Best Toilet Bowl Cleaner For Stains. Which Is Best For You?

To maintain a clean bathroom, it is essential to clean the toilet. In addition to making the task of cleaning the toilet a less unpleasant one, the best toilet cleaner may actually allow you to do it less frequently because it dissolves stains and eliminates germ populations that build up in the bowl.

It’s possible to get a wide variety of items, from sponges to tablets to liquid to foam. It is possible that some cleaners are better suited to your needs and tastes than others. Here, you’ll learn about the various toilet cleaners on the market, as well as why the following products are rated some of the best on the market.

Contents

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Toilet Cleaner

You should think about the type of stains you encounter most frequently before purchasing a toilet cleaner. A buildup of chalky white residue on porcelain can be caused by hard water, for example. Standard liquid cleaners and eco-friendly products can be used to clean homes with soft water. Consider the ingredients in a cleaner if you want to have a “green home.”

If you don’t want to come too near to the toilet, think about how easy it will be to use. Disposable pads, wand cleansers, and squirt dispensers all make it possible to accomplish the task at hand while staying far out of the way.

8 Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners - Toilet Bowl Cleaning Products

Natural vs. Chemical Ingredients

Toilet cleaners contain disinfectant and stain-removing chemicals. There are advantages and disadvantages to using a cleaner made with natural or synthetic substances.

To remove toilet stains, natural cleansers commonly use citric acid, baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils. Soaking a stain with citric acid or baking soda is a good way to remove it from the surface. Disinfectants such as vinegar and aromatic oils are popular. For those who have chemical sensitivities or simply prefer a greener cleaning solution, natural cleaners are the best choice.

As a result, natural cleansers tend to require more effort to remove stains than their chemical counterparts. To get rid of the stains and mildew, the product is sprayed over the area and allowed to sit for a few minutes. To remove the stains, use a toilet brush once the solution has had time to soak in.

When cleaning using chemical cleansers, synthetic substances like hydrochloric acid and chlorine bleach are used. Corrosive qualities of hydrochloric acid aid in the removal of stubborn stains. Bleach, which contains chlorine, is both a bleaching and disinfection agent. Using either of these ingredients should be done in a well-ventilated location with gloves and eye protection because they can irritate skin, lungs, and the eyes.

Form

There are a variety of toilet cleansers on the market, including:

Adding chemicals (usually bleach) to the tank water of a toilet bowl is the primary method of removing stains with tablets. To keep the bowl clean, flushing releases chlorine that breaks down hard-to-remove soils and dirt.
For a low price, powders are an excellent option. To get rid of stains and germs, they are commonly produced using an acid and a disinfecting agent. A sponge, brush, or cloth is used to apply the cleaning powder to the surface to be cleaned.
When it comes to toilet bowl cleaner liquids, concentrates and ready-to-use sprays are the most frequent forms on the market. Spray bottles cannot be used without first diluting the concentrate with water. A toilet brush is used to remove stains from the bowl and rim after the cleaner is sprayed on them.
It is possible to purchase gel-based cleaners in the shape of a bottle or a stampable disc. The cleaner comes in a bottle that you squeeze onto the toilet bowl, and a gel disc is attached to the toilet bowl rim. For liquid and powder goods, bottled gel cleaners and gel discs are interchangeable.
All-in-one toilet cleaning systems include a cleaner, brush, and container for storage. There is no need to use a powder or spray before cleaning because the cleaner is built right into the wand or brush.

Multipurpose vs. Specialized

Most toilet cleaning and disinfecting tasks should be handled by toilet cleansers labeled “multipurpose.” However, hard water may necessitate the use of a specialized cleaner to remove limescale, rust, and other impurities from porcelain surfaces.

Hard water stain removers comprise a variety of acids that are specifically targeted at certain minerals. Mineral deposits are more easily removed by scrubbing with these acids because they soften, penetrate, and dissolve them. These acids, on the other hand, are potent and should only be used for a brief period of time in order to avoid ruining the finish.

