Cleaning out a toilet bowl is definitely not a chore anyone looks forward to, but it has to be done. Before you reach for the chemical cleaner, consider using a homemade or environmentally friendly cleaner instead. Many of the cleaners sold in stores contain harsh chemicals that can be corrosive to your plumbing and detrimental to your health.

No to Chemical Cleaners
6 Reasons Why
Here are a few great recipes you can use to create a homemade toilet bowl cleaner, as well as some store-bought suggestions that are environment- and health-friendly.
Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaners
These homemade toilet bowl cleaners can quickly be made with things you already have around the house!
1. White Vinegar
A one-stop-solution, white vinegar is a popular toilet bowl cleaner! If your toilet doesn’t need a deep clean, add white vinegar to a spray bottle, and spray some on the surfaces of the toilet. Leave it be for a few minutes, then wipe clean!
2. White Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Essential Oils
While white vinegar is great alone, it can also be combined with baking soda and essential oils in a team effort. The essential oils you use should be disinfecting ones, like:
- Lavender
- Tea tree
- Lemon
- Orange
- Grapefruit
- Pine
Or a blend of the above!
When using essential oils, it’s highly suggested that you mix them in a glass bowl. Some oils can react with metal or deteriorate plastic, so don’t use food containers for this.
This recipe will last you quite a while (about 30 uses). You will need:
- 2 cups baking soda
- ½ cup 20% white vinegar
- 100 drops (1 teaspoon) essential oil or blend of your choice
- Wooden spoon
- Glass bowl
- Toilet brush
- Glass jar
Step 1: Mix the baking soda and essential oil in the glass bowl with the wooden spoon, breaking up any clumps.
Step 2: Put 1 tablespoon of the baking soda/essential oil mix into the toilet bowl.
Step 3: Sprinkle little amounts of the mixture around the sides of the bowl, using a toilet brush to spread it around more.
Step 4: Pour the ½ cup of white vinegar into the toilet bowl. It should begin to fizz.
Step 5: Using the brush and mixture in the toilet, scrub the bowl clean.
Step 6: Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then flush.
Step 7: Place the remaining mixture (without the vinegar) in the glass jar, and store it in a secure place. You can use it again with another ½ cup of white vinegar when your toilet bowl needs another clean!
Note: If you have pets, do your research before using essential oils in your home. Some, like lavender, can be dangerous to their health.
3. White Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Tea Tree oil
Similar to the last recipe, this one is applied slightly differently and only makes one application.
You will need:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ½ teaspoon tea tree essential oil
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Toilet brush
- Paper towels or cloth
Step 1: Mix together the vinegar and essential oil in the spray bottle.
Step 2: Spray the mixture inside the toilet, on the lid, handle, and seat.
Step 3: Leave it to sit for a few minutes.
Step 4: Place the baking soda inside the toilet bowl.
Step 5: Scrub the baking soda and vinegar mixture to clean the toilet.
Step 6: Use a paper towel or cloth to wipe down the vinegar mixture from the rest of the surfaces.
4. Borax and White Vinegar
If you have tough, nasty stains in your toilet, this homemade toilet bowl cleaner will do the trick! It will also leave it smelling amazing.
You should gather:
- ¾ cup borax
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
- Bowl or spray bottle
- Toilet brush
Step 1: Mix all the ingredients together into a bowl or spray bottle.
Step 2: Using the toilet brush, make sure all surfaces of the toilet bowl are wet.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into the toilet bowl, and allow it to sit overnight.
Step 4: In the morning, scrub the toilet and flush.
Environmentally Friendly Toilet Bowl Cleaners

Most toilet bowl cleaners have harsh chemicals, but there are definitely exceptions! If you don’t want to make your own, try these environmentally friendly options.
Bio-Clean® Products
Bio-Clean products, like the toilet bowl cleaner, are designed to be safe as well as environmentally friendly. The bowl cleaner is made from non-chemical compounds, and it even smells great when used!
Bio-Clean products will remove hard water stains, rust, mildew, mold, and other spots from your toilet bowl. Hard water stains in particular can be stubborn, but this set from Amazon comes with brushes to help you get rid of the more difficult ones.
ECOS® Toilet Cleaners
Another environmentally friendly option is this toilet cleaner from ECOS. Made of cedar oil and citric acid, it’s safe for everyone in your home (including pets!) and septic systems. Easy to use, you simply pour it into the bowl, wait 5 to 10 minutes, and flush! For more stubborn stains, you can use a brush to remove them along with the solution.
This product also earns an A from EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.
Choosing environmentally friendly cleaning options for your toilet bowl can keep your plumbing from corroding while also protecting your and your family’s health. Whether you choose to make your own homemade toilet bowl cleaner or purchase a non-chemical cleaner, your plumbing and the environment will thank you!
Are you experiencing problems with your toilet? Is it time for a new one? We can help with installation and toilet repairs. Find out how we can assist here, and then call us at 972-395-2597 to schedule an appointment.