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DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

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Cleaning Tips

5 Apr

Learn how to naturally clean a toilet bowl with this easy, two ingredient DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner. All you need is vinegar and baking soda.

Toilet Paper Roll on Back of toilet
 

My youngest child has always been one to keep me on my toes, so perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised when he decided to drink out of our toilet! Seriously, who drinks out of the toilet?!

My initial thought was he could get sick from the toilet water. So, as any panicked mom would do, I googled it. Luckily I am not the only parent to deal with this issue; and I’m happy to report, he should be fine. However, many people commented on the fact that, had there been a cleaning solution in the toilet bowl (or the cleaners that stick on the side of the toilet bowl), he might have been poisoned. That got me thinking, what if I had just cleaned the toilet?

It was at that moment, I changed the way I clean toilets. I now use a natural DIY toilet bowl cleaner made with vinegar and baking soda. If anyone decides to drink from the toilet again, I know, outside of it making me want to vomit, they should be fine.

What You Need to Make A Natural DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Ingredients to naturally clean toilet bowl: vinegar, baking soda and a spray bottle
 

Affiliate links may be used. Please see our advertising disclosure for more information.

Ingredients Needed for DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

  • Baking Soda
  • Vinegar
  • Essential Oil (Optional)- If you are unsure where to buy essential oils, I have a post all about choosing an essential oil brand that’s best for YOU.

Supplies Needed Naturally Clean A Toilet Bowl

  • Spray Bottle– I use a 16 oz spray bottle, and just refill it once it’s empty, but you can certainly use a smaller bottle if you’d like
  • Toilet Brush

How to Naturally Clean A Toilet Bowl

Start by pouring some vinegar into a spray bottle. I find it easier to use a silicone funnel to ensure I don’t spill all over the place.

Pouring vinegar into spray bottle using silicone funnel
 

For added cleaning power (and a better scent), feel free to add several drops of essential oil to the vinegar. While you can technically add up to 96 drops (for a 16 oz bottle), I would recommend going with about 30. If you do add essential oil, give the spray bottle a little shake prior to using.

Adding essential oil to vinegar to make DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner
 

Essential Oils That Work Well for Cleaning

Lemon | Immune Supporting Blend | *Tea Tree | Pine | Grapefruit | Orange | Peppermint

*Honestly, Tea Tree is great for cleaning, but it doesn’t smell good, so if you’re looking to mask the smell of vinegar with something pleasant, tea tree is not the essential oil for that 🙂

Once the vinegar (and essential oil, if using) is in the spray bottle, spray the toilet bowl and allow the vinegar to sit for at least 15 minutes.

Naturally cleaning toilet bowl with vinegar
 

After the time is up, sprinkle some baking soda into the toilet bowl. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive while also helping to absorb odors. Scrub the baking soda around the toilet bowl with a toilet brush and flush when done.

Sprinkling baking soda into toilet
 

To clean the toilet handle, seat, and lid, I use my DIY cleaning wipes. They work so much better than store-bought wipes, in my opinion.

If you have hard water stains in your toilet bowl, check out this post to learn how to naturally remove even the toughest stains.

To freshen toilets between cleanings, try our DIY Toilet Bombs.

Hopefully your children are not drinking toilet water, but if they do, you can rest assured they are probably going to be just fine.

We think you might also love these ideas!

DIY Toilet Bombs | DIY Cleaning Wipes | How to Remove Tough Toilet Stains

 

Common Questions About Naturally Cleaning Toilets with DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Can I Mix the Vinegar and Baking Soda to Save Time?

No! While vinegar and baking soda are both great natural cleaners, when combined, they basically lose what makes them so great at cleaning. Baking soda is alkaline with a pH of 9 and works well to lift stains and absorb odors. Vinegar, on the other hand, is acidic, with a pH ranging from 2-3 and works to dissolve hard water stains and calcium build-up on things like faucets and shower heads. When combined, these two ingredients turn into carbonic acid which just decomposes into water and carbon dioxide (Source). Spraying the toilet bowl with vinegar and allowing it to sit helps reduce bacteria and mold (Source and Source). Adding the baking soda later means it can work as a mild abrasive to lift stains and absorb odors.

Will This DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner Disinfect My Toilet?

In order for a product to be labeled as a disinfectant, it needs to be registered with the EPA. Vinegar is not a registered disinfectant, so we cannot say it’s going to disinfect the toilet. If you are looking for a natural disinfectant, I would suggest Force of Nature Cleaner. It uses vinegar, salt, and water to create a hospital-grade disinfectant, and can be used to disinfect toilets.

Will This Toilet Bowel Cleaner Get Rid of Hard Water Stains in My Toilet?

