep it dry
It doesn’t matter what product you use, the most important thing is to not soak the wooden surface. You should not leave water or cleaning products on the surface for too long. Make sure to also dry it and keep the lid open to allow air to dry the wood. Damp wood can be a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and mold.
Replace Cracked Seats Immediately
Wooden toilet seats can crack even with the best of care. Regularly inspect the toilet seat for cracks and replace it immediately. Even the smallest cracks can cause painful pinches for unaware users.
Take Good Care of the Hardware As Well
The toilet seat hinges can be cleaned in the same way as the rest of your seat. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean the hinges of the toilet seat. It is strong enough to reach all areas and won’t cause rusting.
Make sure you check the bumpers under the toilet seat. If they start to discolor, break down or become loose, you can easily replace them. These will help ensure the toilet seat is stable on the porcelain bowl and does not slip or slide.
Conclusion
Wooden toilet seats can add a natural, rustic look to your bathroom and can be more durable and long-lasting than some other types of toilet seats. By following these care tips, you can help your wooden toilet seat last longer and maintain its beauty.
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