2 Natural Ingredients That Can Take The Grime Out Of Your Toilet Bowl And Leave It Sparkling Clean

Are you tired of scrubbing your toilet with harsh chemical cleaners that fill your bathroom with strong fumes? Many traditional toilet cleaners contain hazardous ingredients like bleach and hydrochloric acid, which can be irritating to the skin and respiratory system. The quest for a pristine porcelain throne often leads us to buy powerful, abrasive products, but what if you could ditch the chemicals by making a homemade toilet bowl cleaner with products you likely have on hand? The solution to a sparkling bowl and a fresh-smelling bathroom might already be in your pantry. The secret can be found in two household staples: Epsom salt and baking soda.

These two natural ingredients, when used correctly, can work together to dissolve mineral deposits and leave a shiny finish without the need for corrosive chemicals. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that helps to break down grime and neutralize unpleasant smells. Aside from its ability to deodorize, baking soda's mild abrasive quality is what makes it so good for cleaning. The tiny crystals are fine enough to scrub surfaces without damage, which makes it an excellent choice for cleaning porcelain. Its alkaline properties are important for cleaning too, since it can neutralize acids found in many common stains, like urine. This chemical reaction helps to loosen and lift grime from the surface.

When you use Epsom salt to refresh your bathroom alongside the baking soda, you add a second layer of scrubbing. The larger crystals of magnesium sulfate are tough enough to tackle more stubborn buildup, like those thick, mineral-based rings that form at the waterline. The combination of products provides a gentle and cost-effective way to clean the toilet, while making a smarter choice for your home.

To use this DIY toilet cleaning hack solution, you can create a paste or keep it as a dry powder. For a thorough clean, lower the water level in the toilet by turning off the water valve behind the bowl and flushing the toilet. Next, create a paste by mixing one part Epsom salt with one part baking soda and a small amount of water until it has the same thickness as pudding.

Apply this paste directly to the waterline and any other stained areas of the bowl using a scrub brush. It's important to let it sit for at least 30 minutes to give the paste time to work its magic. You can also sprinkle a generous amount of the dry mixture directly into the bowl. After it has had time to soak, scrub the bowl with the toilet brush. Once you have finished scrubbing, turn the water valve back on and flush the toilet to rinse away the residue. Finally, you might be interested to know that you can also fight stubborn soap scum in your shower, using the same basic ingredients.