Soft Close Toilet Seats bring comfort and functionality to your bathroom.
Among many choices, the elongated type stands out. Its ergonomic design offers more space and better comfort.
These seats are made with care to ensure they last. The soft close feature adds luxury by stopping loud slams and reducing wear.
If you’re updating your bathroom or just want a better toilet seat, a soft close elongated seat is a smart choice.
Benefits of Soft Close Elongated Toilet Seats
Soft close elongated toilet seats offer a number of benefits over traditional toilet seats. Here are some of the most notable:
- Quieter operation: Soft close elongated toilet seats reduce noise when closing, creating a more peaceful bathroom environment.
- Enhanced safety: The slow-closing mechanism prevents slamming, reducing the risk of injury to fingers or damage to the toilet bowl.
- Longer lifespan: By minimizing impact and wear on hinges and the toilet bowl, soft close seats can help extend the life of your toilet.
- Convenience: With no need to manually close the seat, soft close mechanisms offer added convenience, especially for children or individuals with mobility issues.
- Improved aesthetics: The smooth, controlled closing motion adds a touch of modern elegance to your bathroom space.
5 Best Soft Close Elongated Toilet Seats Revealed
1. KOHLER K-4734-0 Rutledge Elongated Toilet Seat
The KOHLER K-4734-0 Rutledge Elongated Toilet Seat is made from high-quality polyethylene. It’s both durable and lightweight.
Long mounting bolts make installation easy. The seamless design ensures quick cleaning, and the hinge allows for hassle-free access underneath.
This premium seat features a quick-release mechanism. Installation takes less than 10 minutes. With its slide-on design, it can be removed and replaced effortlessly for maintenance.
The seat fits standard American elongated bowls perfectly. Non-slip bumpers and plastic caps keep it securely in place, eliminating any wobbling.
Available in almond, biscuit, and white, this toilet seat offers great value. It combines comfort, functionality, and durability.
Pros
- Easy to clean.
- Easy installation.
- Value for money.
- No slamming thanks to the slow close mechanism.
Cons
- None.
2. KOHLER K-4636-0 Cachet – Quality Soft Close Toilet Seat
If you want a simple design that fits your bathroom decor, check out the KOHLER K-4636-0 Cachet Elongated Toilet Seat.
This seat is made from heavy-duty polyethylene plastic. It can handle daily use without wear. Tight rubber bumpers keep it securely in place, so it won’t wobble or shift.
You can choose from several colors: dune, black, ice gray, sandbar, thunder gray, white, almond, cashmere, and biscuit.
The Kohler K-4636-0 is easy to install. Its quick-release feature means you don’t have to unscrew everything when it’s time to clean.
This seat includes matching caps that hide the mounting hardware. Just open the caps and slide the seat out. When you finish cleaning, slide it back into place.
The Kohler K-4636-0 fits many different toilets. It works with various brands. However, if your toilet has no access under the bowl, this seat won’t fit.
Pros
- Easy to clean.
- Value for money.
- Sturdy.
- Durable.
- Soft-close mechanism.
Cons
- Its sloped shape may cause Some users to find it narrow and quite uncomfortable to use.
3. BATH ROYALE BR606-00 Premium Elongated Toilet Seat
The Bath Royale Br606-00 is a cost-effective way to upgrade your toilet. It fits most brands and has received high ratings from users.
This seat works with non-standard mounting hole spacing of 4-7 inches. It comes in two shapes for better compatibility. Its sleek design adds minimal bulk to your toilet.
Durability is a key feature. This toilet seat lasts long, even with frequent use.
You can choose from three colors: white, linen, and almond. It also has a quick-release mechanism for easy cleaning.
To use the quick-release, just press the button at the back of the seat.
This allows you to lift it off easily. To reattach, align the holes with the pins and push them in. The two stainless steel pins at the base are rust-resistant, keeping the seat secure.
Made entirely of polypropylene, the Bath Royale Br606-00 resists chemicals and stains.
