WFMW: Cleaning the Toilet, Naturally
I often talk about using natural products. One thing that I always have a tough time cleaning naturally is the toilet. It is such a nasty, germy place and it never seems clean enough. (And when it is, one of my little boys comes along and makes sure that it doesn’t stay that way for long. How hard can it possibly be to aim it in the bowl?)
Unfortunately for me, or perhaps fortunately, I cannot go back to my strong chemical cleaners because they will trigger a migraine. I am stuck using natural methods.
Recently, I started using baking soda and vinegar. The problem is that the toilet never seems clean enough.
Then I figured out a trick.
When I go to clean the toilet, I turn off the incoming water and flush. This way the bowl is pretty much empty. Then, I sprinkle about a half cup of baking soda all around inside. Next, I pour over the baking soda some white vinegar (1/4 -1/2 cup). (The kids love to watch this part because it gets all fizzy.) I scrub it all over with my toilet brush, turn the water back on, and flush (after the tank fills).
I have found that without the water in there to dilute the baking soda and vinegar mixture, the bowl comes out sparkling clean!
Bonus tip: I buy a 12 lb. bag of baking soda at Costco and keep it under the bathroom sink for all of my cleaning needs. Straight up baking soda works great for cleaning the tub.
For more Works-for-Me Wednesday tips, head on over to Shannon’s place - Rocks in My Dryer.
1Tonsofsons
wrote on 19 September 2007 at 12:44
Thanks for the idea ~ I know all to well with boys and toilets ~ Yuck! I have 5 boys that are at home with me all day.
http://tonsofsons.wordpress.com/
2Kara
wrote on 19 September 2007 at 14:29
Good idea on turning the water off, I’m always annoyed at my cleaners getting washed away and diluted.
3T with Honey
wrote on 19 September 2007 at 14:46
I used baking soda for cleaning my tub for the first time this weekend and the fixtures have never been cleaner, looked brighter.
4Anonymous
wrote on 19 September 2007 at 17:19
What a fabulous cleaning tip!
Last weekend at our county fair, we came across a booth selling Quick n Brite and Super Shot cleaning products. While they’re not as natural as vinegar and soda, they’re non-toxic, odorless and biodegradable, and gentle enough to use without gloves. I guess these products have been available for years, but that was the first time I’d seen them. Anyway, I tried Quick N Brite in my shower, and WOW, it worked like a charm. Might be something to look into for the the stubborn messes the vinegar can’t touch.
Have a great day!
Honor
sothbaseball.spaces.live.com
5SAHMmy Says
wrote on 19 September 2007 at 17:41
Thanks for the tip to turn off the water–I’ve always dumped a bucket of water into the bowl to lower the water level. Your way seems much easier!
6Andie
wrote on 19 September 2007 at 18:04
GREAT idea! I’ll try it this evening!
Blessings-Andie
7Charity
wrote on 20 September 2007 at 0:39
Wow! I had no idea that this post would be so helpful.
Thanks for all the comments!
8Dana
wrote on 20 September 2007 at 13:53
Now that is pretty cool. I never would have thought of that. I’ll have to try it and see how it goes.
Using harsh chemicals in the bathroom gives me a headache because of the small space, regardless of the open window.
9Marie
wrote on 20 September 2007 at 21:51
I will have to try that! I do the FlyLady thing, keep some cleaner in the resevoir of my toilet brush holder, and just do a quick “Swish and Swipe” every morning. That way it stays clean and I rarely have to get down and dirty.
10Mrs. Brownstone
wrote on 21 September 2007 at 5:26
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
11marylea
wrote on 27 November 2008 at 0:10
I’ve done the tub thing but not the toilets. I can’t wait to try this one out. Thanks so much for sharing!