Toilet bowl cleaners

Toilet Cleaning With Vinegar & Baking Soda

By Mel Frank Apr 27, 2010 6:27 am EST

The toilet is an area of the home that requires regular cleaning, as residue and enzymes quickly accumulate on the toilet surface, leaving unattractive discolored stains. There are many retail toilet cleaning products on the market, but these contain harsh chemicals that are unsafe for the family as well as for the pipes in many homes. Instead, use a combination of vinegar and baking soda, which will clean, disinfect and deodorize the toilet.

Step 1

Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet.

Step 2

Pour 1 cup of household vinegar into the bowl.

Step 3

Put the lid down on the toilet, and let the ingredients work for 30 minutes.

Step 4

Lift the lid on the toilet bowl, and scrub the bowl with a toilet brush. The 30-minute wait will have allowed the ingredients to break apart the residue, making the scrubbing process very easy.

Step 5

Flush the toilet when the bowl is clean. Vinegar and baking soda will not harm your plumbing.

Step 6

Repeat at least once per week or as needed to keep the toilet bowl cleaned.

How To Clean A Toilet With Pumice Stone

Read More: https://www.hunker.com/13420891/how-to-clean-a-toilet-with-pumice-stone/

The already unpleasant job of cleaning a toilet becomes even worse when, despite your best efforts, you can’t get out stubborn stains, mineral buildups and rings at the water line. If the toilet is porcelain, reach for a pumice stone or stick, an inexpensive yet very effective cleaning tool that requires no chemical cleaning products — only water and some scrubbing action. While impressive in its efficacy, a pumice stone isn’t suitable for cleaning the toilet on a regular basis; reserve the task only for infrequent deep-cleaning sessions.

About Pumice Stones

Pumice, a volcanic rock, is a very soft, light and porous stone. Stones and bar-shaped sticks are sold on the cleaning aisles of supermarkets and hardware stores; some have a plastic handle attached. They are relatively inexpensive, but wear down with use and must be replaced. A pumice stone is effective for cleaning porcelain toilets without scratching them because the stone is harder than most mineral deposits and stains that typically develop on toilets, yet softer than porcelain. As you scrub porcelain with a pumice stone, the stone wears away and leaves small particles of pumice dust on the wet surface. This dust combines with water to form an abrasive paste. As you continue to scrub, the paste and the rough pumice stone combine to form a two-fold strike against stains.

Clean With a Pumice Stone

Before cleaning a porcelain toilet with a pumice stone, you must thoroughly wet both the stone and the surface to be cleaned and keep the stone and the surface wet as you work. Wear rubber gloves and use the toilet water for this purpose, or keep a separate bucket of clean water beside you. Scrub stains and marks directly with the stone, applying firm, even pressure in a circular or back-and-forth motion. You’ll see gray residue develop on the surface of the porcelain, which is the paste formed from the worn-away pumice and water. Don’t rinse the paste away immediately; instead, continue to scrub the toilet with the paste. Rinse the surface with clean water after every few minutes of scrubbing to assess how much progress you’ve made on the stains. Move on to the next area as soon as the previous one looks clean. Remember to wet the stone and porcelain frequently as you work. Flush the toilet to rinse away all the residue from the bowl when you have finished.

Pumice Stone Cleaning Tips

Alternate the angle of pressure as you scrub the toilet with a pumice stone. As the stone wears away, you create a point or flattened area that conforms to the rounded shape of the toilet bowl and makes for a more effective scrubbing action. Wear the end of a stick-shaped pumice stone into a thick pen- or chisel-like shape for easy cleaning.

In addition to cleaning toilets, pumice stones can also be used on other hard surfaces, such as porcelain bathtubs, tiles, oven racks and rusted metal tools. Check the packaging of your pumice stone for the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Warnings

Do not use pumice stones to clean marble, laminate, plastic or fiberglass toilets; doing so will result in permanent scratches. A dry pumice stone will also scratch porcelain, so be sure to keep the stone and the toilet surface wet at all times. Also bear in mind that even if you have a porcelain toilet, the toilet seat is more likely to be plastic and should not be scrubbed with a pumice stone. If you are not sure what your toilet is made of, test the pumice in an inconspicuous area before proceeding.