This makes it hygienic for long-term use. The material also conducts heat less, making it comfortable to sit on compared to acrylic seats.
Pros
- Easy to clean.
- Easy to install.
- Durable.
- Excellent customer service.
Cons
- Flimsy and wobbles.
4. TOTO SS114#03 Soft Close Elongated Toilet Seat
Toto, known for quality toilets, offers a sleek elongated toilet seat.
The Toto SS114#03, made from glossy polypropylene, is strong and durable. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort, making it ideal for long-term use.
Available in colors like Sedona beige, bone, cotton white, colonial white, and ebony, it fits any bathroom décor.
The soft-close feature prevents slamming, while molded bumpers enhance safety and durability. Some users may find it feels a bit flimsy, but this doesn’t affect its performance.
After installation, opinions often change. Though a few have noted a wobble due to the oval mounting holes, installation remains straightforward.
The seat lacks a quick-release mechanism, but its comfort and soft-close feature compensate. It can be installed from the top or bottom, though top fixing hardware is sold separately.
Overall, the Toto SS114#03 maintains its reputation for quality, making it a great choice for those wanting a durable, comfortable elongated toilet seat.
Pros
- Easy to clean.
- Easy to install.
- Value for money.
- Soft-close seat.
- Sturdy.
Cons
- Not durable.
5. BEMIS 1500EC 000 Wood Elongated Toilet Seat
Bemis, known for quality bathroom fixtures, offers a unique toilet seat. It’s made of molded wood and has an enamel finish for extra durability.
Available in ten colors, it includes Biscuit, Bone, Silver, Ice Gray, Venetian Pink, White, Almond, and Dresden Blue.
To prevent shifting, the seat has ring bumpers. Installation and removal are easy, thanks to non-corrosive plastic nuts and bolts.
To install, open the hinges, fix the bolt heads, and snap the hinges shut. Removing the seat is just as simple.
Bemis uses eco-friendly materials like wood to create practical products. The affordable price doesn’t reflect its quality.
Overall, this toilet seat is a smart investment. It’s a practical solution for those wanting a durable, low-priced option.
Pros
- Fits perfectly.
- Easy to remove for cleaning (press the quick-release button).
- The quick-release button is positioned conveniently.
- The soft-close mechanism works perfectly for both the seat and the cover.
- Easy to install.
Cons
- It’s flimsy. And the bases will NOT stay in place.
Final Verdict
Toilets, like other products such as clothes, cosmetics, electronics, and cars, vary in quality and features.
A high-end Mercedes with all the latest features costs more than a basic Mazda. Similarly, toilet suites come in different levels of sophistication and price.
In addition to the soft-close feature, more expensive toilets may also offer other premium features such as:
- High-quality plastic seats that are sturdier and more durable than cheaper options.
- Stainless steel hinges that are stronger and longer-lasting than plastic hinges found on budget models.
- Quiet flushing mechanisms and Teflon-like coatings that make cleaning easier
Based on our research, we have determined that the KOHLER K-4734-0 Rutledge Elongated Toilet Seat is the best option for a soft-close elongated toilet seat.
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Conclusion
There is so much to say about elongated toilet seats and so much to choose from. Most of them are of the same size, but they come with different designs and features.
They also have different prices to suit your pocket. The Things to Consider When Purchasing a Soft Close Elongated Toilet Seat are;
- Take into account the size of your toilet bowl. Before buying one, make sure you have the correct measurement of the toilet bowl.
- Consider the type of construction material used.
- Consider the type of color; this is likely to complement your home décor or your taste.
- Don’t forget the installation and cleaning process. Here, the type of hinge in each seat matters. There are others that are tightly bolted to the bowl and thus are cumbersome to unscrew. There are the ones with the quick-release mechanism that allows for quick removal and setup.
Although the toilet seat is not as “sexy” as other products it is imperative to choose the right one and we hope that this article has helped you work out which toilet seat to buy when you go shopping.
