These 9 toilet brushes have no business being this cute

Three toilet brushes on bubble background

(Image credit: Future)

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Toilet brush and plunger sets
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How we chose

published 3 June 2023

Ah, the bathroom, life's greatest leveler, where everyone from the royals, presidents, and common people sit down as nature calls. It's a place that — despite the grim activities it facilitates — deserves care and attention. Sure, it might not be the first room that comes to mind when talking about interior design, but it remains an important one. After all, any guest that stays over may very well need to go, so if your bathroom decor ain't up to scratch, that's minus points for you.

You already know that there are a lot of furnishings and essentials to consider, from bathroom trashcans to your bath towels. All of which add to the look and vibe of this space. But one that people often neglect — and really shouldn't — is the humble toilet brush, which I'd argue is as essential as it gets. I'll spare you the details as we're all a little old for toilet humor, and you know very well what a toilet brush is for. However, what I will say, is that opting for an ugly, tacky, or poorly designed option is a surefire way to make a mess (in every sense) of your restroom.

Quick Menu:
1. Toilet brush and plunger sets
2. Silicone toilet brushes
3. Toilet brushes with holders

Fortunately, I've saved you the hassle of wading through reams upon reams of toilet brushes out there, picking you a fine selection of brush and plunger sets, brushes with holders, and, of course, the new silicone style that every modish bathroom seems to be flexing right now. Oh, and you can trust this list to deliver. Nothing with less than four stars and shining reviews made the cut here. So, without further ado, let's brush up on your toilet cleaning essentials.

The best toilet brushes to buy

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing.

Toilet brush and plunger sets

Name a more iconic duo than the toilet brush and plunger. We'll wait... Yep, it's not just unsightly marks on the bowl that require immediate attention but unexpected clogs, too. Luckily, you can kill two birds with one stone thanks to these handy combos.

Lush

1. Allobub Cactus Plunger and Brush Set

Made from: Rubber
Price: From $25.89

Yee-haw! This Wild West design is honestly the cutest set I've laid eyes on, which given its function, is a welcome bonus. Forget hiding your bathroom brush and plunger in shame, this is the tropical piece guaranteed to make guests smile. Oh, and unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know that succulents are more than just a gardening trend, but an interiors one, too. The plunger is heavy duty and the brush's bristles are commercial grade, guaranteed to rid any unwanted marks. As far as reviewers are concerned, it's the perfect way to make something a little gross fun! It's a talking point, trust me.

Chrome

2. Bath Bliss Brush And Plunger Set

Made from: Stainless steel
Price: From $22.83

Slick, simple, and easy to match with your bathroom's decor, this understated pair is the contemporary answer to cool water closets. Saving space in style, it features a heavy-duty brush and plunger, each of which slots neatly into the canister. As for that chrome finish, it's an easy way to elevate your toilet, chiming with any ceramic piece, and complementing silver faucets and shower heads. The verdict from shoppers? Practical, affordable, and aesthetically slick.

Less is more

3. Made by Design Plunger and Brush Set

Made from: Rubber and plastic
Price: From $15

Discreet but sleek, this set is worth every dime, serving up a durable plunger complete with a flange for added suction, plus a soft-grip brush and the accompanying, non-slip caddy. Classic, this doesn't need much justifying. It's timelessly designed in a cool black hue, and it thoroughly pleased customers. Their take? Easy to clean and store, with thick handles that can weather plenty of use. Oh, and that matte finish is always stylish.

Silicone toilet brushes

Unless your modem's been cut off, you'll know that the silicone brushes are having something of a moment, and for good reason. Unlike the bristled design, they are easier to clean and show better resistance to germs. Win-win!

Cheap and chic

4. Boomjoy Toilet Brush and Holder

Made from: Plastic, stainless steel, and silicone
Price: From $11.99

Available in a whole spectrum of hues — from pastel pink to lavender — this handy design removes stains with ease, weathering serious wear and tear. The best part? Cleaning this is an absolute breeze, leaving no residual dirt when washed properly. Oh, and any hairs or unwanted stickies that remain are but a problem, thanks to the ingeniously integrated tweezers that live inside the handle. You'll also be pleased to hear that the carefully designed silicone brush won't scratch the toilet bowl. The consensus among reviewers? Premium quality at a budget price.

Designer pick

5. Joseph Joseph Brush With Holder

Made from: Stainless steel, plastic, and silicone
Price: From $23.74

What Joseph Joseph doesn't know about stylish homewares isn't worth knowing, and this steely design is a case in point. With a D-shaped head to reach deep into the rim and bowel, this has widely spaced bristles, warding off clogged-up brushes and dirty water splashes on the floor. Oh, and that slimline holder not only looks great, but it also serves as one smart piece of design, complete with a protective, fingerprint-proof coating. According to shoppers, it's efficient, exceptionally flexible, and a real aesthetic asset to their bathroom.