6 Best Toilet Bowl Cleaner 2025

Source: Youtube Pro Picks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzRGwTrOQ2I

1. Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Gel - https://geni.us/I6r4va
2. 2000 Flushes Automatic - https://geni.us/dKGI0B
3. Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner - https://geni.us/Vjjz4F
4. Clorox ToiletWand Disposable - https://geni.us/foIIY
5. Msvvko Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner - https://geni.us/sqjYcp
6. Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner - https://geni.us/SfRR

Cleaning the toilet isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, but it’s one of those chores that just has to get done. The right toilet bowl cleaner can make it faster, easier, and a lot less frustrating. Whether you’re looking for deep cleaning power, long-asting freshness, or something safe for kids and pets, there’s a product that fits your needs. In this video, we’re breaking down six of the best toilet bowl cleaners based on how well they actually perform. If you want to check out any of the products mentioned, the links are down in the description.

Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Gel Toilet Cleaning Stamps.

If the idea of scrubbing the toilet makes you want to procrastinate forever, this product might be exactly what you’re looking for. Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Gel Toilet Cleaning Stamps offer a no touch, hands-off way to keep your toilet smelling fresh and looking presentable between full cleanings. There’s no brush, no pouring, and no need to get your hands anywhere near the bowl. The concept is simple. Just use the applicator to stamp the small gel disc onto the inside of your toilet bowl just under the rim. That’s it. With every flush, the gel dissolves slightly, releasing a burst of fragrance and helping prevent buildup over time. Each stamp lasts for about 12 days, depending on how often the toilet is used. And most packs come with six gel discs per unit, giving you more than 2 months of freshness in one go. It’s important to understand what this product is and isn’t. It’s not a deep cleaner. It won’t remove rust, lame scale, or those dark rings that build up over time. What it will do is help slow down how fast that grime comes back, all while keeping the toilet bowls smelling cleaner than it would without it. It’s a great fit for guest bathrooms or for anyone who wants to keep things fresh between more thorough cleanings. The scent options are light and not overpowering, and since the product is transparent, it doesn’t draw attention. If you value ease, don’t like handling chemicals, or just want to stretch out time between scrubbing sessions, scrubbing bubble stamps are a solid choice for simple, loweffort freshness.

2000 flushes automatic toilet bowl cleaner.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to set it and forget it, 2000 Flushes might be your go-to. This automatic toilet bowl cleaner comes in tablet form and works by releasing a small dose of bleach every time you flush, helping keep the bowl clean and deodorize without any extra effort on your part. The name says it all. Each tablet is designed to last for up to 2,000 flushes, which typically translates to around 4 months of use in an average household. You just drop it into the toilet tank, not the bowl, and it gets to work. The bleachbased formula is particularly good at keeping rings from forming and fighting off buildup caused by hard water and minerals. Performance-wise, this is more of a maintenance product than a deep cleaner. It won’t eliminate heavy lime scale or rust stains on its own, but it does a great job at slowing down how quickly those problems develop. For bathrooms that see frequent use, it’s a timesaver. It keeps things looking decent between cleanings and cuts down on how often you need to scrub. On the flip side, there are some trade-offs. The bleach smell is strong. Some people like the just clean scent, others find a bit much. And if you’re on a septic system, this might not be the best choice. The continuous release of bleach can disrupt the natural bacterial balance in the tank over time. Still, for its low cost, ease of use, and long lifespan, 2,000 flushes is a reliable option, especially for busy households or secondary bathrooms where regular scrubbing isn’t always realistic.

7th generation toilet bowl cleaner, Fresh Mint.

If you’re looking for something that’s effective without being harsh, 7th Generation’s Fresh Mint toilet bowl cleaner is worth a look. This is a bleach-free plant-based formula made with a focus on safety for people, pets, and the environment. It skips synthetic dyes and fragrances and instead uses essential oils for a lighter, cleaner scent that doesn’t overwhelm the space. The formula is thick enough to cling to the inside of the bowl, giving it time to work on stains and odors. You simply squeeze it around the rim, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub as needed. It is particularly good for general upkeep, routinely keeping the bowl fresh and clean without any harsh fumes or irritation. That said, it does have its limits. While it’s reliable for regular use, it’s not going to cut through heavy lime scale or rust the way bleach-based cleaners might. If your toilet has tough built-up stains, this one will likely need to be part of a more frequent cleaning routine rather than a oneanddone solution. One of the biggest advantages here is peace of mind. If you got kids who are always getting into things or pets that tend to drink from the bowl, having a cleaner that’s plant-based and septic safe, can take a bit of the worry out of the process. And the mint scent, real mint, not the artificial kind, is fresh without being sharp or chemical smelling. Seventh Generation’s Toilet Cleaner is a good match for anyone trying to keep their cleaning routine gentler without sacrificing too much effectiveness. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable, responsible, and a solid everyday choice for anyone trying to steer away from bleach-based products.

