Cleaning your toilet does not have to involve harsh chemicals. With some simple ingredients from around your home, you can make your own effective and environmentally-friendly toilet bowl cleaner. We will provide recipes and tips for homemade toilet bowl cleaners that will leave your bathroom sparkling.
Why Make Your Own Toilet Bowl Cleaner
There are several benefits to creating your own DIY toilet bowl cleaner rather than relying on store-bought products:
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Many commercial toilet cleaners contain potent chemicals and fumes that can be irritating to breathe in. Making your own with natural ingredients allows you to control exactly what goes into the cleaner.
Cost Savings
Homemade cleaners are significantly cheaper than commercial ones. With just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have at home, you can make an effective toilet bowl cleaner on a budget.
Environmental Benefits
Harsh chemical cleaners can harm the environment and pollute water sources. Opting for more natural cleaning solutions is better for the planet.
Tailor Your Cleaner
By making your own toilet bowl cleaner recipe, you can customize and tweak it to your needs and preferences. Adjust the ingredients to make it as strong or mild as you like.
Safer Around Children & Pets
Commercial toilet cleaners often require a lot of safety precautions if you have little kids or pets. Milder homemade cleaners reduce the risks of burns or ingestion accidents.
Essential Ingredients in DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaners
Homemade toilet bowl cleaners are simple to make with just a few key ingredients you can pick up at any grocery store. Here are some must-have items:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is mildly abrasive and helps scour away stains and buildup. It also neutralizes odors leaving a fresher scent.
Vinegar
White vinegar is antibacterial and helps break down mineral deposits and hard water stains in the toilet bowl.
Essential Oils
Oils like lemon, eucalyptus and tea tree add natural fragrance to mask toilet odors.
Castile Soap
Adding a small amount of liquid castile soap helps homemade cleaners foam and cling to the toilet bowl better for more effective cleaning.
Hydrogen Peroxide
The bubbling reaction of hydrogen peroxide lifts stains and whitens the bowl.
Easy Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner Recipes
With just a few of the ingredients above, you can make your own powerful toilet bowl cleaners:
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Cleaner
This is the simplest go-to homemade toilet bowl cleaner. The combination of baking soda and vinegar provides a frothy, anti-bacterial cleaning solution.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 cup white vinegar
Instructions:
Pour the baking soda into the toilet bowl. Follow with the vinegar and allow the mixture to fizz and bubble for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
2. Baking Soda and Castile Soap Cleaner
The addition of castile soap helps this cleaner cling to the toilet bowl better than vinegar options.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 3 tablespoons liquid castile soap
- 1/4 cup warm water
Instructions:
Mix the baking soda and castile soap together first. Slowly stir in the warm water. Apply the foamy cleaner to the toilet bowl and let sit for at least 15 minutes before scrubbing and flushing.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Cleaner
If you need some extra cleaning power against stubborn stains, hydrogen peroxide is the perfect addition. This recipe foams and whitens as it cleans.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 5 drops essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Mix the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together in a bowl. Add the essential oil for scent if desired. Spread the mixture over the toilet bowl and let bubble for at least 20 minutes before scrubbing clean.
Tips for Using Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner
To maximize the cleaning power of your homemade toilet bowl cleaner:
- Always give the cleaner adequate time to work before scrubbing. Let it sit and bubble in the toilet for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Use a stiff toilet brush to scrub. Help the cleaner fully lift stains by agitating and scrubbing vigorously.
- Start by cleaning the toilet bowl first before the seat and lid.
- Flush multiple times while cleaning to rinse away dissolved gunk and stains.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from irritation.
- Keep a dedicated toilet brush that is only used for the toilet.
- Add a toilet wand to extend your reach and make cleaning the bowl easier.
- Make sure toilet brushes can fully dry out between uses to prevent mold.
- Deep clean the toilet fully each week. Quick daily touch ups require less scrubbing.
- Refresh stale homemade cleaner batches regularly for maximum effectiveness.
- Always provide proper ventilation by opening windows or turning on fans before mixing up any cleaner. Never mix chemicals!
FAQs About Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaners
How well do homemade toilet bowl cleaners work?
Homemade cleaners are very effective at naturally breaking down mineral deposits, soap scum, hard water stains and bacteria when used consistently. They may require a bit more scrubbing than harsh chemical cleaners. But with regular use, most homemade cleaners work quite well to keep the toilet clean and sanitized.
How often should I clean my toilet bowl?
It’s best to fully clean and disinfect toilet bowls at least once a week. Perform quick daily toilet cleans by spraying the bowl and giving it a quick scrub to prevent buildup. Always clean immediately after heavy usage or any toilet overflows.
What is the safest homemade toilet cleaner?
Baking soda and vinegar is generally the safest option since it contains no harsh chemicals. Hydrogen peroxide is also very safe when diluted in cleaners. Avoid mixing chemicals like bleach or ammonia in homemade cleaners.
How can I get rid of toilet bowl stains?
The combination of baking soda and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide works well to dissolve hard water stains and mineral deposits. Letting the cleaner sit for longer periods before scrubbing gives the ingredients more time to break down stubborn stains and discoloration.
Why is my DIY toilet bowl cleaner not working?
Double check that you are letting the cleaner sit long enough (15-20 minutes) before scrubbing. You may need to use a bit more muscle power when scrubbing if the cleaner is very mild. Also try freshening up the batch and using new homemade cleaner.
Can I pour homemade toilet cleaner directly into the bowl?
Yes, you can pour homemade cleaners directly into the toilet bowl water. Make sure to give them adequate time to work before flushing. Never mix chemical cleaners together.
Conclusion
Cleaning and disinfecting your toilet does not require dumping harsh chemicals down the bowl. With some simple kitchen staples, you can easily whip up effective, non-toxic toilet cleaners. Homemade solutions are better for your health, wallet and the environment. Natural cleaners like baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and castile soap can tackle even the toughest toilet stains. Always remember to never mix chemical cleaners, wear gloves, and keep toilet brushes separate. With these homemade recipes, you can achieve a clean, fresh toilet without the nasty fumes and residues of commercial cleaners.