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10 Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners of 2024

Updated
Scrub and flush away the dirt with these cleaners.

A clean toilet is a clean bathroom. Germs can easily spread from the toilet to other areas of the bathroom due to the spraying effect when you flush the toilet (1). You should aim to clean your toilet a couple of times a week, but more often if there are more people in the family.

To tackle all kinds of germs, stains, and dirt in your toilet bowl, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best toilet bowl cleaners on the market. We researched genuine customer reviews, ingredient formulas, and expert advice. When studying each product, we specifically looked at its purpose, performance, scent, ingredients, and whether it was septic-safe.

We’ve done the research for you! Just sit back, relax, and choose the cleaning product to do the dirtiest job in the house.

Our Top Picks

We independently assess, research, and evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Best Budget Cleaner
Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  • Budget-friendly
  • Disinfects 99.9% of bacteria
  • Angled nozzle
Product Image of the Clorox Disposable ToiletWand
Best Disposable Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Clorox Disposable ToiletWand
  • Hexagon shaped reaches hiddens corner
  • Kills 99.9% bacteria and viruses
  • Cleans better than a bristle brush
Product Image of the Impresa Pumice Stone Toilet Cleaner
Best for Cleaning Limescale
Impresa Pumice Stone Toilet Cleaner
  • Tackles hard water stains & limescale
  • Extra-long handles
  • Non-toxic & gentle on the toilet
Product Image of the Ecover Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Best Natural Cleaner
Ecover Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  • Made from natural ingredients
  • Pine forest fresh scent
  • 100% plant plastic bottle
Product Image of the Better Life Natural Toilet Cleaner
Best Septic-Safe Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Better Life Natural Toilet Cleaner
  • Tea tree & peppermint scent
  • Removes stubborn stains
  • Deodorizes toilet
Product Image of the Lime-A-Way Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Best for Stain Removal
Lime-A-Way Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  • Thick gel formula
  • Removes stains in less than a minute
  • Removes stains below waterline
Product Image of the Vanish Scrubbing Bubbles Drop-Ins
Best Tablet Cleaner
Vanish Scrubbing Bubbles Drop-Ins
  • Convenient & easy to use
  • Repels stains between deep cleans
  • Deodorizes & removes water stains
Product Image of the Clorox Toilet Cleaner
Best Scented Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Clorox Toilet Cleaner
  • Rain clean scent
  • Kills 99.9% bacteria
  • Thick formula coats entire toilet
Product Image of the Clorox Ultra Bleach & Blue Tablets
Best Cleaner With Bleach
Clorox Ultra Bleach & Blue Tablets
  • 4 tablets last 16 months
  • Prevents stains
  • Deodorizes & sanitizes in five minutes
Product Image of the Lysol Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Best Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Lysol Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  • Mango & hibiscus scent
  • Lasts for 3 months
  • Fights stains & odors

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we understand the importance of providing trustworthy information to help you choose the best toilet bowl cleaners. Our team of professionals conducts thorough research, analysis, and hands-on testing to evaluate products based on key decision-making factors such as effectiveness, ease of use, safety, and environmental impact. We compare and rank cleaners using quantitative measurements and first-hand experience to identify the top performers in the market. Our assessment takes into consideration the design choices, user experience, and results from using these products, ensuring that our recommendations are based on solid evidence and practical experience. Trust us to provide you with a comprehensive review of the most important factors and criteria when selecting the ideal toilet bowl cleaner for your needs.



The Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners of 2024

Based on our experience, real customer reviews, and expert advice, we’ve compiled this list of the 10 best toilet bowl cleaners. We examined each product’s power, performance, scent, and ingredients.

Here are 10 cleaners to cleanse your bathroom from nasty germs and stains.

Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Best Budget Cleaner

A fantastic toilet cleaner doesn’t have to be pricey. Keep in mind that the lower price is because it’s mass-produced and not made with all-natural ingredients. If you want something natural, you’ll need to fork out some extra cash. But this is a very reliable product and for a super low price!

The big bonus about this product is that on top of cleaning, it disinfects your toilet! Lysol is all about creating a healthy and germ-free home. This kills 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses in your toilet bowl. Ultimately, that keeps your whole bathroom much cleaner.

