How To Use Toilet Bowl Cleaner? Comprehensive Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
23 min read

Cleaning the toilet is one of the most frequently overlooked household chores. Because a dirty toilet smells, looks, and breeds germs, it is essential to keep it clean. Therefor, it is essential to use some reliable cleaning products and tools to maintain a clean toilet, especially the bowls. Knowing how to use toilet bowl cleaner and cleaning your toilet today will save you headaches later, as it does with other less pleasant duties in life. Tips for using toilet bowl cleansers will help you get the job done fast and efficiently.

Things You’ll Need

With that in mind, let’s get started with the basics of cleaning the toilet. Your cleaning tools should be kept apart from those used to clean other surfaces in your home. Make sure you have your rubber gloves (which are absolutely necessary), a toilet brush, a used toothbrush, sanitary wipes, and clean rags or paper towels.

Tip for Good Santification:

  • When it’s time to clean the toilet, have a pair of rubber gloves on hand. Get them in a color that stands out from the rest of your wardrobe. This way, you won’t unintentionally use them to clean your dishes or other household chores.
  • Consider stocking up on some all-purpose cleaners as well. They’re easy to track down and easily available at retail establishments everywhere. You can, however, prepare your own cleaning solution to save money.

How to Clean Your Toilet Using a Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Scrub the Toilet Bowl

Start with the bowl and work your way up, if you’re short on time. While cleaning your toilet, you may accidentally splash dirty water out of the bowl, which will keep your toilet clean. You can also scrub ugly stains and residues with the toilet brush. Scrub with light pressure to remove caked-on stains. In order to boost the cleaning power of the water, add a small amount of toilet bowl cleanser or all-purpose cleaner solution. This is the simplest method for cleaning a toilet.

Easy Natural Toilet Cleaner Recipes | LoveToKnow

Clean the Toilet Lids

After cleaning the toilet bowl, it’s time to clean the toilet’s top and bottom lids, which are the primary points of contact with the occupants. Use an all-purpose cleanser and rags or paper towels or disposable sanitary wipes to clean the lids quickly and thoroughly on both sides of the container. An old toothbrush can be used to clean the hinges and hard-to-reach areas between the toilet’s lid and body.

Give the Toilet’s Body a Quick Wipe-Down

It’s time to polish your toilet’s porcelain body now that you know how to utilize toilet bowl cleaning. Wipe off the exterior of the toilet with a rag or paper towel after spraying it with an all-purpose cleaner. In addition, keep an eye on the handle. When the rag or paper towel gets dirty, re-dip it in the cleaning solution or warm water.

  • Cleaning fluid or unclean water will only reach regions that haven’t been cleaned yet if you start at the top of the toilet and work your way down.
  • Do not forget to wipe the back of the tank and the base of the toilet, which are difficult to reach. To thoroughly clean these areas, you may have to use a toothbrush or pipe cleaners.

Flush!

Do not forget to wipe the back of the tank and the base of the toilet, which are difficult to reach. You may need to use a pipe cleaner or a toothbrush to get these places completely clean.

Keep in mind to clean areas that are difficult to view, such as the toilet’s base and the back of the tank that faces the wall. Use a toothbrush or pipe cleaners if necessary to get the job done.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Form

There are gels, pills, and cartridges of toilet bowl cleansers on the market nowadays.

  • Using a cleaning agent in the form of capsules saves time and effort. Disinfect and clean the toilet by simply dropping or adhering to the toilet rim. The rubber seals inside your toilet can be damaged over time if you use tank tablets that contain caustic chemicals (like bleach). Gel capsules, which stick to the bowl’s inner lip, are preferable.
  • In addition to elbow grease, gel cleansers require a toilet brush that must be sanitized on a regular basis. More gentle, yet still effective, are today’s reformulated gels (see the section on formulas below for more details).
  • With each flush, an applicator attaches to the toilet bowl and cleans the bowl. When the intended term of the product is over, most require a new application, which can take up to 8-12 weeks.
  • Most traditional toilet bowl cleaners use a chemical solution in the form of concentrates or sprays, which may be purchased online or at your local supermarket. These toilet bowl cleaner concentrates, in contrast to other products, must first be diluted with water before being put to a sprayer. To remove stubborn stains, a scrubbing brush is used after the cleaner has been sprayed directly into the toilet bowl and rim.
  • All-in-one toilet cleaning systems come with a brush, cleanser, and storage. There is no need to apply a powder or spray before cleaning because the toilet cleaner is built right into the wand or brush.
  • Brushes are a more direct means of removing germs and stubborn stains. Just as important as the quality of the bristles is the shape of the scrubbing brush head. When it comes to cleaning the inside of a toilet bowl, many common toilet brush designs are either big or too little to go into all the corners and crevices. If you’re going to spend money on a cleaning equipment, make sure it’s well-made and durable.
  • More recent cartridges are immediately connected to the flushing system and the flow pipe, so they don’t require any additional plumbing work. It’s a breeze to install and has numerous advantages, such as less chance of damage, a deeper clean, and ingredients that are more environmentally friendly.