This may not seem like an obvious decision, but since your bathroom gets used every day it seems logical that it also requires at least some thought. Good luck!
Why do soft close toilet seats stop working?
A soft close toilet seat has minimal noise, it is easier to maintain and safer to use. A soft close toilet seat is one that closes by itself as soon as you begin to push it down.
The action is controlled by gravity but special tension hinges in the seat control that gravity such that there is no slamming down. The special hinges Soft close toilet seats enable them to work on their own and quietly.
In some of the soft close seats, the hinges can be adjusted to make them close more slowly. However, there are times when the soft close seats stop working due to regular use, wear, and even breakage.
Some of the common causes of the seats not working include loose or broken hinges that cause slamming.
A loose toilet seat moves sideways because the fixing attached to the toilet bowl has loosened. If the problem is not fixed quickly the seat will break.
The loosening of the fixing also causes slamming. That has to be corrected by tightening the bolts and wing nuts that connect the seat to the toilet bowl.
The duration of usage is also a factor in the reasons why a toilet seat may stop working. The longevity of the seat also depends on material and quality among other factors.
Some of these soft close seats are defective just as the case may be with other manufactured products and that is why they only have a one-year warranty. However, some seats just stop working on their own.
How do you fix/connect a soft close toilet lid?
A soft close toilet seat sometimes becomes loose and close with a slum. In most instances, a soft close toilet lid that comes down too fast may just require cleaning in and out.
That is because the usage of the seat over time may cause particles to be lodged in and around the hinge’s moving parts. In this case, you just have to remove the seat and hinges and soak them in soapy warm water for about 20 minutes.
The soaking will dissolve and break up any curd interfering with the seat’s operation.
If your soft close seat is not working the way it used to work and the hinges are not adjustable, you will have to fix the issue through the tightening of the hinge dampers or replacing them with new ones.
The first step is slowing down the metal hinges on vertical pegs. The metal pegs are attached to the toilet bowl’s back which the toilet seat slides onto. If you do not find the hinge assembly then your seat probably has a plastic clip-on assembly.
Secondly, carefully lift the seat from the hinges from an upright position by holding at the sides or bottom and top. If the seat does not lift straight away tilt it a few degrees forward and see whether you can lift it from that position.
If you are unable to easily slide the seat from the peg, gently press the hinges with your thumb and lift it off. The peg-style hinge assemblies of different soft close toilet seats have different mechanisms of locking.
Thirdly, set the seat upside down on a flat surface such that the hinges are exposed. Fourthly, pull out the cylindrical dumpers located on both sides of the seats back. The dampers are responsible for controlling the speed at which the soft close seat closes.
Fifthly, slide the dampers back ensuring that they are aligned to the shape of the holes that they are sliding into. That will slow down the hinges of the seat making it close more quietly and softly.
Lastly, slide the dampers back into the hinge assembly and put the seat back on the toilet bowl.
If your seat is made of plastic clips-on hinges, look for rectangular plastic covers at the back with the seat closed. The plastic hinges are the second main type of hinge assemblies on soft close toilets.
Secondly, slide the seat forward to remove it from the down position.
Flip up the plastic hinge covers, hold the seat from the back, and pull it forward. If you cannot slide the seat of the toilet then unscrew the bolts from the toilet bowl’s backside.
Thirdly, place the seat on a flat surface upside down exposing the hinge assembly. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the cylindrical dampers from the hinge assembly.
Turn the dampers toward the back of the seat to slow it down by rotating them. Use your finger to push the dampers back in the assembly and slide the seat back into the toilet bowl’s bolts.
However, if there are visible pieces from the hinges or cracks it is time you replace the hinges.
Are Soft toilet seats unsanitary?
Soft toilet seats are made of vinyl padding covering and on their own they are not absorbent. Understanding the features of the soft seats and how to properly use them enables the seats to remain sanitary.
