Follow
Share

This isn't a caregiving question per se, but I'm having to clean out the apartment of a man that was a hoarder. My 91 year old dad is the landlord (I help him take care of my mother). The poor man was sick and he left an absolutely nasty bathroom. The toilet wasn't working properly but he didn't inform my dad. Used toilet paper on the floor... you can imagine the rest. When my dad didn't receive his rent, he went to check on him because he was always punctual and that's when he found out about the toilet, and the mess. He lived alone and only has one sister that placed him in hospice (which is why we couldn’t find him) but isn’t interested in cleaning up after him so I have to clean up a disaster area. My question is, if anyone has had any experience in your caregiving of cleaning a nasty, crusty inside and out toilet, what did you use? Do I need to get hospital type cleaner? If so, where would I get that? I’ve already bought a respirator. I want to know that it's clean and sanitary for the next renter.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
if its in that bad of shape id consider a new one for in the vicinity of 70 bucks , sometimes cheaper . still cheaper than catching hepatitis ' a ' from scrubbing around on the old one ..
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

Phosphoric acid is used to descale boilers and humidifiers. Where can you get some good phosphoric acid? In any carbonated soft drink. Yup, pour a liter of cheap club soda in there and let it sit overnight. put some in the tank too.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

You might consider hiring a company that does restoration work. There may be more work there than you want to tackle The two story house near me had a major flood on the top floor and now is not habitable due to mold, etc. The realtor had a restoration company out for an estimate. If he was a hoarder there may be bedbugs etc that need attention.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Agree with captain. Give a good scrub with brush and mr clean, etc. even put mr clean and leave overnight. Keep scrubbing. Once it gEts semi clean; then rinse with plain water a few flushes.

Next is part 2. Follow directions and pour in CLR to break down the ring at the water line, iron deposits, iron stains, etc. you may have to do this a couple times, swishing and leaving sit while it does it's work.

A brush or magic eraser doused with full strength Mr Clean or Lysol cleaner, etc should work on outside of the toilet, seats, lid, etc.

If that fails, consider replacing; especially if you have to replace floor, caulk, toilet wax ring, etc.

PS, make sure that you run the fan and or open a window while you are cleaning with these chemicals for safety ventilation. Never mix bleach with acids.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

You could also call a company that does hazmat cleanup. Captain's point is well taken. That area has got to be a breeding ground for things hazardous to your health.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I agree with captain, get a new toilet. You will save yourself the cleanup as well any future repairs the toilet may have. When the plumber comes,ask them to clean the toilet drain before you install a new one. ( in case there's a further problem down there) Good luck to you
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Thanks for the great answers. I'm going to give Servpro a call and just see what the charges would be. I'm not sure my Dad will want to pay for that but it won't hurt to check. I hadn't thought about a magic eraser, sunflo. I knew I'd get good ideas here!
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Teri, if you do do the work yourself, wear eye protection, a respirator and heavy duty cleaning gloves when working with those powerful chemicals.

If the tenant was a hoarder, are you planning to clean out the entire apartment as well? If so, you could get a quote from Servpro for that, although my understanding of that company's business is primarily insurance claim cleanups post-floods, etc.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

My nephews are plumbers. Just call a shop and ask to speak to the owner. Tell him the problem. I would replace the toilet, too.

I don't think that you will ever get the stains out and I bet you need a new toilet seat, anyway.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter