Healthy Living 10 min read

Natural toilet bowl cleaners – A comprehensive guide

As mankind is progressing toward a greener world, people have been in search for more-environment-friendly and healthier alternatives that can replace industrial conveniences.

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Published 19 May 2022
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As mankind is progressing toward a greener world, people have been in search for more-environment-friendly and healthier alternatives that can replace industrial conveniences, among which are commercial toilet cleaners themselves. Some natural household products have been discovered to have excellent cleansing properties; and the great news is, they work well for toilets too! DIY recipes for toilet bowl cleaner often use natural ingredients like powdered citric acid, baking soda, and essential oils to create effective cleaning solutions. These natural toilet bowl cleaners are vinegar, baking soda, Coke, and ammonia; all of which could easily be found in your kitchen pantry, or bathroom cabinet.

What is the best cleaner for toilets?

A good toilet cleaner is expected to remove stains, slimes, and dirt from your urinals, toilet bowls, and bathroom tiles, and also disinfect them. So the best toilet cleaner is, obviously, something that does these tasks the most effectively and, beyond that, satisfies our other needs. It is crucial to use effective cleaning solutions to kill mold and mildew, ensuring a thorough clean. And when searching for great natural cleaners, we are searching for natural ingredients that can perform these tasks as effectively as a commercial cleaner does. This is definitely a high bar to cross, given how potent bleach is as a biocide.

Clean toilet bowls naturally

Fortunately enough, cleaning toilet bowls naturally might not be a pipe dream at all. Under most circumstances, natural toilet bowl cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, ammonia, etc. can perform the said tasks just as well as any commercial toilet cleaners. while also bringing some extra benefits like not having a bleachy smell, deodorizing your toilet, unclogging your toilet, or not eating away your skin or your lung, etc. It is also important to keep the toilet lid closed before flushing to prevent the spread of aerosolized bacteria, known as ‘toilet plume,’ which can release harmful bacteria into the air within the confined space of a bathroom.

Through different mechanisms, these natural cleaners, while not literally burning away the bacteria the way bleach does, do create an environment too alkalic or acidic for bacteria to live, eat away mineral stains with the acidity, or produce the foam to wash away the stains.

In the next session, we will provide the instructions that can help you clean your toilet effectively with natural cleaners. As a note, for any of these methods, if your toilet bowl is particularly stained at the bottom, you may want to drain the water from the toilet bowl so the cleaning agents can contact better with the stains.

Natural Ingredients for Toilet Bowl Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning the toilet bowl, many people reach for harsh chemicals. However, there are several natural ingredients that can effectively clean the toilet bowl without exposing you to toxic chemicals. Here are some of the most effective natural ingredients for toilet bowl cleaning:

  • Baking Soda: This natural abrasive is excellent for removing tough stains and odors from the toilet bowl. Simply sprinkle baking soda around the bowl, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub with a toilet brush for a sparkling clean toilet.
  • Vinegar: A natural acid, vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits and kill bacteria in the toilet bowl. Pour a cup of vinegar into the bowl, let it sit for a few hours, and then scrub to remove stains and disinfect.
  • Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil can help kill bacteria and other microorganisms in the toilet bowl. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle filled with water, spray the bowl, and let it sit before scrubbing.
  • Borax: This natural mineral is effective at removing stains and odors from the toilet bowl. Sprinkle borax around the bowl, let it sit overnight, and scrub in the morning for a clean and fresh toilet.

Clean toilet bowls with vinegar and baking soda

While both are excellent cleaners on their own, baking soda and vinegar are often used together for cleaning toilet bowls. This is because the explosive, fizzy reaction between these two agents can be utilized to take care of tough stains, as well as to unclog the toilet.

cleaning-toilet-with-vinegar-and-baking-soda

Clean the toilet bowl using vinegar and baking soda (Source: Internet)

As a note, just like for all other uses, we don’t recommend combining the baking soda and the vinegar together as a cleaner. The reason is that these agents sit on 2 ends of the pH chart and combining them together does neutralize their acidity and alkalinity, which are the sources of power as disinfectants and cleansers in the first place. There are better ways to use vinegar and baking soda to clean toilet bowls.

Clean your toilet bowl with vinegar and baking soda by following these steps:

  • Step 1: Pour 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Do so by pouring at the top of the toilet along the rim, so the vinegar would cover and disinfect the entire bowl.
  • Step 2: Let it sit overnight (or 8 hours). It will disinfect your toilet bowl as well as break down tough stains.
  • Step 3: After the 8-hour wait, sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl and wait for another 15 minutes. The concoction will fizz up and wash down the stains even more.
  • Step 4: Scrub the toilet bowl with a toilet bowl brush.
  • Step 5: Flush the toilet.

As a note, you can also use vinegar to wash and disinfect other parts of your toilet, such as the toilet’s exterior, the flush handle, and the toilet water tank. For the toilet’s exterior, spray the toilet with the water-vinegar mixture, wait for 15 minutes, and wipe. For the water tank, the job would be slightly more complicated, so we will save that for another article.

Clean toilet bowl with Coke

cleaning-toilet-with-Coke

Clean the toilet bowl with coke (Source: Internet)

Coca-cola makes up an excellent natural toilet cleaner thanks to the phosphoric acid it contains. It busts down stains, especially the mineral-induced stains caused by hard water. However, it doesn’t disinfect.

To clean a toilet bowl with Coke, follow these simple steps.

  • Step 1: Pour 2 cups of Coca-cola into the toilet bowl
  • Step 2: Let it sit overnight (or 8 hours).
  • Step 3: Flush the toilet.

Clean toilet bowls with ammonia

Ammonia-cleaner

Ammonia is a great toilet cleaner (Source: Internet)

The way ammonia works to clean is that of a surfactant; its saponification effects help the stains to get break down easier. While ammonia does kill some types of germs including E. coli, it doesn’t work against bacteria and viruses.

You can clean the toilet bowl with ammonia by making it into an ammonia/baking soda cleaning concoction, following these simple steps:

  • Step 1: Pour 1/2  cup of ammonia and 1/2 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
  • Step 2: Let it sit for a few minutes.
  • Step 3: Scrub the toilet bowl with a brush to clean any buildup.
  • Step 4: Flush the toilet.

As a note, you must not combine ammonia with bleach, or a commercial product containing ammonia with one containing bleach, because that would produce toxic fumes.

Common Toilet Stains and How to Remove Them

Toilet stains can be unsightly and difficult to remove. However, by identifying the type of stain and using the right cleaning solution, you can effectively remove most toilet stains. Here are some common toilet stains and how to remove them:

  • Hard Water Stains: These stains are caused by mineral deposits in the water. To remove them, use a water softener or a solution of vinegar and baking soda. Pour vinegar into the bowl, let it sit, then sprinkle baking soda and scrub.
  • Iron Stains: Excess iron in the water can cause reddish-brown stains. Remove these by using a solution of lemon juice and borax. Apply the mixture to the stains, let it sit, and scrub with a toilet brush.
  • Mold and Mildew Stains: Caused by moisture, these stains can be removed using a solution of bleach and water. Be sure to wear gloves and ventilate the area to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals. Apply the solution, let it sit, and scrub away the stains.
  • Tough Stains: For particularly stubborn stains, use a solution of baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda around the stain, add vinegar, and let it sit overnight. In the morning, scrub and flush for a clean toilet bowl.

The Importance of Toilet Brush Maintenance

The toilet brush is an essential tool for cleaning the toilet bowl. However, it can also harbor bacteria and other microorganisms that can spread illness. Here are some tips for maintaining your toilet brush:

  • Clean the Toilet Brush Regularly: Use a solution of vinegar and water to clean the toilet brush and remove any bacteria or debris. Soak the brush in the solution for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
  • Replace the Toilet Brush Regularly: Over time, toilet brushes can become worn or frayed. Replace your toilet brush every 6-12 months, or sooner if it shows signs of wear.
  • Store the Toilet Brush Properly: Store the toilet brush in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture from accumulating and promoting the growth of bacteria. Consider using a holder that allows the brush to dry between uses.

The Risks of Chemical-Based Cleaners

Chemical-based cleaners may be effective at removing stains and odors from the toilet bowl, but they can also pose serious health risks. Here are some of the risks associated with chemical-based cleaners:

  • Respiratory Problems: Chemical-based cleaners can release fumes that irritate the lungs and exacerbate respiratory problems such as asthma. Using natural alternatives can help reduce these risks.
  • Skin Irritation: These cleaners can cause skin irritation and burns if not used properly. Natural ingredients like baking soda and vinegar are gentler on the skin.
  • Environmental Harm: Chemical-based cleaners can contaminate waterways and harm aquatic life. By using natural cleaning products, you can help protect the environment.
  • Exposure to Toxic Chemicals: Cleaners containing hydrochloric acid and chlorine bleach can have serious health consequences. Opting for natural ingredients can help you avoid exposure to these toxic chemicals.

By using natural ingredients and maintaining your toilet brush properly, you can effectively clean the toilet bowl without exposing yourself to harsh chemicals.

More toilet cleaning tips using natural toilet cleaners from Sparkling and Beyond

So far, we have gone through a range of natural toilet bowl cleaners, and the guides on how to use them. The good news is that you will see even more of these natural cleaners in our other cleaning tips and guides: As a company that advocates the ecosystem, Sparkling and Beyond do put priority to help you greenify your DIY cleaning by introducing natural cleaning products. So stay tuned for more cleaning tips and guides, and remember to use our cleaning services whenever you feel that professional help is needed.

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