Buying guide for best toilet lights
No one likes to wake up in the middle of the night for a quick trip to the bathroom only to be blinded by the harsh bathroom light. Of course, you could try to leave the light off, but this means fumbling your way to the toilet and risking all sorts of calamities.
The solution? A toilet light. While it may sound silly at first, it’s actually a smart idea. In general, all toilet lights work the same way — an LED light turns on when the unit senses nearby movement and your toilet begins to glow. It will light up in a variety of colors (which small children especially love) and be dimmable to your preference. If you'd like, you can even get a model that helps sanitize your toilet whenever it is on.
To learn more about these fascinating, useful devices and find out why they might make the perfect addition to your home, keep reading. If you can't wait to have a mesmerizing otherworldly rainbow in your bathroom, consider one of the highly rated options that we've presented in this article.
Features
The following is a list of possible features that toilet lights may or may not have. If anything on this list sounds appealing, be sure the model that you are considering has that feature.
Motion-detection distance
Although you must properly position your toilet light so it can detect motion when you enter the bathroom doorway, some units only turn on when you are very close, which could still lead to a few stubbed toes. Others may feature a high-powered sensor that not only covers a greater distance but also scans a wider arc, making it better at detecting any type of motion in the vicinity.
Dual sensors
Since your toilet light is only needed when it is dark, most units feature two sensors. The first acts like an on-off switch that lets the unit know when the light is low enough to enable the second sensor — the motion detector — to function. A dual sensor prevents your toilet light from turning on when it is not needed.
Power
Most toilet lights are powered by AAA batteries, which may last three to six months. Others feature the longer-lasting AA batteries, which may keep your toilet lit for up to 10 months. Although there are not many, a few brands do feature units that are rechargeable via a USB port.
Colors
There is a wide range of color options available for toilet lights. Some may just have a handful of colors, while others may feature as many as 16 different hues. All toilet lights give the user the option of cycling through the colors or remaining on one favorite.
Dimmable
If you want to be in charge of how bright or dim your toilet lights are, look for a model with a variety of brightness settings.
Deodorizer
Some toilet lights also function as a deodorizer. If you'd like a toilet light that serves more than one purpose, this might be the feature for you.
Low-battery indicator
Although you will notice the LED lights gradually getting dimmer as the batteries lose their charge, some models feature a handy low-battery indicator light, so there is no guesswork involved.
Flexible arm
Toilet lights all attach in a similar fashion: a flexible arm folds over the rim of the toilet bowl and the unit hangs in place. Some models have a flimsier arm and use suction cups to help hold the LED and sensor in place. The higher-rated models tend to have a stiffer arm, so there is no need for suction cups.
Sanitization
If you are concerned about germs, some toilet lights come with a UV light that can help sanitize your toilet.
Did you know?
A toilet light is usually powered by three or four batteries. Even if you lose electricity in your home, you will still be able to see in the bathroom.
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Toilet light prices
A toilet light is unusual because most units tend to have a very similar price. No matter which brand or model you are looking at, you will likely be spending between $10 and $15. That means a product that just lights up in one color will cost almost the same as one that also has a sanitizing feature, a wide variety of colors, and a built-in refillable air freshener.
For the consumer, this means you do not have to consider the cost unless it falls outside of these parameters. The one exception to the rule is purchasing multiple units. For instance, you could discover considerable savings when purchasing a pack of three units as opposed to buying one at a time.
"The motion sensor on a toilet light is located on the outside of your toilet bowl, so the light will go on even if the lid is shut."
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Seven reasons why you need a toilet light
The big hurdle to realizing just how beneficial a toilet light can be is simply understanding how it can help make your life better. Here are seven reasons why you actually do need a toilet light:
- Comforting: The gentle glow of your toilet light won't be painful on those late-night sleepy eyes.
- Helps you sleep: Flipping on the bathroom light can be all it takes to shake you out of that half-awake state. A toilet light is soft enough to help you remain relaxed, so you can drift effortlessly back into your dreams.
- Bull’s-eye: The toilet light acts like a bull’s-eye, so there are fewer late-night misses.
- Excellent potty-training device: Kids (and adults) are fascinated by the glow. It can encourage your young ones to frequent the bathroom more often and get them genuinely excited about using the toilet.
- Saves energy: You do not need to leave the bathroom light or a nightlight on all night; a toilet light only illuminates when it is needed.
- It sanitizes: You can purchase a toilet light that has sanitizing properties, which can help kill germs every time it turns on.
- The cost doesn't break the bank: A toilet light is affordable. The handy device costs about the same as a single bridge toll into Manhattan.
Expert Tip
You do not need WiFi or an Internet connection for a toilet light to work. It is not a smart device, but it behaves like one.
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Other products we considered
Looking like a tiny white shield, Ortz’s 16-Color Motion-Activated Toilet Light features a slightly different design than most of the other toilet lights on the market. It is still easy to install, fun to use, and comes with a UV light that is designed to help sanitize. If you have more than one toilet in your home, you may want to consider Witshine's Two-Pack of 16-Color Motion-Activated Toilet Night Lights. These toilet lights have a dual sensor that only allows them to turn on when motion has been detected in low ambient light. Additionally, the units are powered by AA batteries, which can last up to 10 months, depending on usage. The Vintar 16-Color Motion Sensor Toilet Night Light features five brightness levels and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
FAQ
Q. I just put batteries in my toilet light, and it won't turn on. Is it broken?
A. Many models will not function unless it is sufficiently dark. Try waiting till night or taking it to a dark room to see if it turns on. Alternatively, you can install the device and just wait till nighttime to test it out.
Q. I just put batteries in my toilet light and it turned on. Is that normal?
A. Some models will turn on when the batteries are inserted. If your toilet light is functioning properly, the light will go off in about two minutes or less, depending on the model.
Q. Is a toilet light hard to install?
A. Not at all. Most models have a flexible arm that bends over the rim — the sensor is on the outside and the light is on the inside. Other models may also feature suction cups, but, in general, installation should only take a few seconds.
Q. How do I clean my toilet light?
A. Most models will only require quickly wiping down the unit with either a dab of warm soapy water on a soft towel or a disinfectant wipe. However, it is always best to read the instructions that come with the toilet light to be certain you don't accidentally damage the sensors when cleaning.