It also fights tough stains caused by feces and hard water. Once you’ve finished cleaning, enjoy the fresh scent it leaves behind.

We love the angled spout to aim underneath the toilet bowl rim. So now you can blast away all the nasty gunk that hides under there. You’ll find this product removes stains in seconds!

Pros

  • Budget-friendly.
  • 10x more cleaning power than other products.
  • Disinfects 99.9 percent of bacteria.
  • Angled nozzle.
  • Removes stubborn stains, like toilet bowl rings.
  • Cleans stains super quickly.

Cons

  • Bottle leaks easily.
  • The scent is overpowering for some.

Product Specs

Performance Disinfects, fights stains, freshens up
Scent Synthetically scented
Type Liquid
Septic-Safe Yes
Ingredients Mix of natural and synthetic ingredients

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Safety
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
5 / 5
Odor Control
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

When I first tried this product, I was impressed by its gel form and strong cleaning power. The gel sticks to the toilet bowl and effectively removes even hard water stains after letting it sit for about 15 minutes. The scent is unique, and while it may be strong, it leaves the bathroom smelling clean and fresh. This product offers great value and is definitely a reliable option for keeping toilets spotless.

Clorox Disposable ToiletWand

Best Disposable Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Disposable products aren’t the best for the environment, but this is a good choice if you’re looking for something extra hygienic. When you’re done using it, you can toss it in the trash, meaning you avoid germs sitting in the bathroom and cross-contamination. It also doubles as a toilet brush!

The wand and caddy are reusable, so all you have to do is switch out the disposable heads. This pack comes with 16 refills, so you can use it for a while before investing in a new pack.

The sponges scrub the toilet bowl more thoroughly than a bristle brush does. The hexagon shape sponge head can reach corners and under the rim so you can remove rust, calcium, and lime stains. They even kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses.

When you finish using it, click it off and put it in the trash. You never have to touch the dirty sponges. Meaning not only is your bathroom hygienic, so are you!

Pros

  • Kills 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses.
  • Hexagon shape helps reach hidden corners and under the toilet rim.
  • Long handle and click button keep you hygienic.
  • Cleans better than a bristle brush.
  • Very easy to use.
  • Fresh lime scent.

Cons

  • Not eco-friendly.
  • The sponge sometimes falls apart in the water.

Product Specs

Performance Disinfects and fights stains
Scent Synthetically scented
Type Disposable scrubbing brushes
Septic-Safe No
Ingredients Mix of natural and synthetic ingredients

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Safety
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Odor Control
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with this ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning Kit has been nothing short of amazing. The sanitary, easy-to-use design allows for thorough cleaning, especially under the rim where gunk often accumulates. I appreciate the refreshing scent and the fact that I can dispose of the used brushes, keeping my bathroom cleaner overall. Moreover, the compact size of the wand makes storage a breeze and it has even proven useful for tackling stubborn stains in other areas, like sinks and tubs.

Impresa Pumice Stone Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Best for Cleaning Limescale

Removing limescale from your toilet is tricky. There are many cleaning hacks, like using baking soda, vinegar, bleach, or dryer sheets. But what makes this product impressive?

A pumice stone is completely natural and non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about additional chemicals when cleaning limescale. Of course, this is just a way to get rid of stains and not a complete deep cleaning method for your toilet.

To use, put rubber gloves on and gently scrub the stained areas. The abrasive texture of the stone will remove it.

This brand of pumice stone has extra-long handles, so you don’t have to get too close to the inside of the toilet. It comes with two stones, so they should last longer!

These are also gentle enough that they won’t damage your toilet. Plus, no harsh chemicals go into the water system. Why not combine it with a natural cleaner to make your overall toilet cleaning routine eco-friendly?

Pros

  • Non-toxic stain remover.
  • Gets rid of hard water stains, including limescale.
  • Extra-long handles.
  • Gentle on the toilet.
  • Works for cleaning bathtubs, tiles, grout, grills, and more.

Cons

  • You may have to scrub hard for a while.
  • It might break mid-use.