Cleaning Power

Toilet cleaners typically have disinfectant and whitening properties, with some ingredients being more powerful than others. If you’re using chlorine bleach, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated location because it can be harsh on the skin, lungs, and eyes.

Scent

While most toilet cleaners contain antibacterial and whitening components, some are more potent than others. A highly powerful disinfection and whitening agent, chlorine bleach can be harsh on the skin, lungs, and eyes and must be used in an area that is well-ventilated.

Ease of Use

In order to speed up your bathroom cleaning, choose a tool that’s simple to use, so that you may complete your task in a timely manner. Liquid cleaners are the most convenient to use because they can be sprayed or squeezed. Disposable scouring pads for toilet cleaning systems make things even easier. Applying powders and gel discs requires a longer period of time than applying a liquid foundation.

Our Top Picks

The sort of water you use, the form you want, and the amount of time you have to commit to cleaning will all factor into your decision on the best toilet cleaner. Fortunately, you’ll be able to choose the best toilet bowl cleaning from the following list of the best.

Lysol Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Click Gel

Keeping stains at bay is an excellent method to cut down on the time and effort spent scrubbing the toilet. With each flush, this Lysol product cleans and freshens the toilet bowl. In place of bleach, it deodorizes, disinfects, and removes stains with surfactants.

The Lysol Click Gel applicator can be installed by pressing it against the toilet bowl until it clicks. The gel will stick to the interior of the bowl. For up to two weeks after flushing, simply discard the applicator and leave the product in situ to keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean. There are six applicators included in each pack, enough for three months of use.

Clorox Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablet 6 Pack

No wonder the company’s toilet pills rely on bleach, since the Clorox name is connected with the disinfectant and whitening chemical. A tablet with an automatic function releases a small amount of product into the tank with each flush, allowing the product to be used to clean, prevent stains, and deodorize the toilet as needed.

A 6-pack of Chlorox toilet tablets lasts for three months. Bleach is the principal ingredient in the product, which gives it the boast of having a “fresh” perfume. However, some may find the smell overbearing.

Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Better Life Natural cleaners are free of dyes, synthetic scents, sulfates, and petroleum solvents and are made from plant-derived chemicals. Cleaners are also environmentally friendly and recyclable. They are also never tested on animals.

Water-based toilet cleanser uses citric and lactic acid to remove stains and whiten while tea tree oil disinfects the bathroom In order to clean the toilet bowl quickly and thoroughly, use this thick mixture. It’s a good choice for folks who are sensitive to strong chemicals and want a cleaner that is safe for the environment.

Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Clinging Bleach Gel

For tough stains, this gel-style cleanser is equipped with the strength of bleach. As the thick gel mixture adheres effectively to the bowl’s surface, allow 10 minutes before you begin scrubbing to remove the most stubborn of stains.

As a powerful bleach-based cleaner, the gel can cause eye and lung irritation to people with sensitivity.

CLR PRO Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover

Stains caused by hard water might be difficult to remove, but CLR is designed to do just that. Soap scum, discolouration, and filth are all easily removed with this powerful toilet cleaner. Lactic acid and gluconic acid are the two most important active components in this formula. However, because it does not include phosphates, ammonia, or bleach, it cannot be used as a disinfectant.

CLR can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including plastic, ceramic tile, glass, stainless steel, faucet and shower fixtures, shower doors, fiberglass, and sinks, in addition to toilets. The Safer Choice Program of the Environmental Protection Agency recognizes its cleaning power without the use of harmful chemicals.

Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System

With a damp, germ-infested scrub brush, toilet cleaning is one of the most unpleasant tasks. The Clorox ToiletWand cleaning device comes to the rescue, removing the need to use and store a contaminated toilet brush. There is a toilet brush, a storage caddy, and bleach-based cleaning pads included with the system. Every scrub pad replacement simply snaps into place on the wand without you having to touch it.

Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners of 2022 - Reviewed

In addition to eliminating rust, calcium, and lime deposits, these hexagon-shaped sponge heads also disinfect with bleach. The scrub pad can be disposed of in the trash by pressing the button on the wand. The system comes with 16 scrub pads, and additional scrub pads are available for purchase.

Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner

Each bathroom fixture requires a separate cleaning solution, which may be expensive and difficult to keep track of. Cleaning bathroom surfaces with the Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner is simple thanks to its all-in-one design. Citric acid and sodium citrate are used to remove stains, and thymol, an oil component, disinfects the surface.

Disinfect hard, nonporous surfaces that harbor bacteria or odors using a thick jet of foam created by the cleaner and air mixed together in the nozzle. Pre-cleaning may be required for extremely filthy areas, even though it can handle most stains and grime.

2,000 flushes is the implied lifespan of this “set it and forget it” automatic toilet bowl cleaner. It works like this: Place a tablet in the tank’s corner after removing the toilet’s cover. The tablet will aid in cleaning and deodorizing the toilet bowl with each flush.

As stated by the manufacturer, each tablet will last for approximately four months. Stains are easier to remove using the tablet’s bleach. If you’re sensitive to odours, this might not be the greatest choice for you because you might notice the bleach smell when you flush.

Your toilet bowl is the last place you want to see unsightly marks (and it can be a bit embarrassing if you have guests over). Lysol’s toilet bowl cleaning can be used to remove stains and water rings. Cleaner can be applied more easily to the toilet bowl’s rim thanks to the product’s inclined container design With Lysol Power, you can disinfect and clean at the same time.

Allow the thick gel to sit for a bit before flushing, or scrub it around the bowl and beneath the rim with a toilet brush for greater distribution. This Lysol toilet bowl cleaner doesn’t leave a foul stench after usage, which is unusual for toilet bowl cleaners.

Septic tank owners realize that the last thing they’d want to do is flush something that could cause significant damage into their system. That’s why it’s so critical to use only septic-safe cleaning solutions around the house. Make sure the products you buy don’t include any petroleum-based solvents.

All Method products, including this toilet bowl cleanser, are safe to use in septic systems. Natural elements such as citric acid are used in this toilet bowl to kill bacteria and remove stains. Scrub before flushing to get rid of any remaining residue from the cleanser, as well as any remaining dirt and grime.

It’s a good idea to use Better Life’s toilet bowl cleaning if you want to stay away from products that include petroleum-based components. It still works to remove stains and filth, plus it deodorizes your bowl while it does so. Better Life, on the other hand, uses plant-derived substances like tea tree oil and lactic acid instead of chemicals like bleach.

Because Better Life is a thick gel, it will adhere to and clean around the sides of your toilet bowl as it slowly glides down. If you have a septic system in your home, this product is safe to use because it is developed to be more environmentally friendly than typical cleaners.

If you’re looking for an easy solution to cleaning your bowl without having to use a brush, try these tablets from Clorox for a more automated solution: Drop a tablet into the tank of your toilet and you’re good to go.

Consider using these Clorox tablets for a more automatic way to clean your toilet bowl without the use of a brush: Drop a tablet into the tank of your toilet and you’re good to go!

It works like this: Make sure to soak the disposable pad before using it to clean the bowl. Push the wand button to release the pad into the bowl and flush it away once you’ve finished that task.

If you have rust stains on your toilet, you may want to try putting a tablet of Iron Out in the tank. Even if you have a septic system, you can use this product without fear of harming your system.

Once you’ve dropped the tablet into your toilet bowl, it will prevent rust from accumulating, and it will do so every time you flush. There are approximately 45 days in a tablet.

Style

Toilet bowl cleaners come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the amount of effort required to use them varies widely. There are classic cleaners, which you apply to the toilet bowl with a liquid or gel and scrape out with a toilet brush. In addition, there are toilet bowl wands that come with disposable cleaning heads, removing the need for a brush from the equation entirely. Hands-free cleaning is also possible with the help of a disc or a pod that sits in your toilet tank and does its job every time you flush.

Ingredients

Some toilet bowl cleaners contain bleach and other harsh substances, just like any other cleaning product, so be aware. A septic system, dogs, children, or a septic tank could all be at risk if you use this method to clean stains and destroy bacteria. Consider using an all-natural toilet bowl cleanser instead if you don’t want to use harsh chemicals in your home.

