The Common Medicine That Surprisingly Doubles As A Powerful Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Cleaning the toilet is one of those chores many people dread. Between the buildup of stubborn water stains, cloudy rings, and hard-to-reach grime under the rim, a neglected toilet can become an eyesore and a source of embarrassment when other people visit. If you are out of cleaning supplies or do not like using strong chemicals to clean your toilet, and you have guests coming over, do not panic. Just grab a medicine cabinet staple, and you will be good to go.

Using common household items to clean the toilet, like vinegar and baking soda, is not new. But believe it or not, Alka-Seltzer can also be used for the same purpose. Since it was introduced in 1931 by Miles Laboratories, Alka-Seltzer has been a household name for treating heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. It is also used to remedy hangovers. 

When taken as a medicine, the tablet is dissolved in a glass of water before drinking. As the tablet disintegrates, it produces a fizzy effect, which helps soothe stomach acids when ingested. The same effect can do wonders for a grimy toilet bowl. To use the medication as a toilet bowl cleaner, simply drop two tablets into the bowl, then let them work their magic for 20 to 30 minutes. Afterward, give the bowl a light scrub and flush, just the way you would normally clean your toilet.

So, what makes Alka-Seltzer an effective toilet bowl cleaner? The answer lies in its active ingredients: citric acid and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). When these two compounds encounter water, they create a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas then escapes the solution in the form of bubbles, which causes the fizzing reaction.

When used in the toilet, the bubbling effect loosens the dirt and grime stuck in different areas of the bowl, especially the mineral deposits and organic buildup that form when the toilet bowl is not cleaned regularly. Aside from the chemical reaction between the two compounds, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate also have separate cleaning functions. Citric acid helps break down mineral rings and stains. Sodium bicarbonate's mild abrasiveness helps remove grime and even odors. 

Considering how its components can act together and separately to clean surfaces, it should be no surprise that Alka-Seltzer is used in a wide range of cleaning hacks around the house, like cleaning bathroom tiles, shining the floor, and removing food stains. It pays to stock up on Alka-Seltzer not only as medicine for an upset stomach, but also as a cleaning solution for your home.