Clean freak

6. Suptree Brush and Caddy Holder

Made from: Plastic and silicone
Price: From $13.99

Primed with anti-bacterial bristles that spread 360 degrees, the brush is sure to keep its shape without unwanted shedding. Fitting into corners, edges, and piping, the no-scratch design also comes with tweezers inside its handle, so you can remove any stubborn pieces of hair that get stuck. In terms of placement, this set can be wall mounted or freestanding. Oh, and that caddy features a detachable base for easy cleaning, avoiding stagnant water buildup. When it came to shoppers' experiences, the results were almost unanimous — robust and effective. Goodbye, rusty brushes.

Toilet brushes with holders

These days, it's rare a toilet brush comes without a holder, however, you should always pay attention to this part of the product. Indeed, the holder often takes up the most space, so you want it to look visually appealing. Think glitz, glamour, and less-is-more Scandi ceramics, plus futuristic numbers from trusted names.

Artsy

7. QL Design Crafts Brush and Holder

Made from: Ceramic, metal, and plastic
Price: From $21.57

If you're after that extra-special touch, then Etsy has your back. Take, for example, this handmade number, complete with non-scratch brush bristles and an exquisitely constructed holder. As for its handle, it makes a steely juxtaposition, serving up Scandi aesthetics in buckets. The best part? Reviewers found the product to be sturdy, well-made, and a real looker. Personally, this one has my name on it — I'm a real sucker for anything with a crafty touch.

Go for gold

8. Threshold Brushed Brass Toilet Brush

Made from: Steel and brushed brass
Price: From $20

This is the gold standard of toilet brush and holder sets, replete in a glamorous finish that's sure to elevate and enliven any tawdry bathroom — whether it's a rental or a new home you're living in. As functional as it is chic, it's a statement piece that would suit anyone with a penchant for a little gaudiness. The bristles are hardwearing, and the brushed brass finish is a piece of cake to care for. As far as reviews go, this earns flying colors. High-end looks and great results.

Low-key

9. OXO Compact Toilet Brush

Made from: Plastic
Price: From $17.99

Sometimes, you can't beat a classic. And that's why putting your faith in a classy but clinical piece like this is always wise. With a soft-bristled brush, this performs like a champ. As soon as you lift the handle, the canister opens, allowing you to get down and dirty. Plus, once you're done, the brush can be stowed away while the drip tray collects any excess water, ready to evaporate. As reviewers put it, this is one small but mighty piece, marrying form and function.

FAQs

Are silicone toilet brushes more hygienic?

Yes, and for a number of reasons. As Best Cleaning Tools expert John Larson tells us, "When it comes to evaluating the hygienic properties of silicone toilet brushes, there are several factors to consider." He points out, first and foremost, that silicone is non-porous. "This means that it does not have tiny holes that can trap dirt, grime, and bacteria," he says. "Plastic bristles, on the other hand, are porous." He also goes on to note that silicone is also far easier to clean, more durable, and as an added benefit, more environmentally friendly — it's recyclable, after all!

How often should you replace your toilet brush?

Good question. It's tricky to say for sure, but as a policy, it's better to maintain a steady rotation. "I recommend changing your toilet brush every 6 months," says Best Cleaning Tools expert John Larson. "This is because toilet brushes can harbor bacteria, even after they have been cleaned." In fact, he is keen to note that the bristles often trap dirt, grime, and bacteria, which, in a moist environment like the bathroom, can multiply quickly, spreading germs. Of course, he also points out that they can quickly become smelly and discolored, breeding mildew and mold. In the meantime, though, he advises regular cleaning and sanitization of your toilet brush for "optimal cleanliness and hygiene in the bathroom."

Where to buy a toilet brush

Still haven't found the perfect toilet brush for your bathroom? Don't panic. We've shared a white-hot pick of retailers below, guaranteed to nail your brief.

How we chose these toilet brushes

Our picks were based on practicality and style, as is always the case. But as well as this, we also paid close attention to reviews left by customers, ensuring each and every product featured was indeed up to scratch. While we haven't necessarily tested them all ourselves, you can rest assured, no one's opinion is more honest than that of the shoppers. You can expect nothing less than four stars and shining reviews.

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Working across digital and print publications, Joseph Bobowicz is a London-born writer obsessed with books, culture, and all things new. When he's not writing about fashion for i-D and the Independent, he's out sourcing the best homewares to incorporate into any humble abode, fixer-upper, or first-time buy alike.