Clorox toilet wand disposable toilet cleaning system.

For anyone who’s ever looked at a traditional toilet brush and thought, “There has to be a better way,” Clorox has a pretty convincing answer. The Clorox toilet wand is a disposable cleaning system built around convenience and hygiene. Instead of keeping a dirty brush in a holder next to the toilet, you snap on a fresh scrub pad, clean the bowl, and toss it in the trash when you’re done. Each pad comes preloaded with Clorox cleaner, so there’s no need to apply anything separately. Just dip the head in the water to activate it and start scrubbing. The wand itself clicks into place securely and offers decent reach, making it easy to get under the rim and around the entire bowl. The scrub pad has a textured surface that helps loosen grime, and the built-in cleaner foams up quickly, leaving behind a light disinfecting scent. Where this system really shines is in hygiene. Since you’re not keeping a damp brush sitting out, there’s less risk of germs hanging around in your bathroom. It’s also surprisingly effective at removing lime scale mild buildup and surface stains much more than just a liquid cleaner by itself. The trade-off, you go through refills regularly, especially if you’re cleaning more than one toilet. And since each cleaning pad is single use, the amount of plastic waste adds up faster than with traditional methods. Still, for households that prioritize convenience or for anyone squeamish about cleaning brushes, it’s a compromise many are happy to make. If you want something that handles scrubbing and sanitizing in one step and keeps your cleaning tools out of sight when they’re done, this system makes the whole process faster, cleaner, and just a bit more tolerable.

MASVKO automatic toilet bowl cleaner bottles.

MSV KO might not be a household name yet, but this automatic toilet bowl cleaner holds its own among better known brands. Designed as a drop in bottle that sits in the tank. It works quietly in the background, cleaning and deodorizing with every flush. If you’re looking for a lowmaintenance option that handles the basics without needing frequent attention, this one fits the bill. The design is straightforward. You remove the outer wrapping and drop the bottle into the corner of your toilet tank. As water flows through the bottle, it releases a light cleaning solution into the bowl. Unlike stronger bleachbased products, MSV KO uses a more sub approach. It focuses on odor control and stain prevention rather than aggressive scrubbing power. One of the standout benefits here is the mild fragrance. It’s present but not overpowering, which makes it a good choice for people who are sensitive to harsh chemical smells. The formula is also lower in corrosive ingredients, making it a gentler option for toilets and plumbing over time. Performance-wise, it’s best used as a maintenance product. It helps keep rings from forming and keeps things smelling fresh, especially in bathrooms that get frequent use. It won’t remove baked in lime scale or heavy buildup on its own, but it does a solid job at slowing down the need for manual cleaning. This is a good pick for larger households with multiple bathrooms or for anyone who just doesn’t want to think about toilet cleaning on a weekly basis. With several bottles in one pack and each one lasting weeks, it’s a cost-effective way to keep things under control with minimal effort. No scrubbing, no sprays, and no reminders.

Lysol Power toilet bowl cleaner.

When it comes to toilet bowl cleaners that just get the job done, Lysol Power is a staple for a reason. It’s not fancy. It’s not hands-free, but it works. Especially if you’re dealing with older toilets, hightra bathrooms, or just stubborn stains that won’t budge with milder options. This is a thick gel formula that clings under the rim and coats the bowl as it moves downward, giving it time to break down grime and buildup. Unlike tablets or light duty cleaners, this one goes after the heavy stuff, lime scale, rust, hard water stains, and those dark toilet rings that never seem to go away. It’s bleach free, but don’t let that fool you. The formula is still strong and does have a very cleaner smell to it. Some might find it fresh, others might think it’s a little intense. Either way, it’s unmistakable. You squeeze it around the rim, let it sit for at least 10 minutes, then scrub and flush. For most standard stains, it takes care of business with minimal effort. One of the biggest advantages here is that it doesn’t need to be used constantly. Once or twice a week is usually enough to keep things in good shape, making it a great option for busy households that just want to get cleaning over with quickly. If your priority is real cleaning power, not just odor control or maintenance, Lysol Power is one of the most effective liquid toilet bowl cleaners on the market. It doesn’t rely on gadgets or gimmicks. It’s just a reliable product that clears away buildup and keeps your toilet looking like it’s supposed to.

