How to clean a commode at home

If a friend or family member is struggling with mobility, even typically simple tasks like going to the toilet can seem near impossible. But as trips to the toilet cannot be avoided, they need an alternative that will decrease the upset and worry that limited movement could cause. A commode is a tried and tested way of being able to use the toilet even if getting around has become a problem. However, if you’re not completely familiar with commodes, you may be worried about how you’re supposed to clean one.

In an attempt to advise anyone that is helping someone who uses a commode, this blog will offer tips and guidance on cleaning one properly at home.

How to clean a commode

There are many considerations that you need to bear in mind when it comes to cleaning a commode. Below, we’ve highlighted all of the primary areas including cleaning a commode bucket and the seat, disposing of waste, decontamination and keeping your commode in a suitably clean condition.

How to clean a commode bucket

Ensuring that the commode bucket is clean and completely free of waste is important to preventing nasty smells. However, the process of cleaning a commode bucket actually starts before it’s used. You should pour around two to three inches of water into the bucket prior to use. You can then rinse the bucket with water afterwards and leave the now empty bucket to soak in hot water for a few minutes.

Leaving water in the bucket during use will mean that the waste is less likely to get stuck to the bottom and sides. However, if there are any traces left, scrub it with a suitable disinfectant cleaner, rinse the bucket again with water, dry it and reattach it to the commode.

How to clean a commode seat

After you’ve cleaned the commode bucket, it’s important that you focus on ensuring that the rest of the commode is clean. It would be advisable to remove the seat, lid, armrests and any other areas that the user has come into contact with and clean these components with a disinfectant. You can then reattach them to the commode once they’re completely dry.

How to empty a commode

Although we previously explained how to clean a commode bucket, you may be interested to learn how best to remove the waste. The process of removing the waste from a commode is relatively straightforward, but if you’ve never done it before, it could help to understand the best method, especially if it means avoiding potential spillages or contamination.

Fortunately, commodes are often built with easy access to the bucket, allowing you to freely remove it. All you need to do is release it from the commode, carefully pick it up and pour away the waste down a regular toilet. You should then thoroughly clean it before reattaching it to the commode.

How to dispose of commode waste

You may be concerned over where you can dispose of the waste inside the bucket. However, many commode users simply pour the waste down the toilet. You just need to make sure you have a firm grip over the commode bucket, carefully lift it above the toilet and gently pour away the waste. After flushing, check that all of the waste has gone and begin to clean the bucket before reattaching to the commode.

How to decontaminate a commode

For any situations where human waste is involved, you should pay special attention to ensuring that all materials that come into contact with the waste are appropriately decontaminated. Cleaning a commode is something that must be done after every use, but without proper decontamination, you can’t guarantee that every trace of the waste has been removed.(

What do you use to decontaminate a commode?

To properly decontaminate your commode, you should use cleaning products that are effective in breaking down dirt and eliminating bacteria. This may mean using multiple cleaning agents for different areas.

For example, when it comes to cleaning the commode bucket, mix in a cleaning solution as you’re washing it out. You could even consider keeping a cleaning product in the bucket during use to reduce the level of mess. Then, once you’ve finished cleaning the commode, go over it - including the seat, arms and outside of the bucket - with an antibacterial wipe.(

How to keep a commode clean

If you’ve been cleaning a commode for a friend or family member, you will want to ensure that it remains clean. Without this emphasis, it could become particularly messy, leave an unpleasant smell and contaminate the area and everyone within it. However, providing you’ve removed every trace of the waste, properly cleaned out the bucket using a cleaning product and wiped down the commode with antibacterial wipes, it should be suitably clean for future use.

Disregarding these steps could lead to unsanitary conditions. For example, if a commode bucket isn’t properly cleaned, waste may still be present, and if the frame, seat or arms of the commode aren’t correctly decontaminated, bacteria or traces of the waste could come into contact with anyone that touches it.