How to Make Your Own DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Ah, toilets. A topic we love to cover. While cleaning a toilet is rarely a highlight on one’s chore list, we love testing new methods that help keep the porcelain looking polished. Just like commercial products, DIY toilet bowl cleaners can be powerful solutions. The difference lies in the ingredients. Crafted from natural ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, they’re strong enough to remove stains, disinfect and deodorize your toilet bowl without the use of harmful chemicals.

Benefits of Using DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaners

• They’re safe to use around family and pets. They’re free from toxic chemicals and that’s essential, especially if you have a pet that drinks from the bowl when you’re not looking.
• They’re cost-effective. Our recommendations are cheaper than store-bought alternatives.
• They’re customizable. Adjust the scent and strength of the solution to suit your preferences.
• They’re eco-friendly. Reuse containers and cut back on plastic waste.

Types of DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaners

DIY toilet bowl cleaners can be made from various natural ingredients, each serving a different purpose. We’ve tested them all:

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Cleaner: This classic combination can be abrasive enough to remove stains while simultaneously neutralizing odors, but you do need a high volume to avoid diluting the vinegar and reducing the strength of the reaction.
2. Citrus-Based Cleaner: The natural oils in lemon or orange peels infuse a fresh citrus scent while cutting through grime. We like this best for the toilet seat and exposed porcelain; it’s not strong enough to get mineral build-up deep inside the bowl.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner: Known for its disinfecting properties, hydrogen peroxide works wonders. Plus, it can be mixed with essential oils for added fragrance. It does a good job cleaning exposed porcelain and the ring around the edge of the water but is less effective at cleaning deep into the toilet bowl.
4. Borax-Based Cleaner: Borax is a natural mineral that boosts cleaning power, especially when combined with baking soda. We also love it in our homemade dishwasher detergent. This is the stuff that’s going to help keep the mineral deposits in your toilet bowl at bay.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions?

Eco-friendly cleaning solutions are increasingly popular as we learn more about the side effects of traditional cleaning products. Chemicals can contribute to indoor air pollution, skin irritation and even respiratory issues. In contrast, eco-friendly solutions are made from natural ingredients that are biodegradable and non-toxic, making them safer for both people and the planet.

Make DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaning Powder: Two Powerful Solutions

Dry Powder Toilet Cleaner

This is a great substitute for Comet or Bon Ami, and you can make your own solution at a competitive price point. Our mixture includes about $3.75 of ingredients and creates 24 ounces of powder. The commercial products cost $1.50 to $3 for less than 16 ounces.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup borax (75 cents)
• 2 cups baking soda or one 16-ounce box ($2)
• 20 drops tea tree essential oil ($1)
• glass jar with a scoop

To mix the powder, simply combine the borax, baking soda and tea tree oil. Mix it well and store it in a sealed glass jar.

To use the powder, sprinkle two tablespoons of the mixture into the toilet bowl, covering stains and buildup. Allow the mixture to sit in the bowl for at least 15 minutes to break down grime. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush to remove stains, just like you would with any toilet bowl cleaner. Flush to rinse and clean the bowl.

Grime-Cutting Toilet Cleaning Spray

We like this solution because it’s easier to apply to the sides of the bowl and the rim holes (or jet holes). The only downside to this recipe is that you have to let it brew, so we encourage you to make a large volume. You’ll notice this isn’t a diluted solution — it’s not necessary because porcelain is as durable as can be against strong cleaners. We estimate that our solution will only cost $2. (Plus, you can reserve the lemon juice for a future recipe.) Store-bought cleaner spray can cost $2.50 to $4 for a comparable volume.

You’ll need:

• 2 cups white vinegar (50 cents)
• peels of 2 lemons ($1)
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil (50 cents)
• spray bottle

To mix, start by infusing the vinegar. Place the lemon peels in a jar and pour 2 cups of white vinegar over them. Seal the jar and let it sit for two weeks so the lemon oils infuse into the vinegar. After two weeks, strain the vinegar to remove the lemon peels. Add 10 drops of lemon essential oil to the infused vinegar for extra effect. Transfer the solution into a spray bottle and keep it in your bathroom cabinet.

To use, spray the inside of the bowl, especially around the rim holes. You can also apply this to the underside of the toilet seat and all along the edge to tackle buildup and splatters. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then use a cloth or toilet brush to scrub the loosened buildup. Flush to rinse the inside of the bowl.

Storing Your DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Remember to store your DIY toilet bowl cleaner in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Use airtight containers to keep the ingredients fresh, and label them clearly to avoid confusion. Most homemade cleaners can last for several months.