Introduction
The toilet brush is the most underappreciated tool in the bathroom. It's also one of the grossest — a wet brush that sits in a holder breeding bacteria. Yet we all need one (unless you're fancy enough for a bidet).
I tested 6 popular toilet brushes to find which ones actually clean well, are easy to keep hygienic, and don't look terrible in your bathroom.
What to Look For
- Cleaning power: Does it actually get the bowl clean, including under the rim?
- Hygiene: Does the holder drain? Is it easy to clean? Does the brush dry out?
- Durability: Do the bristles hold their shape? Does the handle feel solid?
- Design: Does it look okay in your bathroom, or is it an eyesore?
Top Picks
Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Toilet Brush
Price: ~$15
The OXO Good Grips toilet brush is the best all-around option. It cleans well, the holder is designed to be hygienic, and it looks decent — not something you're embarrassed to have in the bathroom.
The brush has durable bristles that scrub well without scratching the bowl. The canister-style holder has a tapered design that lets the brush drip-dry, and it contains the brush neatly so it doesn't look messy.
The handle is comfortable to hold, and the brush head is replaceable (though you'll probably just buy a whole new one when the time comes).
Pros:
- Cleans well
- Hygienic canister holder
- Sleek, modern design
- Comfortable handle
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Holder can get grimy inside over time
- Bristles can flatten with heavy use
- Not as heavy-duty as commercial brushes
Best Silicone: Joseph Joseph Flex Toilet Brush
Price: ~$20
Silicone toilet brushes have become popular because they're more hygienic than traditional bristle brushes — silicone doesn't trap bacteria and is easier to clean.
The Joseph Joseph Flex is the best silicone brush I tried. The flexible silicone head gets into tight spots (including under the rim), and the D-shaped handle is comfortable to hold.
The storage caddy has an innovative design — it opens automatically when you lift the brush out and closes when you put it back. It's sleek, hygienic, and looks great in a modern bathroom.
Pros:
- Silicone is more hygienic (no trapped bacteria)
- Flexible head gets into corners
- Innovative holder design
- Modern, sleek look
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Doesn't scrub as aggressively as bristle brushes
- More expensive
- Takes some getting used to
Best Budget: Amazon Basics Toilet Brush with Holder
Price: ~$8
If you just need a basic toilet brush and don't want to spend much, the Amazon Basics set is perfectly fine. It's nothing fancy, but it cleans toilets and comes with a holder.
The quality is about what you'd expect for $8 — the bristles are decent, the handle is plastic, and the holder is functional. It won't last as long as more expensive brushes, but for the price it's a good value.
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Does the job
- Simple, basic design
- Available with Prime shipping
Cons:
- Cheap plastic feel
- Holder doesn't drain well
- Won't last as long as premium brushes
Best with Caddy: simplehuman Toilet Brush
Price: ~$30
simplehuman makes high-end bathroom accessories, and their toilet brush is no exception. It's pricey, but it's well-designed, durable, and looks great.
The stainless steel handle feels solid and premium. The magnetic holder docks the brush neatly and has a ventilation slot to help it dry. The brush head is replaceable, which is nice for sustainability (and cost over time).
If you want your bathroom accessories to match and look intentional, this is the one to get.
Pros:
- Premium build quality
- Magnetic holder with ventilation
- Replaceable brush head
- Sleek, modern design
- Sturdy stainless steel handle
Cons:
- Expensive for a toilet brush
- Overkill for most people
- Still needs regular cleaning
Best Disposable: Clorox ToiletWand
Price: ~$15 (handle + 6 refills)
If the idea of a reusable toilet brush grosses you out, the Clorox ToiletWand is a good alternative. It uses disposable scrubbing pads that are pre-loaded with cleaning solution. You use it once and then throw the pad away.
It's hygienic (no dirty brush to store) and the pads actually clean well. The downside is that it's more expensive over time — you have to keep buying refills.
Pros:
- Disposable = more hygienic
- Pre-loaded with cleaner
- No dirty brush to store
- Works well
Cons:
- More expensive over time
- Wasteful (creates plastic trash)
- Refills can be pricey
- Handle feels a bit flimsy
Which One Should You Get?
- Most people: OXO Good Grips — best balance of price, performance, and hygiene
- Want something more hygienic: Joseph Joseph Flex (silicone)
- Budget: Amazon Basics — cheap and functional
- Want it to look nice: simplehuman — premium design
- Hate the idea of a dirty brush: Clorox ToiletWand (disposable)
Maintenance Tips
No matter which brush you get:
- Rinse thoroughly after use. Hold it under the flush water to get all the gunk off.
- Let it dry completely before putting it back in the holder.
- Clean the holder regularly. It gets gross too. Wash it with soap and water every 1-2 weeks.
- Replace the brush every 3-6 months. Or when the bristles start looking worn.
- Consider a toilet brush the least favorite tool in your cleaning arsenal. It's not glamorous, but it's necessary.
Final Thoughts
A toilet brush is a toilet brush — it's never going to be exciting. But a good one makes a dirty job a little less gross.
For me, the OXO Good Grips is the sweet spot. It works well, it's reasonably priced, and it doesn't look terrible. That's really all you can ask for in a toilet brush.