While vinegar can work to lift some of the hard water stains in the toilet, it may not do the best job with the limited amount of time it sits in the bowl. I have found the best way to remove hard water stains in the toilet is with a pumice stone. Find out more about removing hard water stains from toilets here. I mean, check out these results!

Before and after of toilet bowl stains cleaned with a pumice stone
 

What Can I Do to Freshen Toilets Between Cleanings?

If you are looking for a simple way to freshen your toilets between cleanings, I would recommend making some of our toilet bombs. Simply put one of two in the toilet and allow them to dissolve, then give a quick scrub with a toilet brush and you’re done.

Toilet Paper Roll on Back of toilet

DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

How to naturally clean toilets with vinegar and baking soda
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Vinegar
  • Baking Soda
  • 30 Drops Essential Optional

Supplies

  • Spray Bottle
  • Toilet Brush

Instructions
 

  • Add vinegar (along with some essential oil if desired) to a spray bottle.
  • Spray the toilet bowl with the vinegar spray and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes
  • When the time is up, sprinkle in some baking soda and scrub the bowl with a toilet brush
  • Flush
 

Love it? Pin it!

How to Naturally Clean Toilets
 
Pouring vinegar into a spray bottle

32 Comments

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Comments

  1. Courtney says

    January 13, 2025 at 11:31 AM

    Thanks for sharing your non-toxic, DIY toilet bowl cleaner! If you had to guess, approximately how much of the baking soda and vinegar do you use per toilet to ensure it’s clean?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      February 6, 2025 at 12:59 PM

      I give a generous spray of the vinegar all around the inside of the toilet bowl, let that sit while I clean the rest of the bathroom and then do two scoops of baking soda using these scoops from Amazon (Affiliate link). Hope that helps!

      Reply
  2. Wade @ Microbialogic says

    June 16, 2021 at 6:47 AM

    Great tips as usual on DIY cleaning toilet, Awesome list thanks a lot!

    Reply
  3. Rita says

    May 7, 2020 at 7:07 AM

    I always enjoy listening to your diy projects and inspire me. I always think I need to get a book to write them down since I forget after awhile.
    I have never done a blog or instagram.

    Reply
  4. roxie says

    March 23, 2017 at 9:12 PM

    You must not heard of dollar tree?? They have all kinds og cleaning products including toilet bowl cleaner. So don’t know why you said walmarts the cheapest. But I use vinegar anyway for cleaning.

    Reply
    • Gerta says

      June 14, 2020 at 7:55 AM

      That’s what I use too and I get
      All cleaning supply from $🌲….

      Reply
      • Rattlerjake says

        July 11, 2021 at 8:46 PM

        $🌲 is no always the cheapest. Often the price is less but the volume of product is also less and other stores may actually end up being cheaper. Also don’t forget, it will cost more in the end because you’re making driving to another store to save a few cents!

        Reply
  5. Sue says

    July 21, 2015 at 5:34 AM

    Easy and inexpensive a great combination. The products we all usually have in our home. Thanks for sharing another great DIY with us at #anythinggoes

    Reply
    • Erin says

      July 22, 2015 at 7:13 AM

      Thanks Sue!

      Reply
  6. Jenn @ EngineerMommy says

    July 17, 2015 at 8:31 AM

    Love this tip… thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      July 17, 2015 at 5:42 PM

      You are so welcome! Enjoy your weekend!

      Reply
  7. Brittany @ DIY Just Cuz says

    July 7, 2015 at 10:01 PM

    I love using vinegar for cleaning–it works so much better and you know it’s not harmful! Great tips with baking soda too 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin says

      July 8, 2015 at 8:30 AM

      I am a firm believer in vinegar. I use it for everything! Baking soda is a close second. Thanks for stopping over Brittany! Have a beautiful day!

      Reply
  8. Rachael says

    July 7, 2015 at 7:45 PM

    Love all of the DIY cleaners! I’m going to pin this too. Looks like I need to buy more baking soda! I’m going to check out your DIY cleaning wipes too. I was actually looking at our clorox wipes the other day thinking that I needed to find a cheaper solution.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      July 8, 2015 at 8:28 AM

      The switch over to DIY cleaners has been a process. I typically switch out one thing at a time, and now almost all my cleaners are DIY versions (yet I’m still find more as I go- for things I don’t use quite as often). You will definitely need a lot of baking soda and vinegar… luckily, they are both super cheap products. I actually have a gallon of vinegar for cleaning purposes, and I buy 2 boxes of baking soda at a time. Hope you find these to be helpful.

