Ditch The Chemicals! How To Make Your Own Toilet Cleaner

In the pursuit of cleanliness, it’s common to gravitate towards strong, chemical-laden toilet cleaners. However, these products, while effective, come with a significant downside. The chemicals they contain can be harsh, not just on our bathroom surfaces but also on our health and the environment. So, it is no surprise that the pungent odors and potential hazards associated with these cleaners raise concerns. It’s crucial to question whether the promise of a germ-free bathroom is worth the potential risks. Thus, with growing awareness about the impact of these chemicals, it’s time we consider safer, more sustainable cleaning methods. This shift not only benefits our personal health but also contributes positively to environmental conservation, making it a win-win situation. That’s why today we want to share with you some eco-friendly and safe homemade toilet cleaner recipes. Not only will you not worry about harmful chemicals, you will have a sparkling toilet.

It’s crucial to question whether the promise of a germ-free bathroom is worth the potential risks

@The Spruce

Homemade Toilet Cleaner Recipes

In the realm of household cleaning, the shift towards homemade cleaners is gaining momentum, and for good reasons. These natural alternatives are not only eco-friendly, but they also give you complete control over the ingredients you use. This autonomy is crucial, especially considering the health and environmental concerns associated with conventional cleaners. Ingredients like tea tree oil, known for its natural antibacterial properties, and baking soda, renowned for its gentle yet effective scrubbing capabilities, prove that nature offers powerful cleaning solutions. These ingredients are typically found in our homes, and they can match the effectiveness of chemical cleaners. But minus the harmful side effects. Moreover, they leave your bathroom not just clean, but also infused with natural, refreshing scents. It’s a holistic approach that champions health, safety, and sustainability.

These natural alternatives give you complete control over the ingredients you use

Baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are the dynamic duo of natural cleaning. Simply combine them, and they will tackle even the toughest toilet stains. This fizzing mixture effectively cleans and deodorizes, leaving your toilet bowl sparkling.

Ingredients

• ½ cup baking soda
• 1 cup vinegar
• 10 drops of essential oil (optional)

Method

1. Start by sprinkling the baking soda evenly around the inside of the toilet bowl, covering the stains.
2. Slowly pour the vinegar over the baking soda. The mixture will start to fizz – this reaction helps lift stains.
3. If desired, add 10 drops of your chosen essential oil to the mixture for a pleasant scent.
4. Let the mixture sit and fizz in the bowl for about 10 minutes. This allows the solution to penetrate and loosen the stains.
5. After 10 minutes, use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl thoroughly, focusing on areas with stains.
6. Once you’ve scrubbed the entire bowl, flush the toilet. The flushing action will help rinse away the cleaning mixture along with the loosened dirt and grime.

Baking soda and vinegar are the dynamic duo of natural cleaning

Lemon and borax

Lemon juice’s acidity and borax’s abrasive texture create a powerful scrub for removing stubborn toilet stains. Additionally, the natural fragrance of lemon helps to deodorize and freshen up the bathroom.

Ingredients

• ½ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup borax
• 1 tablespoon salt

Method

1. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, borax, and salt to form a thick paste.
2. Apply this paste directly onto the stains in your toilet bowl. For better application, you can use a toilet brush or a sponge.
3. Let the paste sit on the stains for approximately 15 minutes. During this time, the acidic and abrasive components will work together to break down the stains.
4. After 15 minutes, scrub the treated areas with a toilet brush. Apply some pressure to ensure effective removal of the stains.
5. Flush the toilet to rinse away the paste and any loosened dirt.

The natural fragrance of lemon deodorizes and freshens up the bathroom

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is renowned for its antibacterial properties. This makes it an ideal ingredient for a homemade toilet cleaner. It ensures your toilet is not only clean but also germ-free.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• ¼ cup vinegar
• 10 drops tea tree oil.

