The Vinegar Hack To Clean Mold From A Toilet Base

There are few things more unsettling than spotting mold creeping around the base of your toilet. It's one of those spots that often gets overlooked during regular cleaning. You scrub the bowl, wipe down the tank, maybe even mop around it, but the bottom edge is easy to miss. Between humidity, minor pipe leaks, and poor ventilation, the area around your toilet becomes a perfect environment for mold spores to thrive. 

Aside from looking dirty, that mold can actually pose a problem for your health. It's not just an eyesore; exposure to mold can trigger allergies, worsen asthma, and lead to breathing issues. The good news is that you don't need fancy products or harsh chemicals to take care of it. All you really need are two ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen: Distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Of course, don't forget to grab some protective wear like a mask, goggles, and gloves, and remember to never mix household cleaners. 

This simple combo is affordable, nontoxic, and surprisingly powerful. Vinegar can be a versatile cleaning tool because its natural acidity helps kill mold and bacteria, while baking soda gently scrubs away any mold residue and neutralizes odors. Together, they make a safe, eco-friendly cleaner that's strong enough to tackle one of the grossest bathroom chores without leaving behind chemical fumes. It's one of those DIY hacks that's cheap, quick, and way more effective than you may think. If you want to clean the toilet bowl with natural ingredients, too, here's how to ditch all the chemicals with a homemade toilet bowl cleaner you can trust. 

Start by sprinkling a generous layer of baking soda around the base of your toilet (focusing on areas where you can see mold spots or dark buildup). Next, fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar and give the entire area a good mist. You'll notice some fizzing right away, which means the vinegar and baking soda are reacting to lift up grime. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes or up to an hour so it can break down any mold and kill lingering spores. 

After it's had time to work, grab a scrub brush or an old toothbrush and start scrubbing around the base. Once the area looks clean, wipe it all down with paper towels or a clean cloth. Make sure the area is completely dry so that moisture doesn't attract new mold spores. To prevent mold from returning, keep your bathroom as dry as possible, get an air dehumidifier, turn on the fan after showers, fix small leaks, and occasionally wipe around the toilet base to catch condensation or stray water. If you think you may have other places with mold growth, ensure to figure out how to identify mold in your home and get rid of it for good.