      Reply
  9. Cat @ MaryMarthaMama says

    July 7, 2015 at 7:35 PM

    I love how simple this is. And I had to laugh because I have two boys and while neither has had a drink from the toilet (yet) I could see it happening. Goodness knows they have put many other things in their mouths before!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      July 8, 2015 at 8:24 AM

      How do little boys think up these ideas? Just out of the blue, I think I’ll drink from the toilet? Gotta love ’em.

      Reply
      • Rattlerjake says

        July 11, 2021 at 9:15 PM

        Actually they are pretty smart, they know mom keeps the toilet “spotless”, an if you’re thirsty and you can’t reach the sink or the refrigerator, there’s the toilet. Besides, kids don’t understand about contaminants either, they’ll eat off of dirty dishes, eat food that has sat out for hour, and pick food up that is covered in dirt and eat it. They haven’t been indoctrinated by their mom’s yet to worry about germs! Statistically, boys tend to get sick less than girls because they build a good immune system from early exposure to germs. They hate to take baths, wash their hands, and will wear the same clothes for days, unlike girls. It’s modern practice of living in a “sterile” home that causes many of the health issues today. LET THEM BE BOYS!!!

        Reply
  10. Sheena says

    June 23, 2015 at 10:39 AM

    I have been trying to get away from the harmful chemical cleaners you buy at the store. I will have to remember this for cleaning my toilets!!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      June 23, 2015 at 4:00 PM

      Glad I could help. Have a good evening Sheena!

      Reply
  11. Jelli says

    June 23, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    Erin, you had me giggling when you mentioned googling what to do when you kid drank toilet water. It resounded with me 100%. You have NO idea how many ridiculous things I’ve had to google because of my little ones. Love the cleaning solution. We do this too. In fact, baking soda and vinegar and dishsoap are the only cleaners in my house. Keep up the giggleworthy helpful tips! Sharing!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      June 23, 2015 at 3:59 PM

      I often wonder what moms did without Google. I use it ALL the time because my kiddos are constantly doing things I would never imagine- sometimes worse than drinking toilet water, I’m afraid. So glad I’m not the only one!

      I agree that Dawn, vinegar, and baking soda are really all you need to clean pretty much everything.

      Have a wonderful evening!

      Reply
  12. Trish says

    June 17, 2015 at 8:42 AM

    Baking soda and vinegar is great. Thanks for the tips. Kids do the darndest things.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      June 17, 2015 at 8:47 AM

      I truly have a gallon of vinegar at home because I use it for everything! (And I agree, kids really do the darnedest things, don’t they?- Just wish mine hadn’t chosen drinking from the toilet as one of those things 🙂 ) Have a wonderful day Trish!

      Reply
  13. Marla says

    June 16, 2015 at 7:57 AM

    I love DIY cleaners and I use this one a lot in my toilet and even in my sink. Baking soda and vinegar are both wonderful cleaning agents and so inexpensive. Twitted. Visiting from the Lou Lou Girls blog hop.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      June 16, 2015 at 12:50 PM

      I am in the process of replacing as many store bought cleaners as I can, so much safer and cheaper to use. Thanks for stopping over Marla! Have a great day!

      Reply
  14. Julie says

    May 20, 2015 at 4:53 PM

    I have vinegar, I have baking soda – this looks worth trying, although all my kids have grown out of anything like this it’s always nice to avoid chemicals if you can.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2015 at 9:05 PM

      So glad your kids have outgrown this stage. I don’t think either of my other ones ever drank out of the toilet. I do try to do DIY cleaners when ever possible because they don’t have so many chemicals and they are a lot cheaper. Have a good night Julie!

      Reply
  15. Angela L. says

    April 28, 2015 at 10:00 PM

    Crazy good timing. I ran out of toilet bowl cleaner last week and while at Target today thought I would pick some up. However, I had to cut my Target run short due to need for naps. I skipped the cleaning aisle. While driving home I randomly had the thought to look on Pinterest for a DIY cleaner. Then I open my email tonight and here you’ve read my mind! I’m so sorry you had to have this conversation with your kid though…gRoSs.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2015 at 9:06 PM

      Seriously GROSS! I bet your girls will never drink out of the toilet, I think it’s a boy thing. Glad the post was so well timed. Have a good day!

      Reply
  16. Sharon @prettypracticalhome.com says

    April 28, 2015 at 12:19 PM

    You made me laugh, Erin! I don’t think there’s much that baking soda and vinegar can’t clean.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2015 at 9:06 PM

      Yesterday was more… “Caleb, why would you do that? What were you thinking?” Today I’m chuckling a little bit more. Kids!

      Reply

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Hi there! I'm Erin. Welcome to Lemons, Lavender & Laundry, where we believe that creating a clean home should be done as simply and naturally as possible. [Read More...]

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