Product Specs

Performance Cleans limescale
Scent Unscented
Type Pumice stone
Septic-Safe Yes
Ingredients Natural

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Safety
5 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Odor Control
2 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Community Feedback

Excellent product for tackling stubborn toilet stains and mineral deposits! This pumice stone works like magic, easily removing discoloration and leaving my toilet looking white and clean again. It even adapts to the shape of the surface being cleaned, making it effective on sinks and bathtubs as well. I found that applying the product in one direction, rather than a circular motion, gave the best results. Although the handle can feel a bit flimsy, the overall effectiveness of this product outweighs any minor drawbacks.

Ecover Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Best Natural Cleaner

This is actually what we use in our bathroom! This toilet bowl cleaner is super effective, uses natural ingredients, and has a beautiful fresh pine scent. We use the unscented version, but this one is tickling our fancy!

This toilet bowl cleaner is amazing at removing all kinds of stains and keeping our toilet in mint condition. It removes the toughest stains, decalcifies (so it’s great for hard water areas), and freshens the toilet.

It’s made from plant- and mineral-based ingredients. Even the fragrance is derived from essential oils. That’s not all — the bottle is made from 100 percent plant plastic and is all recyclable.

Last but not least, the product is not tested on animals. And it’s safe for septic tanks!

Did You Know?

If you love this product, Ecover has many amazing natural products, such as laundry detergents and soaps. You can switch over all your cleaning products to this excellent brand.

Pros

  • Natural ingredients.
  • Pine forest fresh scent.
  • Great for hard water areas.
  • The bottle is made of 100 percent plant plastic.
  • Removes tough stains.
  • Never tested on animals.

Cons

  • A bit pricey.
  • The scent is overwhelming for some.
  • The formula is a bit watery.

Product Specs

Performance Cleans stains, decalcifies, and freshens toilet
Scent Pine forest (from essential oils)
Type Liquid
Septic-Safe Yes
Ingredients Natural, biodegradable and cruelty-free

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Safety
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Odor Control
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I've been using this eco-friendly product for a while now, and I must say, it has its pros and cons. On one hand, it cleans well and doesn't leave a strong chemical smell behind, which is a relief for someone with a sensitive nose like mine. The scent is more minty than pine, and though some may find it a bit strong, it dissipates quickly after flushing. On the other hand, the bottle design could use some improvement, as the twist-off cap can be a bit challenging to open. Additionally, I've noticed that the product can sometimes irritate my eyes if I'm too close while cleaning.

Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Best Septic-Safe Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Product Image of the Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner

This natural toilet cleaner is safe for you, the environment, and your septic system. We’ve chosen this as the best option for septic systems because it has incredible benefits besides that.

Firstly, let’s consider the ingredients. They’re all-natural, plant-derived, biodegradable, and cruelty-free. You can be sure they’re free of dyes, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and petroleum solvents. Doesn’t that sound incredible for your home?

And when we say it’s a cleaner — what exactly is it going to do?

First of all, this is designed to remove stubborn stains. Simply squeeze it under the rim, let it trickle down, scrub with your brush, and voila! Stains be gone.

That’s not all. It also deodorizes your toilet. It doesn’t mask smells; it tackles them.

Then it leaves behind a natural fresh scent of tea tree and peppermint derived from essential oils.

Customers say this is just the product that brought their toilet back to life. Restore it to whiteness again after being covered in dirt and nasty stains.

Pros

  • Natural ingredients.
  • Tea tree and peppermint scent.
  • Removes stubborn stains.
  • Deodorizes foul odors.
  • Never tested on animals.

Cons

  • Scent is quite subtle.
  • It doesn’t remove all hard water stains.

Product Specs

Performance Cleans stains and deodorizes
Scent Tea tree and peppermint (from essential oils)
Type Liquid gel
Septic-Safe Yes
Ingredients Natural, biodegradable, and cruelty-free

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Safety
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Odor Control
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

My experience with this natural toilet cleaner has been great due to its eco-friendly and cruelty-free ingredients. It effectively removes stubborn stains and deodorizes, leaving a subtle tea tree and peppermint scent that's derived from essential oils. However, it may not completely eliminate some hard water stains, but overall, it's a fantastic product for maintaining a clean and fresh-smelling toilet.