Special needs

If you have rust stains or hard water build-up in your toilet, you may require a specialized product to get to the root of the problem. Look for a cleaner that’s specifically marketed to meet your needs.

Toilet Trouble: 5 Ways to Remove Mineral Stains

There truly is no substitute for prevention when it comes to dealing with hard mineral stains in the toilet bowl. Cleaning a mineral stain from your toilet is as simple as using a standard cleaning solution when the first traces of it appear. The stain can be kept from growing worse with a little regular TLC if it persists.

If you don’t want to spend money on toilet bowl cleaners, there are a few simple techniques to get rid of mineral stains in your toilet that you probably already have in your home.

1. Vinegar and Baking Soda

When combined, vinegar and baking soda are a potent domestic cleaning duo. Follow this procedure to remove mineral stains from your toilet bowl:

Use a toilet brush to agitate a cup of vinegar in the bowl.
Add a cup of baking soda and then a cup of vinegar to the areas that have been coated.
To get the best fizzing action out of the baking soda and vinegar, wait a few minutes before using.
If you have hard stains in your toilet, use a toilet brush to move baking soda and vinegar solution around.

Let the solution sit again after the final step has been completed. The next step is to use a stiff brush to remove any remaining stains from the bowl of your bathroom sink.

2. Cola

Even if you believe it’s counterproductive, using soda to remove mineral deposits from your toilet bowl can work wonderfully. The best way to prevent the toilet from overflowing is to flush it first and then close the flapper. You can also flush the toilet by turning the water off at the shutoff valve and then turning it back on. whatever method works best for you. When the dish is nearly empty, add a few liters of cola to nearly fill it. It’s best to let the solution lie overnight for the acidic soda to do its job of eating away at the stains. When you wake up, flush the soda down the toilet and use a stiff brush or pumice stone to remove any leftover residue.

3.Vinegar and Borax

With the help of vinegar, you may remove mineral deposits and hard water from your home with the help of borax. This combo can be used in your toilet and most other plumbing fittings. What you must do is as follows:

Pour 14 cup of Borax into the toilet bowl. Swish it around with a toilet brush.
Add 1 cup of vinegar to the mixture. Spend around 20 minutes letting the solution rest in the toilet bowl.
Use a toilet brush to thoroughly clean the bowl and remove any leftover stains.

4. Borax Paste

This approach is best suited for removing stubborn mineral stains from your bathroom’s toilet. What you must do is as follows:

Once you’ve turned off the water to your toilet, flush it a second time to flush out all of the water. Hard water stains must be entirely dried and not covered by water before you can remove them.
Add enough vinegar to 12 cup Borax to form a paste.
As soon as you’ve mixed the paste, apply it liberally to the stains in your toilet bowl. Make sure you don’t start this step until you’re ready because the paste will harden quickly.
Allow the paste to rest on the stains for as long as 20 minutes before rinsing them off.

To remove the paste and the stains, use a stiff brush after letting the paste sit for a while. Once you’re done, don’t forget to turn the water back on to your toilet!

The Best Toilet Bowl Cleaner | May 2022

5. Scrub Brush

For any of the solutions listed above, a scrub brush may work better than a standard toilet brush, especially if you’re dealing with extensive or extremely stubborn staining. Because the paste in the Borax paste method is rougher than the bristles on a toilet brush, it may be more difficult to reach the bowl finish with the brush. The thicker tines of a scrub brush will achieve enough friction against the stains to have a good chance of getting rid of them. Wear rubber gloves and put in plenty of elbow grease when performing this task.

Persevere

How To Clean A Toilet

A scrub brush may be more effective than a typical toilet brush for any of the solutions described above, especially if the discoloration is widespread or extremely tenacious. You can’t use a toilet brush as effectively with Borax paste since it is rougher than the bristles, thus it won’t reach the bowl finish. With the help of a scrub brush, you’ll have a better chance at getting rid of stubborn spots. When performing this task, be sure to use rubber gloves and plenty of elbow grease.