Ingredients

For many people, toilet cleansers represent a significant source of chemical exposure, and as a result, they are reluctant to use them. Bleach is a good example. A typical element in liquid and capsule toilet cleansers is bleach, which kills germs and removes stains, but it is not a gentle cleaner. Lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide are two alternatives to bleach (oxygen bleach).

Cleaners for the bathroom contain substances that disinfect, remove stains and odors, kill germs, and prevent the growth of mold. Toilet cleaners can be made with natural or synthetic components, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

  • Synthetic substances like hydrochloric acid and chlorine bleach are used in chemical cleaners. Corrosion qualities of hydrochloric acid help remove stubborn stains. Bleach, which contains chlorine, is both a bleaching and disinfection agent. Use gloves and eye protection if you choose to use these ingredients, as they can irritate the skin as well as the lungs and eyes.
  • Citric acid, baking soda, vinegar, and aromatic oils are common natural toilet stain removers. Some stains can be removed with the scouring power of citric acid and baking soda. Disinfectants like vinegar and aromatic oils are commonly utilized. A natural toilet cleaner is the best alternative whether you’re sensitive to harsh chemicals or simply want a cleaner that’s better for the environment.

Cleaning Power

The antibacterial and whitening properties of toilet cleaners vary widely, with some chemicals more potent than others. Disinfectant and bleaching agent chlorine bleach is highly effective but can be harsh on skin, lungs and eyes and must be used in a well-ventilated location. It is also a disinfectant and bleaching agent

To remove stains, toilet cleansers may contain both natural and synthetic acids. In many cleaning products, a mixture of acids is used. The more acidic the cleaning, the more effective it is, but the more corrosive it is as well. Because of this, acid-based cleaners should only be used to remove stains and dirt from hard-to-reach areas.

Lifespan

To maintain your toilet free of germs, use a gel cleanser on a weekly basis. Using capsules reduces the amount of time it takes to disinfect the toilet water by up to 12 weeks. For up to three months, a cartridge system may keep your toilet clean and smelling fresh.

Scent

The aroma of a toilet bowl cleanser might make it more enjoyable to use, even though it is purely a decorative feature. Floral, woody and citrus scents are added to the bowl cleanser to enhance the product and to transmit the aroma of a clean toilet. Asthma patients and others who are allergic to fragrances should look for natural alternatives.

Ease of Use

Because cleaning the toilet is one of the least enjoyable parts of housework, you’ll want a tool that’s simple to use. When using a spray or squeeze container, liquid cleaners are the most convenient to use. The use of disposable scouring pads in toilet cleaning systems also makes things easier. Applying powders and gel discs takes longer.

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, the following top recommendations should help you locate the greatest toilet bowl cleaner.

Lysol Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner

  • Type: Automatic
  • Formula: Chemical
  • Odorless: No

Pros

  • Toxin-free shampoo
  • Kills 99.9% of bacteria
  • Expires for eight weeks.
  • EWG gives it a B-.

Cons

  • If misused, can be a health hazard.

Clorox Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablet 6 Pack

  • Type: Automatic
  • Formula: Chemical
  • Odorless: No

Pros

  • Bleach-infused; destroys 99.9% of germs
  • Stain and odor removal
  • a three-month supply
  • Tablets included: six

Cons

  • Bleach odor is noticeable.