Lime-A-Way Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Best for Stain Removal

Are stains ruining your toilet bowl? Deterring guests? Making trips to the bathroom less than spa-like? Then this is the cleaner for you!

The Lime-A-Way is a great thick gel formula that coats the entire toilet bowl. It can remove the toughest stains in mere seconds. This includes mineral stains, rust, calcium, and limescale, even below the waterline.

The angled nozzle on the bottle allows you to apply this underneath the rim of the toilet bowl. It drizzles down, coating the bowl so you can easily scrub stains away.

If you live in a hard water area and deal with all the nasty build-up from that, this will wow you! Plus, it leaves behind a clean scent, so your bathroom looks and smells fresh.

Customers love the formula of this toilet bowl cleaner. It’s so thick that even water left behind on the toilet bowl won’t dilute it. That’s what makes it so great at removing stains below the waterline.

Top Tip

Leave for 10 minutes before scrubbing. It sometimes needs time to work, so let it sit for a little while before cleaning.

Pros

  • Thick gel formula.
  • Removes stains in less than a minute.
  • Great for hard water areas.
  • Removes stains below the waterline.
  • Angled spout for cleaning under the rim.

Cons

  • Doesn’t work on rust as well as advertised.
  • Struggles to remove the toilet water ring.

Product Specs

Performance Gets rid of tough stains
Scent Synthetically scented
Type Liquid gel
Septic-Safe Yes
Ingredients Synthetic ingredients

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Safety
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Odor Control
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with this product has been nothing short of amazing, as it effortlessly tackles hard water stains and leaves my toilet looking whiter than ever. The ease of use is impressive - simply apply it, wait about 10 minutes, and there's no scrubbing needed. Not only does it work wonders on stubborn stains, but the pleasant scent is a refreshing change from the harsh smells of Lysol or bleach. With its effective cleaning power and great price point, this toilet bowl cleaner has become an essential staple in my household cleaning routine.

Vanish Scrubbing Bubbles Drop-Ins

Best Tablet Cleaner

These automatic toilet bowl cleaners are easy to use and very convenient. Simply drop them into your toilet tank, and it will get to work the next time you flush.

Its main purpose is repelling stains. So after you’ve deep cleaned your toilet, plop these in to repel future stains between deep cleans.

Besides that, it also deodorizes your toilet bowl, so you can finally get rid those nasty bathroom smells goodbye! It’s nice when guests are over. Each time they flush, this drop-in tablet will get to work immediately.

This quick and hassle-free toilet tablet also deals with stains caused by hard water, like mineral build-up and limescale. So if you’re living in a hard water area, this is a must-have.

Warning

If using these, make sure to prevent your pets from drinking the toilet water.

Pros

  • Convenient and easy to use.
  • Repels stains between deep cleans.
  • Deodorizes your toilet bowl.
  • Deal with hard water stains.
  • Each tablet lasts up to four weeks.
  • No scrubbing required.

Cons

  • Expensive.
  • It leaves blue streaks in the toilet bowl.

Product Specs

Performance Repels stains and deodorizes
Scent Synthetically scented
Type Tablet
Septic-Safe Yes
Ingredients Mix of natural and synthetic ingredients

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Safety
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
5 / 5
Odor Control
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

I'm quite happy with these toilet cleaning pucks, as they make my bathroom routine easier and more efficient. The blue color they give the water is visually appealing, although I haven't really noticed any fresh scent. While they do provide a level of cleaning, particularly under the toilet rim, it's important to remember that they don't replace regular toilet cleaning entirely. I've found that they don't last as long as advertised, but they're still a good value for the price. Just be cautious and keep up with weekly cleanings to avoid any buildup or residue.

Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Best Scented Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Most of our recommendations have a nice scent, but this has the most refreshing bathroom scent, in our opinion. The rain-clean scent will ensure that your bathroom looks spotless and smells clean! Plus, if you have guests coming over, they’ll be super impressed.

What exactly does this product do? Firstly, it kills 99.9 percent of bacteria, so your toilet can stay a super hygienic part of your bathroom. Next, it dissolves stains so your toilet looks brand new.