Every toilet bowl cleaner on this list has something different to offer. Whether it’s long lasting freshness, plant-based ingredients, deep cleaning strength, or tools that make scrubbing less of a hassle. The best one for you really comes down to how you clean. Do you want something automatic? Are you focused on safer ingredients? Or do you just need something that powers through stains fast? Think about how often you clean, the kind of water you have, and what kind of maintenance you’re willing to do.

Why you might want to avoid using Lysol Action Gel Toilet Bowl Cleaner

The Popular Toilet Bowl Cleaner You Might Want To Avoid Using

Read More: https://www.hunker.com/1900581/is-lysol-gel-toilet-bowl-cleaner-safe-toxic-harm/

By David Kuchta

July 2, 2025 1:00 pm EST

Few people look forward to cleaning their toilet, but considering how frequently toilets are used and what they are used for, they need regular cleaning. Toilets are among the germiest places in the home, potentially containing bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus. It’s tempting to reach for the strongest commercial products you can find to clean and disinfect your toilet, but unless you have a chemistry degree and can identify the active ingredients in toilet cleaners, there’s one popular cleaner you should probably keep off your shopping list: Lysol Action Gel Toilet Bowl Cleaner. It contains powerful ingredients that are proven to be health hazards. Fortunately, there are safer alternatives that can do an effective job cleaning your toilet without exposing you to harsh and potentially dangerous chemicals. Better yet, you probably already have the ingredients in your home.

Some of the chemicals in Lysol Action Gel Toilet Bowl Cleaner have received very low grades from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) because of their threats to human health. Three active ingredients received an F from EWG, seven received a D, while only two (water and ethanol) received an A. Among the worst of those ingredients is didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC). This ingredient is frequently used as a disinfectant against common pathogens like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, but it’s been shown to cause skin irritation, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and asthma, among its less malign effects. More significantly, studies have found that DDAC can result in DNA damage and can cause pulmonary fibrosis (scarring and inflammation of the lungs), an incurable disease with limited treatments and an average survival rate of less than five years.

There are a number of ways to clean your toilet bowl without choosing the nuclear option. If you’re a regular cleaner of your toilet, you can simply use dish soap, which will clean but not necessarily disinfect your toilet. If your toilet is just stained, you can simply clean your toilet with pumice stone or an abrasive powder like baking soda. Mold, mildew, and bacteria buildups are more serious issues. They may appear as an unsightly black or brown discoloration in or around your toilet, but these take a while to build up. For a deeper clean that attacks these germs, you’ll want to use stronger stuff readily available in your home.

Many people reach for chlorine bleach, which can remove mold and bacteria effectively. It must be used with care, however, since mixing chlorine bleach with acids like ammonia or vinegar results in the production of toxic chlorine gas. Among the many safer options, you can use vinegar and Epsom salts to clean and kill germs. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar, 1/3 cup Epsom salt, and 1 tablespoon dish soap in a container with a lid, shake thoroughly, then pour it into your toilet. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush. You can also use vinegar and baking soda to clean a toilet. For any of these safer methods, add a few drops of an essential oil like clove oil or lavender oil, which have their own bacteria-killing properties and also leave your toilet smelling nicer than when you started.

Is Lysol toilet bowl cleaner eco-friendly?

https://www.thejanitorialstore.com/public/Is-Lysol-toilet-bowl-cleaner-ecofriendly-2547.cfm

TheJanitorialStore.com

As commercial cleaners, we are constantly on the lookout for products that work well, while also being eco-friendly. After all, not only do we want to do our part in preserving the environment, but many of our clients now demand environmentally friendly products. One such cleaning product that most of us have used at some point is the Lysol toilet bowl cleaner. This cleaner is known for its effectiveness in cleaning tough stains and germs, but is it also eco-friendly? In this blog post, we aim to provide you with a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision.

Firstly, let’s look at the ingredients of the Lysol toilet bowl cleaner. The product contains hydrochloric acid and sodium lauryl sulfate, which are known to be harmful to the environment. Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid that can cause severe damage to aquatic life if it enters waterways. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant that is toxic to aquatic life, and its production can cause environmental pollution. However, it is essential to note that Lysol has been taking steps to minimize the impact of these ingredients on the environment. For example, they have implemented an eco-capsules program, which reduces the amount of plastic used in packaging.