Fluidmaster Flush ‘n Sparkle Cleaning System

How to Clean Mineral Stains From Your Toilet | HowStuffWorksFluidmaster’s toilet cleaning system is a winner on all fronts, combining the newest technology with environmental friendliness. Injecting cleaning solution straight into the flush valve overflow tube via the easy-to-install cartridge can help prevent damage to toilet parts and septic systems like that caused by bleach tablets.

Specifications of the Item

  • Type: Automatic/cartridge
  • Formula: Chemical
  • Odorless: Yes

Pros

  • Environmentally friendly as well as simple to use
  • a three-month supply
  • Non-bleach version is also available.

Cons

  • The EWG has not given it a rating.
  • Cartridge replacements are available for purchase.

Iron OUT Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner

  • Type: Capsules
  • Formula: Chemical
  • Odorless: Yes

Pros

  • Removes stubborn water stains, rust, and mold.
  • Septic and toilet systems can safely use this product.
  • For 45 days, it’s good
  • Also available in 2-pack and 24-pack varieties.

Cons

  • NOT FOR USE IN ORGANIC CONDITIONS
  • Bleach is not recommended as a cleaning agent.

Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner

  • Type: Gel
  • Formula: Natural
  • Odorless: No

Pros

  • It is forbidden to use synthetic chemicals, synthetic scents, petroleum solvents, or phosphates.
  • Packages that decompose easily
  • components that are antibacterial in nature
  • An evaluation from the EWG

Cons

  • After used, the product must be well soaked and brushed.

Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System

  • Type of system:
  • Formula: Chemical
  • Odorless: Yes

Pros

  • Wand, scrubbers and storage caddy included.
  • The cleaning solution is infused with bleach.
  • a large area of influence
  • 16 scrubbing pads are included.

Cons

  • Scrubbing brushes generate waste, which is not good for the planet.

simplehuman Toilet Brush With Caddy

  • Type: Brush
  • Formula: Natural
  • Odorless: Yes

Pros

  • The brush head can be replaced.
  • a little footprint
  • Stainless steel and stiff bristles
  • There’s Caddy, too.

Cons

  • Stains may develop over time for some customers.
  • The handle might not be very ergonomic.

CLR PRO Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover

  • Type: Liquid
  • Formula: Chemical
  • Odorless: No

Pros

  • Dissolves soap scum and calcium deposits from hard water.
  • Versatile; can be used on a wide range of surfaces.
  • The EPA’s Safer Choice Program has approved this product.
  • Components free of noxious chemicals

Cons

  • Harsh odour
  • Disinfecting properties are absent.

10 Weird Toilet Cleaning Hacks That Work

Baby oil, vinegar, and Coca-Cola are all you need. If this seems like something a child would make on a rainy day, you’re not far off. Just a handful of the unusual products you can use to keep your bathroom clean and sanitary are listed below. Moreover, reusing everyday home products in this manner results in financial savings.

Don’t be put off by the unusual ingredients in this dish. These cleaning tips are incredibly effective! Try them out and see how you can keep your toilet clean without using harsh, pricey chemicals. It’s worth trying these ten outlandish, but highly successful, toilet repairs.

Coca-Cola Cleanser

Many people believe that Coke eliminates toilet rust rings, despite the fact that this may sound like an urban legend. This is how you do it: Wait for at least an hour before you start cleaning, so that soda can break down the stains in the bowl completely. Flush the toilet after scrubbing it with a brush. Tips #1 and #2 may need to be revisited in this case.

Scrub With a Pumice Stone

A pumice stone can also be used to remove that stubborn ring from the bowl. Before using pumice, soak it in warm water to avoid scratching the stone or the surface of the toilet. Once the stain is removed, flush the toilet to remove any remaining residue.

White Vinegar Toilet Bowl Bath

Most people use bleach to get rid of bacteria and stains in the toilet. Cleanser: Green living specialist Mark Lallanilla recommends white vinegar as an all-purpose cleaner. Hard water stains can be removed by soaking toilet paper in vinegar and then applying it directly to the spot. Allow the vinegar-soaked paper to sit for a few hours before disposing of it. After flushing to rinse the following morning, the stains should be gone..

As for grout and caulk, Lallanilla recommends using full-strength vinegar for both. Let the solution soak for at least an hour before washing the area.