So if you want a sanitized, scented, and sparkling-clean toilet, consider this. The thick formula makes it super easy to coat the entire toilet bowl and tackle stains efficiently.

This bleach formula is smart for the home. But we love that it works for commercial properties like businesses, schools, and hotels.

Pros

  • Rain clean scent.
  • Kills 99.9 percent of bacteria.
  • Dissolves hard water stains.
  • Thick formula to coat the whole toilet bowl.
  • Gives the toilet a nice shine.
  • Angled nozzle cleans under the rim.

Cons

  • The cap makes squirting out the formula quite messy sometimes.
  • Some packages were distorted upon delivery.

Product Specs

Performance Disinfects and gets rid of limescale stains
Scent Rain clean
Type Gel
Septic-Safe Yes, if used once a month
Ingredients Sodium hypochlorite

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Safety
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Odor Control
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

This product is undoubtedly the most effective toilet bowl cleaner I have experienced. In addition to its powerful cleaning capabilities, it also possesses a pleasant scent, making it enjoyable to use. However, I must note that I encountered issues with the packaging leaking on two separate occasions, which was disappointing. Despite its higher price point, I found that the included microfiber cloth adds value to the purchase.

Clorox Ultra Bleach & Blue Tablets

Best Cleaner With Bleach

Looking for bleach to power away all the dirt and grime, as well as bacteria and germs? These Clorox Ultra tablets are super convenient and contain bleach for achieving a sparkling clean toilet bowl.

They clean, deodorize and sanitize your toilet bowl so it’s safer than before. We love that one pack of four lasts for 16 months! It’s such a budget-friendly option in the long run.

Simply pop these in your toilet tank and let them do the hard work every time you flush. They leave behind a rain-clean scent, too, so your bathroom smells nice and fresh.

When it comes to stains, you’ll still need to do a deep clean before using these. But then they work hard to prevent stains in the future. Not only from regular toilet dirt but also from hard water, mineral deposit, and limescale.

Pros

  • Convenient and easy to use.
  • Four tablets last 16 months.
  • Prevents stains.
  • Deodorizes and sanitizes in five minutes.

Cons

  • Not septic-safe.
  • Turns into a gel sometimes and sits at the bottom of the tank.

Product Specs

Performance Cleans and sanitizes
Scent Synthetically scented
Type Tablets
Septic-Safe No
Ingredients Synthetic ingredients

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Safety
2.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Odor Control
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

When using this product, I noticed a significant improvement in keeping both the toilet bowl and tank clean. The tablets are simple to install, and the blue water indicates their effectiveness, although they may not last as long as desired. While this product greatly reduces the need for frequent cleaning, occasional scrubbing is still necessary to maintain optimal cleanliness.

Lysol Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Best Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner

If you don’t want to do a ton of work between deep cleans, try Lysol’s automatic toilet cleaners. This one comes in a refreshing mango and hibiscus scent, so it’s wonderful for sprucing up the bathroom and cleaning the toilet at the same time.

The good thing about this is you can use the same attachment and just replace the gel tabs. This reduces plastic waste!

This comes with six tabs which are enough to last for three months! And all for a super budget-friendly price. Just don’t forget to deep clean your toilet once a week, even while using these.

However, these do a good job of maintaining the toilet bowl between uses. They fight rings and stains.

They deodorize your toilet every time you flush and maintain your clean toilet between deeper cleans. And they leave behind a beautiful scent.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly.
  • Mango and hibiscus scent.
  • Lasts for three months.
  • Fights stains and odors.
  • Cleans toilet every time you flush.

Cons

  • The scent throw is very light.
  • It can fall off if you place it under direct water flow.