Unfortunately, soft seats have the problem of not being easy to clean because most of them have tiny pores for breathing when sat on.
The pores are notorious for collecting all types of dirt and oils from the skin creating a breeding ground for bacterial if not addressed quickly.
If the messes are not cleaned regularly, permanent stains and bacterial from your body will find a home on the seat without a solution of getting rid of them.
However, the nightmare can be avoided by buying soft toilet seats of great quality and avoiding generic brands.
After prolonged usage soft toilet seats tend to have cracks on the vinyl covering that can lead to unsanitary conditions.
That is because things like urine, cleaning solutions, water, and other liquids will be trapped in the padding causing the seat to be replaced since it will be unsanitary.
How do you clean a soft toilet seat?
The cleaning of a toilet seat depends on the kind of mess on the seat. Households with kids have more stain problems in the toilet since they do not understand the efforts of keeping the seat clean.
It is important to keep your toilet seat clean to prevent bacterial build-up. There are various ways of cleaning the seat including the use of bleach, elbow grease and baking soda, vinegar, toilet cleaner that is bleach-free, and cola.
Removing stain from a soft plastic toilet seat: create a paste of half a cup of baking soda, one tablespoon dish soap made of liquid, and a quarter cup white vinegar.
The ingredients should be mixed and if the paste is too runny add more of the baking soda. Secondly, dampen a kitchen sponge with the paste and vigorously scrub the stain until it is eliminated.
Thirdly, use a wet rug to wipe away the paste and dry the seat with a separate dry rag.
The fourth step is mixing a quarter cup of chlorine bleach with plain water of three-fourths gallon. Make sure you put on a pair of rubber gloves and stir the water until the bleach is well mixed.
Fifthly, wet a clean cloth with the chlorine bleach and work it on the stain in the toilet seat and leave the bleach there for an hour before continuing.
When time is up wipe the seat with a damp rag to remove the mixture of chlorine then use a separate rag to dry it. If there are multiple stains or large ones, soak the toilet seat in the bleach.
Make sure that windows are open for ventilation when working with chlorine.
Cleaning with bleach: bleach is a great disinfectant and sanitizer and quite effective on a toilet seat. The first step is to pour a quarter of the bleach into a measuring cup.
Secondly, lift the toilet seat lid and pour the bleach carefully into the seat’s edge and the bowl of the toilet. Use a towel or rag to wipe any spills on the floor.
Thirdly, fill a bucket with water and add a third of the bleach that remained to form a solution.
The fourth step is removing the toilet seat from the bowl and soak it into the solution for 15 minutes. Fifthly, when time is up use a toilet brush to scrub it until the stain is removed.
Repeat steps one to five until the stains are eliminated. Use the brush to clean other stained parts of the toilet and then flush with water and then replace the seat back on the toilet bowl.
Cleaning with elbow grease and baking soda paste: the first step is applying a germ cleaner on the toilet seat’s surface and leave it to soak for 15 minutes before using a wet towel to wipe it off.
Secondly, pour a quarter cup of baking soda into a bucket and add warm water of about 50ml then stir it so that a paste is formed. Smear the paste on stained areas of the seat and leave it there for 15 minutes.
The third step is to scrub the seat with a scouring sponge that is scratch-free or a toilet brush in a circular pattern while sprinkling water occasionally to wet it.
Fourthly, add the paste to the stained area and scrub until the stain disappears. Use clean water to rinse and dry it with a wet towel. Lastly, apply disinfectant and wipe off with a wet towel.
Cleaning with vinegar: hard stains are difficult to get rid of because they are not easily eliminated. Vinegar has organic material that reacts with hard stains making them powerless so that they can be easily removed.
The first step of removing stains with vinegar from the toilet seat is pouring some distilled white vinegar onto a paper towel until it is damp. The second is covering the whole seat with damp paper towel pieces.
