Various toilet brushes

A toilet brush is a domestic implement designed for the cleaning of the lavatory pan. Generally it is used with toilet cleaner or bleach.

The toilet brush can be used to clean the upper area of the toilet, around the bowl. However, it cannot be used to clean very far into the toilet's trap and should not be used to clean the toilet seat. The brush can also be used for the whitening of enamels.

In many cultures it is considered impolite to clean away biological debris without the use of chemical toilet cleaning products, as this can potentially leave residue on the bristles.

A typical toilet brush consists of a hard bristled end, usually with a rounded shape and a long handle. Today toilet brushes are commonly made of plastic, but were originally made of wood with pig bristles or from the hair of horses, oxen, squirrels and badgers.^[1] The brush is typically stored in a holder, but in some extreme cases completely hidden in a tube.

An electric toilet brush is a little different than an original toilet brush. The bristles are fastened on the roto of a motor which works similar to an electric tooth brush. The power supply is attached without any metal contact via electromagnetic induction.

In recent years, there has been a general shift in design with a new emphasis on ergonomically designed brushes. Further design enhancements have included innovative holders that snap shut around the bristled end, thereby preventing the release of smells, germs and other unpleasantries.^[2]

[edit] See also

• Toilet paper
• Ubu Roi, an 1896 French play by Alfred Jarry which notably features a death by toilet brush.^[3]

[edit] References