Product Specs

Performance Fights stains and odors
Scent Synthetically scented
Type Automatic
Septic-Safe Yes
Ingredients Mix of natural and synthetic ingredients

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
3.5 / 5
Safety
4 / 5
Ease of Use
5 / 5
Odor Control
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

Bought this product and it definitely keeps the bowl clean and adds a nice fragrance to the bathroom. It's easy to use, but be aware that it can sometimes trap residue under it, so regular maintenance is necessary. The scent might be a bit overwhelming for some, but I personally don't mind it.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Performance Scent Type Septic-Safe Ingredients
Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner Budget Cleaner Disinfects, fights stains, freshens up Synthetically scented Liquid Yes Natural & synthetic ingredients
Clorox Disposable ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Bowl Cleaner Disinfects & fights stains Synthetically scented Scrubbing brushes No Natural & synthetic ingredients
Impresa Pumice Stone Cleaner For Cleaning Limescale Cleans limescale Unscented Pumice stone Yes Natural
Ecover Toilet Bowl Cleaner Natural Cleaner Cleans, decalcifies & freshens Pine forest Liquid Yes Biodegradable & cruelty-free
Better Life Natural Toilet Cleaner Septic-Safe Toilet Bowl Cleaner Cleans stains & deodorizes Tea tree & peppermint Liquid gel Yes Biodegradable & cruelty-free
Lime-A-Way Toilet Bowl Cleaner For Stain Removal Gets rid of tough stains Synthetically scented Liquid gel Yes Synthetic ingredients
Vanish Scrubbing Bubbles Drop-Ins Tablet Cleaner Repels stains & deodorizes Synthetically scented Tablet Yes Natural & synthetic ingredients
Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner Scented Toilet Bowl Cleaner Disinfects, removes stains Rain clean Gel Yes Synthetic ingredients
Clorox Ultra Bleach & Blue Tablets Cleaner With Bleach Cleans & sanitizes Synthetically scented Tablets No Synthetic ingredients
Lysol Automatic Toilet Cleaner Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner Fights stains & odors Synthetically scented Automatic Yes Natural & synthetic ingredients

Do You Need a Toilet Bowl Cleaner?

You need a quality cleaning product to clean your toilet bowl. Don’t just clean it with soap and water. You need something that disinfects, tackles stains, and is safe to use on septic systems if you have one.

Depending on where you live, you’ll need one that can tackle limescale and other hard water deposits.

Bathroom Fact

Did you know that 27 percent of toilets host mold and yeast (2)? Yeah, that’s pretty gross. Let’s get that toilet cleaned ASAP!

Types of Toilet Bowl Cleaners

When it comes to toilet bowl cleaners, there are a few different options. Some are easier to use than others, so let’s break down the pros and cons of each to find out your preference.

Liquid

Liquid cleaners are the most common. They’re easy to use but also require a toilet brush for some scrubbing. To use a liquid toilet bowl cleaner, simply squirt it under the rim and let it trickle down. Use your toilet brush to scrub stains.

Pros

  • Many options on the market.
  • Essential for deep cleaning.
  • Lots of natural options.
  • Easy to use.
  • Budget-friendly.
  • Helps with a wide range of stains.

Cons

  • Works best alongside a toilet brush.
  • Not all are safe for septic systems.
  • You’ll need to use it a few times a week to be on top of hygiene.

Tablet

Tablets are easy toilet bowl cleaners. You can put them in the tank, and they’ll deposit a little bit at a time whenever you flush, keeping the toilet nice and fresh.

You can also find ones you put in the water at the bottom. These fizz up and clean the bottom bit of the toilet. They’re not as good for cleaning the whole bowl.

Pros

  • Easy to use.
  • Lots of different scents.
  • Some contain bleach for deeper cleaning.
  • You don’t have to scrub the toilet bowl.
  • You can get them on the ends of wands, which can be disposed of.

Cons

  • Not as effective on hard stains without scrubbing.
  • The ones that go in the bottom don’t clean the whole toilet bowl.
  • More expensive.

Automatic

Automatic toilet bowl cleaners attach to the inside of the bowl. Every time you flush, they release cleaning agents. These are good for between deep cleans. They tackle surface-level dirt and stains, as well as releasing a nice fresh scent. Great for having guests around!

Pros

  • Many scented options.
  • Keeps the toilet fresh with every flush.
  • Prevents stains.
  • Some products deodorize.
  • Long-lasting.
  • Affordable.

Cons

  • Plastic waste.
  • Not many natural options.
  • Doesn’t replace a deep clean.

How To Choose the Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners

With all these different options on the market, how do you narrow it down to find the best one for you? Look at these top important details to prioritize what’s most vital for you.