Leave it to soak for an hour or two before removing them. Thirdly, scrub the seat with a toilet brush or soft sponge. Add more vinegar and continue scrubbing until all stains are eliminated.
Lastly, use a damp cloth to clean the seat and then apply disinfectant and the freshener.
Cleaning with cola: the cola drink has phosphoric acid that breakdown limescale easily making it suitable for getting rid of limescale from the toilet seat.
If you decide to use the cola drink you will need to add a bottle to a small bucket and soak a small cloth or towel in it. Place the damp cloth on the seat and leave it to rest for 20 minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
Cleaning with toilet cleaner that is bleach-free: products made of citric acid are effective in removing stains from toilet seats. Some of them include Eco-zone, Ecover, and Waitrose ecological toilet cleaner.
The only downside is that they are not as aggressive as solutions that contain bleach.
Cleaning a soft toilet seat is easy and you can use baking soda, bleach, or vinegar all of which work well in cleaning the seat.
When using bleach you have to remove the seat from the bowl and soak it in the bleach solution which is a combination of water and bleach.
When applying a stain remover you have to spray it on the stained parts and leave it there for some minutes before scrubbing.
The baking soda and vinegar have to be mixed to form a paste and then apply it and the stains.
Cleaning the toilet seat hinges: most hinges are made of plastic or metal and cleaning them is an easy task. First, you have to add an alcohol-based cleaning solution to a damp cloth and then use the cloth to go over the toilet seat’s hinges.
Afterward, wipe the hinges with clean water and then a dry cloth.
If you see that stubborn stains have remained on the hinges you can use a vinegar-based cleaner and an old toothbrush or a small cleaning brush to remove them.
Use clean water to wipe the hinges afterward and then wipe them with a dry cloth. If the vinegar solution is not wiped off it can cause rust on the hinges.
Are soft close toilet seats any good?
Looking to get or buy a toilet seat that doesn’t snap whenever you use the toilet? Then a soft close toilet seat might be useful because they don’t slam each time you want to close the toilet lid.
When compared to the old noisy traditional toilet seats, a soft close toilet seat works in such a way that it is almost impossible for the toilet lid to slam back preventing that annoying clatter sound whenever one looses the grip of them.
Basically a soft close toilet seat works inline with gravity controlled by special designed tensioned hinges that come into play every time one closes the toilet lid.
This will allow the user to gently tap the toilet lid with the slow closure mechanism into place, the toilet lid will close very slowly and make virtually no noise as it returns to its rightful place same as a bird feather landing on the floor thus ensuring privacy every time one uses the bathroom.
Pros and Cons of Using a slow Closed Toilet Seats
Pros
- No Slamming.
The advantages of a slow closed toilet seat trump the disadvantages, the major advantage is that you will never slam your toilet lid with a soft closed toilet seat.
This will allow you to gently touch the lid of the toilet, which will allow it to close slowly. In contrast to the old toilet seats, the lid will close by striking the toilet stool causing a loud sound.
- Safer With Small Children Around.
With children, it is necessary to be very cautious and vigilant, especially when they use the bathroom. With a slow close toilet seat is a major advantage to the little one’s hand and finger because this toilet seat cannot slam close as a result very safe for the little children to use.
- Cleaner
With minimal contact with the toilet lid, soft close toilet seats are more hygienic and safer because of less handling or closing of the toilet lid, which means the chances of dirty hands grasping the lid are less.
- Good Quality
The soft close toilet seats are not your ordinary way before toilet seats. These toilet seats are manufactured and designed with high quality materials, more advanced hinges and must undergo a vigorous sustainability test before they hit the market.
Hinges are designed to retain grip after multiple use, making them durable and easy to use.
Just get a good quality slow toilet seat and be sure to use it for many years without falling apart.
How long do soft close toilet seats last
Nothing lasts forever, right! So are the toilet seats. Good quality toilet seats come with a one-year warranty that are for default only, although toilet seats can last longer than 2 to 5 years when properly used and routinely maintained.
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