Sanitize With Hydrogen Peroxide

As a germicide, hydrogen peroxide is both safe and effective. 1 Adding 12 cup of hydrogen peroxide to your toilet bowl, letting it sit for 30 minutes, then flushing to clean it is the best way to disinfect it.

DIY Fizzy Toilet Bomb

Instead of spending money on overpriced toilet-cleaning “fizzies” or “bombs,” try brewing your own. All-natural fizzy toilet bombs can be made at home with everyday items and a favorite scented oil.

Baby Oil Polish for Chrome

When you witness the gleaming results of baby oil on chrome fixtures, you’ll be amazed. With just a few drops on a clean, soft cloth, you may polish up your toilet handle, as well as your faucets and showerheads. Before buffing the toilet bowl and tank, apply a couple extra drops to each.

Nail Polish Prevents Rust

Apply clear nail polish on the bolts and screws on your toilet seat to prevent rust. The screws will be less likely to come undone as a result, which will keep the seat from moving.

Boiling Water Unclogs Stubborn Pipes

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan and use a plunger to clear a blocked toilet. The blockage can be removed by carefully pouring boiling water into the toilet bowl.

Bubble Wrap Reduces Condensation

Toilet tanks that sweat can be kept dry with a coating of bubble wrap. Remove the tank lid first, then turn off the water supply to the toilet. Wait for the water to run out of the tank before flushing again. After the water has been drained, place a layer of bubble wrap inside the tank to prevent the outside from becoming too chilly.

A Plastic Soda Bottle Saves on Water

When it comes to conserving money and water, there’s a simple solution if your toilet is older and doesn’t include water-saving features. Fill a one-liter plastic container with sand and then add water to the top. Place the bottle in the tank of your toilet, away from the operational mechanisms, and screw on the lid. With each flush, the bottle will save water.

How We Chose the Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners

For the top toilet bowl cleaners, we looked at the kind, ease of use, cleaning power, and longevity of the devices in their respective categories.

Automatic toilet bowl cleaners were found to be the most popular because of their convenience of use, but other options included liquids, gels, cleaning systems, and brushes. Aside from requiring less labor or upkeep, each one of these top options is effective in cleaning the toilet’s interior.

Whether you choose to do the cleaning yourself or let the product do the work for you, this list has alternatives for removing calcium, soap scum, rust, stains, and hard water deposits. And last but not least, these toilet bowl cleaners are designed to endure for several weeks or even months.

FAQs

If you’re still unsure about which toilet cleaner to buy or how to use it, examine the answers to these frequently asked questions.

Q: Are toilet bowl cleaners safe?

Cleaners are safe to use if they are used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the surface of the toilet and your plumbing system are compatible before using any cleaner. Check the product’s label to check if it contains any chemicals to which you are allergic or otherwise sensitive. Bleach-based cleaners should be used in a well-ventilated location, and proper safety gear should be used.

How Often Should You Clean Your Toilet

Q: How do I keep my toilet clean naturally?

Many natural toilet cleaners are available, and many of them work well. Citric and lactic acid extracted from plants and essential oils are used in cleaners like Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner to remove stains.

Q: What is lime buildup?

Lime is a white, chalky, hard substance made up of calcium and carbonate ions that can be found in water with a high calcium content. Common locations for this bacterium are inside and around bathroom fixtures such as toilet cisterns as well as inside washing machines and kettles.

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

CLR PRO Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover, for example, is a cleaner designed to remove hard water stains. 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. Rinse with cold water as soon as possible.

Q: Can I use toilet cleaner for other applications?

Using toilet cleaner as a general-purpose bathroom cleanser is a bad idea. Limescale and soap scum can be removed with bleach or other disinfectants, as well as acids that dissolve limescale. In the toilet, these substances aren’t harmful, but they can damage other surfaces.

Conclusion

When it comes to keeping on top of home duties, one of the easiest tricks you may have up your sleeve is knowing how to use toilet bowl cleaner and clean your toilet properly without breaking a sweat. This may not be the most pleasurable of tasks, but with the help of this short guide, it will be less of a hassle. After all, someone has to do it. Now is not the time to put off cleaning your toilet. With this guide, you’ll be able to complete this task in a timely manner. The best toilet bowl cleaners may be found on this page.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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