Start by saturating the bowl with toilet cleanser and let it sit for a few minutes. A cup of vinegar can be used as a substitute for toilet cleanser. With a brush, quickly agitate the bowl with the cleanser.
Spray the toilet’s outside with an all-purpose disinfectant while the cleaning soaks in. If the toilet is particularly filthy, it’s a good idea to give it a quick clean down with paper towels before you use it.
The exterior of the toilet should be cleaned next with a scrub sponge. Make sure you inspect the toilet’s foundation and the floor surrounding it. Remove the toilet seat if you have a modern toilet with a quick-disconnect seat.
In order to clean the toilet bowl, use a toilet brush. Use a pumice stone to remove hard water marks and rings.
That spouting point under the rim of the container that lets water out? Many people neglect to clean this area because it is hidden from view. Pay attention to this region! Brush or sponge the bottom of the rim using your tool.

Best Way to Clean a Toilet

It’s obvious. It’s a bathroom. Cleaning toilets isn’t a pastime for many people. When it comes to cleaning the toilet in general, it’s best to do it on a frequent basis. Additionally, regular toilet cleaning removes hazardous bacteria and unsightly mineral or soil accumulation. Fast and efficient cleaning is what Molly Maid experts have learned over the course of more than 30 years in the business. Be prepared with the necessary tools at all times.

Toilet Cleaning Supplies

To keep these items apart from the rest of your cleaning goods, keep them in a tote or bucket. Using the toilet sponge to clean the sink or the same rubber gloves to wash the dishes is a bad idea.

Gloves made of waterproof rubber
Use a sponge to gently scrub the surface.
Vinegar or toilet bowl cleanser
The commode brush.
Disinfectant spray that can be used for various purposes.
Towel or cloth
The pumice stone
a roll of paper towels

Cleaning Your Toilet Water Tank

Keep in mind the water tank. Check out what’s inside by removing the lid. Pour four cups of vinegar into the tank if you notice any mineral buildup or sludge. Allow this to sit for up to an hour before sprinkling it on your food. After that, flush the toilet with no water running through it. The tank will be emptied as a result of this action. While the tank is empty, use a sponge or toilet brush to clean the walls. Replenish the tank’s water by re-starting the water supply and flushing the toilet numerous times.

Don’t Stop There!

Return to the Bathroom Cleaning page to learn how to properly clean your showerhead, bathtub, and other bathroom fixtures. We completely understand if you’d prefer spend your time elsewhere than in the restroom.

FAQs About Your New Toilet Cleaner

If you’re still unsure about which toilet cleaner to buy or how to use it, here are some frequently asked questions and the answers they provide.

Q. Are toilet bowl cleaners safe?

Cleaners are safe to use if they are applied correctly. Make sure the surface of the toilet and your plumbing system are compatible before using any cleaner. Find out if there are chemical compounds in the product that may cause allergic reactions or sensitivities. Bleach-based cleaners should be used in a well-ventilated location, and proper safety gear should be used.

Q. How do I keep my toilet clean naturally?

Many natural toilet cleaners are available, and they work just as well as their chemically based counterparts. Citric and lactic acid from plants and essential oils are used in cleaners like Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner to remove stains.

Q. What is lime buildup?

In hard water, calcium and carbonate ions combine to form lime, a white, chalky, and hard material. Toilet bowls, taps, bathroom tiles, and washing machines and kettles are all frequent locations for it.

Q. How do I get rid of limescale and soap scum?

Limescale and soap scum can be efficiently removed with a cleaner intended to remove hard water stains, such as CLR PRO Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover. For best results, use a brush, cloth, or sponge to apply the cleanser directly to the stain and allow it to soak for two minutes. Use cold water to quickly rinsing.

Q. Can I use toilet cleaner for other applications?

Using toilet cleaner as a general-purpose bathroom cleanser is a bad idea. Acids that break down limescale and soap scum are found in most of them, as well as bleach or other disinfectants. In the toilet, these substances aren’t harmful, but they can damage other surfaces.