The second thing we need to consider is the cleaning power of the Lysol toilet bowl cleaner. It is known for its ability to kill germs and remove tough stains, which is essential in commercial cleaning. This means that you may be able to use less product and clean more efficiently, reducing your overall environmental footprint. Additionally, Lysol toilet bowl cleaner is readily available in stores, reducing the need for transportation over long distances, which also has an impact on the environment.

Another factor we need to consider when determining if a cleaning product is eco-friendly is how it is disposed of. Lysol toilet bowl cleaner is labeled as harmful if it comes into contact with the skin, and it is essential to avoid contact with fabrics, wood, and any other material that may be damaged by the product. It must be disposed of according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which include flushing the toilet after use. While this may seem counterintuitive for an eco-friendly product, it is still a safer option than many other harmful cleaning products in the market.

When considering eco-friendly options, we also need to be mindful of the price of the product. Lysol toilet bowl cleaner is competitively priced in most stores, making it an affordable option for commercial cleaners. This means that you can keep your costs down while still using an effective toilet bowl cleaner.

In conclusion, while the Lysol toilet bowl cleaner may not be the most environmentally friendly option on the market, it is still a viable option for those in the commercial cleaning business. Its effectiveness in cleaning and killing germs, combined with its affordability and easy availability, make it a popular choice. However, it is essential to remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to dispose of the product, to minimize its impact on the environment. Ultimately, while there are eco-friendlier options available, commercial cleaners who use Lysol toilet bowl cleaner can still be conscious of their environmental impact in other areas of their work.

The worst bathroom cleaners and some safer alternatives

https://azbathmasters.com/blog/the-worst-bathroom-cleaners-and-some-safer-alternatives/

You should be very careful about the kinds of cleaning products you purchase at the store. There are some that are highly caustic and toxic.

While they can be quite effective, they are also potentially hazardous, both to your health and to the environment.

Here are a few examples of some of the worst bathroom cleaning solutions in Phoenix, AZ with regards to safety that people often rely on in their homes:

LYSOL Action Gel Toilet Bowl Cleaner

This cleaner definitely does its job in your toilet, but it is highly toxic, and even features a label on the product that admits it is a “health hazard.” You are even suggested to wear protective eye gear when using the product. The Environmental Working Group gives the product an F for environmental safety, due to its being packed with didecyldimethylammonium chloride, a substance that irritates the skin and worsens allergies, as well as glyoxal, which can damage your DNA.

Tilex Soap Scum Remover

The company that makes this product barely discloses any of its ingredients, but all four ingredients the EWG finds in this product earn subpar scores for environmental and human safety. The product earns an F overall from the organization.

Drano Professional Strength Max Gel Clog Remover

Drano is commonly used in homes across the nation whenever there’s a drain that’s backed up. However, its F rating for safety and health is well earned—there are almost no ingredients disclosed, but the cleaning agent is notorious for its highly corrosive, caustic nature. It can cause severe skin damage, and is deadly for plant and animal life when it flows into waterways. There are plenty of other alternatives, including vinegar and baking soda mixtures and other methods of unclogging drains.

Safeway Bright Green Liquid Drain Opener, Professional Strength

A very similar product to Drano, this is another example of a drain cleaner that simply shouldn’t be used if you wish to avoid causing environmental damage. The EWG was only able to determine four ingredients in this product, as once again, Safeway does a poor job of disclosing those ingredients. The ingredients found were all hazardous: surfactants, sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate and sodium hypochlorite.

Clorox Bleach Foamer for the Bathroom

In general, you should try to avoid any cleaning products that have bleach in them, because bleach is highly caustic and dangerous for waterways and the environment in general. This product features plenty of other hazardous ingredients beyond just bleach, and even includes a vague mention of “fragrances,” which could mean just about anything in terms of the actual ingredients included.

These are just some examples of products deemed hazardous for the environment by the EWG. The good news is there are plenty of alternatives available that are nowhere near as hazardous. Look for products labeled “green,” “sustainable,” “eco friendly” or “organic,” and research other methods of cleaning or drain clearing that don’t involve relying on a ton of chemicals.

Using Alka Seltzer

Alka-Seltzer Cleaning Hacks To Try Around The House