Fair warning friends, this post is in the toilet.
I must admit to having a few self doubts about spending so much time writing and thinking about the inside of a toilet bowl… but a shining clean bathroom is something that makes me happy. I know, call me crazy.
Over the past few years, I’ve been switching my cleaning methods from toxic to CHEAP non-toxic products.
The toilet bowl has been a last hold out, it just seems like the toilet needs a little more umph!
In an effort to be more environmental, I tried Method Toilet Bowl Cleaner Lil’ Bowl Blu… which smells great, by the way. It seemed to work well too, but it’s just too spendy. I can’t justify it. I tried one other “earth friendly” liquid cleanser, but my toilets never seemed as clean and worse, looked dirty really fast.. in less than a week. And while I want clean toilets, once a week bathroom cleaning is all I ever want to manage.
Feeling stumped, I went back to experimenting with different methods and I now have solutions I can live with. I say solutions because I have two methods I’ve been using.
My first choice is: about 1/4 cup 20 Mule Team Borax squeezed with lemon juice. (I use 1/3 of lemon per bowl. I have 3 toilets in my home, and I usually use 1 lemon for all three). I let that sit in the bowl for a while, usually while I clean the rest of the bathroom, and then I scrub it out with a brush or better yet, put on gloves and scrub it by hand. That’s for you Mom. (She is of the opinion that a toilet is never really clean unless you get your hand down in the bowl.)
I love this solution because:
1. It works really well- my toilet bowl is sparkling white. Now, I haven’t put it under a microscope, but it also seems very clean. And it seems to stay clean until my next weekly cleaning.
2. It smells great.
3. It’s cheap!
4. It’s non-toxic.
So why do I have another solution? Well, because I don’t always have an extra lemon in my pantry, that’s why.
I love my other solution too… but because it doesn’t smell as great while I am cleaning, it’s my back-up. I sprinkle in about 1/4 cup baking soda (my old standby) and about 1 cup of white vinegar (my other old standby) into the bowl. Let it do it’s magic for a few minutes, and then scrub it out.
I love this solution because:
1. It’s like a science experiment in the bowl. I love how it bubbles and fizzes. Call me easily impressed, but all that action makes me think that some serious cleaning is going on.
2. It also works really well. The bowls sparkle and seem to stay clean between cleanings.
3. Vinegar has disinfectant qualities.
4. It’s cheap!
5. I always have both baking soda and vinegar in my cupboard at all times.
So that’s my take on the toilet bowl. This blog can only go up from here.
I hope you all have a sparkly clean weekend!
cheers, Calli
No need for an apology – we need some simple posts!
I agree with EG, no need for the apology. You have inspired me to try both your methods. I want to decrease my toxic chemical use and the bathroom is one I just can’t seem to get away from – toilet, tile shower (UGH.. can’t get ahead of mildew in our wet climate), tile countertops and sinks.
Thanks for the great ideas!! I love ’em!
Stef
I think I am going to go try science experiments in my toilets right now! How’s THAT for an exciting Friday night? Thanks for the tips.
Great ideas. We are just about out of cleaner, I will try these methods before I buy anymore.
I was going to put toilet bowl cleaner on my shopping list, but now I’m totally going to bust out the baking soda and vinegar first. I hate cleaning that thing!
You read my mind with this post! I was cleaning the toliets the other day and thought “what would make it do do?” I love your cheap cleaning alternative tips!!
Thanks!
Okay, I’m bookmarking this post. These are great solutions. Thank you!
I’ve been doing the same thing around my home. But having the same results in the toilet! Frustrating. My next steps were the one’s you just mentioned! Glad we’re on the same page!
Thanks for the tips. I think I need to start trying more enviromentally friendly/cheaper ways to clean my house, so I will have to try this from now on!
Amber
Love this! I added Borax to my list…already had the lemons. :)
I actually do a mix of both solutions. Vinegar, BS & lemon. :)
I love your idea I too use soda andvinegar It works great Now I will try your other method
THANKS
Borax is also great for making homemade Silly Putty. Add some leftover plastic Easter eggs and you’ve got stocking/basket stuffers.
Here’s one recipe: http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/00000039
and another: http://k2.kirtland.cc.mi.us/~balbachl/kidrecip.htm#Putty
I suggest adding any coloring to the glue or else it won’t take so well.
Love this! How about a recipe for the dishwasher?
Hummm, I’m still using regular store bought soap for the dishwasher. I’ve switched to biodegradable, more-earth friendly soap for hand dish washing. I definitely need to look into some solutions. I do love to clean the inside of my dishwasher with white vinegar. It makes it shine like the top of the Chrysler Building : ).
Just tried the borax + lemon recipe in my toilet. It smells great, thanks!
I did not read what everyone wrote. But, I have read not to mix vinegar and bleach. It is toxic. I just want everyone to stay safe.. and I know bleach is tempting.
What is the effect of vinegar on septic tanks? would it harm the bacteria balance that helps waste break down?
I’m afraid I’ve never had a septic tank, so I wouldn’t dare give advice about one. I’m sure there may be sources online that might say.
Regarding vinegar and septic tanks – You can protect your septic system by using traditional non-toxic cleaners, like vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, in the kitchen and bathroom.
I’m ready to try this and I’m sure it will work in the bottom part of the bowl but what about the rest of the bowl, especially under the rim?
yes it does work! i’ve tried it before and use it to clean all my bathroom, tub, toilet,sink, and the first time i tried it i took some before and after pics of that annoying tub ring! i first washed it with regular household cleaners (including clorox) and it was alright but then i did the vinegar and baking soda and WOW!! black stuff came all out! it left it like new! the faucets were very shiny and the toilet bowl too! this is the best!! and yes i’ve heard bleach and vinegar is not safe!!
[…] Clean with lemon! I love it for cleaning my toilets. […]
Great article. Love to hear about CHEAP, NON-TOXIC cleaning ideas. But what do you do about the strong vinegar smell (from idea #2)? Can you add lemon or is that a science disaster waiting to happen? I can’t remember my acid/base lesson from science class!!
Sorry I know this is REALLY old now but in case anyone is reading. Talking of acids, bases, and alkalis it’s interesting that this recipe works in the first place given that baking soda (and washing soda as well) work on the basis that they are alkali, and vinegar works on the basis that it is acidic. If it makes your toilets nice and shiny then that’s what matters! Are you thinking lemon juice? If so, maybe substitute the vinegar with lemon juice directly. You will still get the acidity but with the nice lemon smell. If you are thinking of lemon oil, just add it as-is, it will not affect the pH appreciably :)
the recipe with the vinegar has an added bonus…my 10 year old wants to do it for me!!! I addlemon essential oil to the baking soda first x x x
THANK U!!! my toilet looks new again!!!
I’ve used both methods and it works awesome!! No more buying expensive cleaning products!!
I also would like to add that by scrubbing half a lemon on hard water stains is very EFFECTIVE!
Bathroom smells of fresh lemon!
Thank you!