Method

1. In a clean spray bottle, combine 2 cups of water with ¼ cup of vinegar.
2. Add 10 drops of tea tree oil to the mixture. The tea tree oil not only adds antibacterial properties but also leaves a fresh scent.
3. Shake the bottle well to ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
4. Spray the mixture generously inside the toilet bowl, as well as on the lid and seat.
5. Let the solution sit for a few minutes to allow the tea tree oil and vinegar to work against germs and stains.
6. Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe the seat and lid. For the bowl, use a toilet brush to scrub, focusing on any stained areas.
7. Finally, flush the toilet to rinse the bowl.

Tea tree oil is renowned for its antibacterial properties

Hydrogen peroxide

This is a simple yet effective disinfectant uses hydrogen peroxide’s power to eliminate germs. You can also add some essential oils if you want it to leave a nice scent.

Ingredients

• ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1 cup water
• 5 drops of essential oils

Method

1. Pour ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Then add 1 cup of water to dilute the hydrogen peroxide, making it safe for regular use.
2. Choose your preferred essential oils and add about 5 drops to the mixture for a pleasant fragrance.
3. Secure the spray bottle lid and shake well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Spray the solution generously on all surfaces of the toilet, including the bowl, seat, lid, and even the handle.
5. Allow the solution to sit for about 15 minutes. This duration lets the hydrogen peroxide disinfect and kill germs.
6. After 15 minutes, use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl thoroughly.
7. For the seat, lid, and other external surfaces, wipe them down with a clean cloth or sponge.
8. Finally, flush the toilet to rinse the bowl, completing the cleaning process.

This is a simple yet effective disinfectant

Castile soap

Castile soap is a gentle, yet effective cleaner. This makes it ideal for regular toilet maintenance. And when combined with essential oils, it not only cleans effectively but also leaves a pleasant aroma.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup liquid castile soap
• 2 cups water
• 10-15 drops essential oils

Method

1. In a spray bottle, pour ¼ cup of liquid castile soap. Then add 2 cups of water to the bottle, diluting the castile soap.
2. Choose your favorite essential oils and add 10-15 drops to the mixture for a refreshing scent.
3. Secure the lid on the spray bottle and shake well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
4. Spray the solution liberally inside the toilet bowl, making sure to cover all areas, especially under the rim and around the bowl.
5. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes to break down dirt and stains.
6. Using a toilet brush, scrub the entire bowl, paying extra attention to any stained or discolored areas.
7. Once thoroughly scrubbed, flush the toilet to rinse away the cleaning solution along with any loosened grime.

Castile soap is a gentle and effective cleaner

Citrus peel and vinegar

Infused vinegar harnesses the cleaning power of citrus oils and the natural antibacterial properties of vinegar. This makes it a potent cleaner that smells fantastic. The combination creates a powerful cleaner with natural antibacterial properties.

Ingredients

• Peels of 2 oranges
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 1 cup water.

Method

1. Place the peels of 2 oranges into a large jar or container.
2. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar over the orange peels, ensuring they are completely submerged.
3. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for about two weeks to allow the citrus oils to infuse into the vinegar.
4. After two weeks, strain the vinegar to remove the orange peels.
5. Mix the infused vinegar with 1 cup of water and pour the solution into a spray bottle.
6. Spray the infused vinegar solution inside the toilet bowl, especially targeting stained areas.
7. Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes to break down stains and kill germs.
8. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and then flush to rinse.

The combination creates a powerful cleaner

Herbal cleaner

Using herbs like lavender and rosemary, this cleaner brings the power of natural antiseptics to your bathroom. This leaves it sprakling clean and with a fresh, herbal aroma.

Ingredients

• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 tablespoon each of dried lavender and rosemary
• ½ cup baking soda

Method

1. Boil 2 cups of water and pour it over 1 tablespoon each of dried lavender and rosemary in a heat-resistant bowl.
2. Allow the herbs to steep in the boiling water for about 30 minutes, infusing the water with their natural oils and fragrance.
3. Strain the herbal mixture to remove the herbs, keeping the infused water.
4. In a separate container, mix the infused water with ½ cup of baking soda to create a cleaning paste.
5. Pour the paste into the toilet bowl, making sure to cover the entire surface, including under the rim.
6. Allow the paste to sit for a few minutes, giving it time to soften and lift stains.
7. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush, focusing on any stained areas.
8. Finally, flush the toilet to rinse away the herbal cleaner.

