The Best Toilet Bowl Cleaner Of 2025 So Far, According To Consumer Reports

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When it comes to household chores, scrubbing toilets might be one of the least enjoyable. Unfortunately, since the bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house, tackling toilet stains and regular build-up is a necessary evil. The key to a quick but thorough cleaning is using the right products and tools — like a powerful toilet bowl cleaner and a highly-rated toilet bowl brush. Since you likely don't have the time or desire to test dozens of toilet bowl cleaners, turning to trusted experts for advice can be a smart move.

Consumer Reports, a trusted source for product reviews, tested 11 popular toilet bowl cleaners and awarded Lysol Power Clinging Gel the highest score, ranking it the best toilet bowl cleaner of 2025, so far. It isn't just popular with Consumer Reports' testing, though. This toilet bowl cleaner has amassed over 80,000 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.8 out of 5-star rating, indicating that it's also much loved by the real-life consumers who use it.

Even so, not everyone values the same features in a toilet bowl cleaner. Some users prefer natural or non-toxic cleaners, while others favor those that break down tough grime and disinfect their toilet bowls. Others skip store-bought cleaners altogether, instead getting their toilet sparkling clean with household ingredients they already have on hand. If you're wondering whether the Consumer Reports' top pick is a good fit for you, we'll break down the pros and cons below.

One of the key features that makes Lysol Power Clinging Gel toilet bowl cleaner so effective is its thick formula, which clings to stains and starts breaking them down immediately. According to many reviews, a quick swish with a toilet bowl brush after applying this cleaner is enough to remove most buildup. It's also praised for not leaving a harsh smell. As for germs, they don't stand a chance. The Lysol toilet bowl cleaner can kill up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria when left to sit in the toilet bowl for 15 minutes. Since toilet bowls are a germ-ridden area, this makes it an excellent buy for those looking to sanitize or disinfect their porcelain thrones.

Like most products, there are also a couple of potential drawbacks to consider. The active ingredient in Lysol Power Clinging Gel is hydrochloric acid. While powerful at breaking down stains and mineral deposits that make up most toilet bowl rings, this ingredient is not considered an eco-friendly substance. Those looking for a greener toilet bowl cleaner will need to look elsewhere.

It's also important to note that this cleaner cannot be combined with bleach. Mixing bleach and hydrochloric acid can create toxic chlorine gas, so those who use bleach should avoid pairing it with this cleaner. With that said, if you're looking to deep clean your bathroom, Lysol's Power Clinging gel may be worth a try. Its formula effectively breaks down stains and eliminates germs that linger in toilet bowls.