Alternatives to Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Toilet bowl cleaner is a harsh chemical product, and it is not cheap considering that it is flushed away into a septic tank or a public sewage system. It is also unnecessary. Why pay upwards of $2.00 a bottle for something caustic, especially since it can be substituted with something natural? It is best to use safe alternatives to toilet bowl cleaner and save money in the process. They might not smell like mint, but my natural alternatives work just as well as expensive chemical products.

Empty the Water Before Adding Cleaner

Before using anything to clean a toilet, empty it out by pouring a bucket of water into the bowl. It will automatically flush without filling back up. After all, why dilute the cleaning product? Alternatives to the usual caustic cleaner will work better when they are undiluted since they will come directly in contact with the surface.

Sprinkle Baking Soda into the Toilet Bowl

Baking soda is one of the best alternatives to toilet bowl cleaner. It provides just the right amount of abrasion for scrubbing, and it leaves behind a sweet fresh scent. However, it works even better when used in conjunction with another one of my favorite alternatives. Baking soda is cheap, and it can be purchased in bulk for far less than the cost of liquid toilet bowl cleaner. A big box will last for months on end.

Create Foaming Cleaner with White Vinegar

Another one of the best alternatives to toilet bowl cleaner is white vinegar. It can be used with or without baking soda. Add it slowly if baking soda is in the bowl. When combined, the natural cleaner will foam up and reach the nooks and crannies beneath the rim. The smell of white vinegar will dissipate, and it will leave behind a clean fresh scent.

Use a Pumice Stone for Tough Rings and Stains

Some stains are really tough, especially toilet bowl rings and rust marks. Do not resort to using caustic toilet bowl cleaner. The stains still might not come out. Keep a pumice stone on hand for tough rings and stains. Wet it before using it like an eraser. The stains should come right off. After using alternatives to toilet bowl cleaner, you will probably never buy it again.

Source: Personal Green Cleaning Experience and Experimentation