Use herbs like lavender and rosemary

Effervescent cleaning bomb

These fun, fizzy bombs are perfect for a deep clean. They combine the natural cleaning power of baking soda and citric acid to leave your toilet fresh and spotless.

Ingredients

• 1 cup baking soda
• ½ cup citric acid
• 20 drops essential oils

Method

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of baking soda with ½ cup of citric acid.
2. Add 20 drops of your chosen essential oils to the dry mixture for a pleasant scent. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds, packing it tightly.
4. Let the bombs dry overnight in a cool, dry place to harden.
5. Once dry, gently pop the bombs out of the trays or molds.
6. To use, drop one bomb into the toilet bowl. The bomb will fizz and release its cleaning power.
7. Allow the bomb to fizz and work for a few minutes.
8. Use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl, focusing on any areas with stains or buildup.
9. Flush the toilet to rinse away the residue, leaving your toilet fresh and clean.

These fun, fizzy bombs are perfect for a deep clean

@Our Oily House

Cornstarch scrub

Cornstarch is a gentle abrasive. This makes it ideal for cleaning without scratching. When mixed with vinegar, it forms a potent paste that addresses both stains and odors.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup vinegar
• 2 cups water

Method

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of cornstarch with ¼ cup of vinegar. Stir them together to start forming your paste.
2. Gradually add water to the mixture. Begin with a small amount, stirring continuously, until you achieve a thick, spreadable paste.
3. Once your paste is ready, apply it directly to the stained areas of the toilet bowl. You can use a sponge or a brush for an even application.
4. Allow the paste to sit on the stains for about 15 minutes. During this time, the cornstarch will gently scrub the surface, while the vinegar works to disinfect and eliminate odors.
5. After 15 minutes, use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl thoroughly. Focus on areas where you applied the paste, but also cover the entire bowl to ensure a uniform clean.
6. Once you have scrubbed the entire bowl, flush the toilet. The flushing action will help wash away the cornstarch paste along with any loosened dirt and grime.

Cornstarch is a gentle abrasive

Eucalyptus and baking soda

The combination of eucalyptus oil and baking soda not only cleans but also leaves a refreshing scent. This paste is perfect for regular toilet maintenance.

Ingredients

• ½ cup baking soda
• 10 drops eucalyptus oil
• Enough water to form a paste.

Method

1. Begin by placing ½ cup of baking soda into a small bowl.
2. Add 10 drops of eucalyptus oil to the baking soda.
3. Slowly mix in water, a little at a time, stirring continuously. Add just enough water to form a thick, spreadable paste.
4. Once your paste is ready, apply it directly to the interior of the toilet bowl. Use a sponge or a brush to spread the paste evenly, especially on stained or discolored areas.
5. Let the paste sit in the bowl for about 10 minutes. This waiting period allows the baking soda to gently scrub the surface, while the eucalyptus oil works to deodorize and sanitize.
6. After 10 minutes, scrub the bowl with a toilet brush, ensuring you cover all areas where the paste was applied.
7. Finally, flush the toilet to rinse away the paste and any loosened dirt, leaving the bowl clean and freshly scented.

This paste is perfect for regular toilet maintenance

Switching to a homemade toilet cleaner is a simple yet impactful way to reduce your household’s chemical footprint. Each of these recipes offers a safe, effective alternative to store-bought cleaners. Thus ensuring your bathroom is not only clean but also a healthier space for you and your family. So, let’s embrace these natural solutions and enjoy a fresher, cleaner toilet in a more eco-friendly way.

Switching to a homemade toilet cleaner is a game changer

Related Articles

• 10 All-Natural Home Cleaners For Sparkling Results
• No Plunger? No Problem! Here Is How To Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger
• Shower In Green: 6 Houseplants To Place In The Bathroom
• 5 Things In Your Bathroom You Should Update Every Year