Performance

What is the toilet bowl cleaner’s main strength? Does it remove stains? Tackle odors? Help with hard water build-up?

Always check what the purpose of the cleaner is. Otherwise, you may end up with one that can’t handle what you need it to do.

Scent

Do you want your toilet bowl cleaner to be scented? If so, natural or synthetic?

Synthetic fragrances aren’t as good for you or the environment. Natural scents are made with essential oils and so are much more eco-friendly.

We use a non-scented cleaner. It tackles odors, so the bathroom smells fresh, but there’s no lingering overpowering scent.

Type

Of course, consider what type of cleaner it is. The main ones are automatic, liquid, and tablet. You can also find gels or disposable cleaners.

Septic-Safe

If you have a septic system, you’ll definitely need to choose one that is septic-safe to avoid a costly mistake. We’ll let you know whether each product is septic-safe.


FAQs

What Do Professionals Use To Clean Toilets?

If you want a professional cleaning of your toilet, follow these steps:

  1. Wear rubber gloves.
  2. Close the toilet seat and lid and give it a flush to ensure the bowl is wet.
  3. Use a cleaner with an oxalic acid base. Spray this all over the toilet, including the tank, bowl, and the base.
  4. For tough stains, use Barkeeper’s Friend.
  5. Use a toilet brush to scrub the toilet bowl clean.
  6. Use a pumice stone for remaining stains and buildup.
  7. Close the lid and flush the toilet.
  8. Wipe down the rest of the toilet with a damp microfiber cloth.
  9. Then spray the tank and seat with a disinfectant spray.
  10. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe it away.
  11. Use a separate dry cloth to remove moisture from the toilet.

Pro Tip

Use an old or unused toothbrush to get into hard-to-reach spots like the hardware attachments, lid, and the base.

Does Coke Really Clean Toilets?

Coke can work to remove grime and stains since it is acidic. However, it won’t disinfect or deodorize your toilet. It’s better to use toilet bowl cleaning products.

How Do I Remove Brown Stains off the Bottom of My Toilet?

It’s important to clean brown stains as soon as you notice them. Use your toilet brush to scrub them off, and they should go away immediately.

However, if you can’t get them to budge, you may need to turn off the water to the toilet, flush the toilet and remove all the water. Then use your toilet bowl cleaner product.

If you use this while there’s water in there, the water may dissolve the cleaning solution. Once you’ve added your cleaning product, let it sit for 30 minutes before brushing it away, turning the water back on, and flushing.

Does Baking Soda Clean Toilets?

Baking soda can definitely spruce up your toilet. Use it with vinegar to get rid of the toilet bowl ring. Follow these steps:

  1. Add white vinegar: Pour one cup of distilled white vinegar into the toilet bowl and swirl it around with your toilet brush.
  2. Add baking soda: After a minute, add one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
  3. Add more vinegar: Add two more cups of vinegar. Don’t worry about the fizzing reaction; this is normal.
  4. Wait: Let this sit for 10 minutes.
  5. Distribute: Use your toilet brush to distribute the solution around the ring and under the rim of the toilet.
  6. Wait and scrub: Let this sit for another 30 minutes. Use your toilet brush to scrub the stains.
  7. Flush: Flush the toilet.

Is Vinegar Good for Cleaning Toilets?

Yes! Vinegar can be used in many ways for cleaning toilets.

First, you can use it to remove the toilet bowl ring by following the above method with baking soda.

You can put vinegar in a spray bottle and use it as a multi-purpose cleaner for the rest of the toilet.

In fact, you can even pour vinegar into the toilet tank and let it clean the whole toilet bowl.

Don’t Forget

Use distilled white vinegar. This is the best type of vinegar for cleaning. Just note that vinegar doesn’t 100 percent disinfect, so you should still sanitize your toilet with a commercial cleaner between uses.

Can Bleach Damage a Toilet?

Bleach can damage a toilet bowl when used undiluted. It is safe on porcelain but can oxidize when it makes contact with an enamel toilet and cause rust.

What Is the Brown Build-Up in My Toilet?

The brown build-up in your toilet is limescale. Over time, it gets dirty and gradually turns brown. As the water dries, the surface of your toilet gets coated with mineral deposits.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!