You’ve probably noticed there are endless options for toilet bowl cleaners. All it takes is a walk down the aisle at your local grocery store and you’ll find 20, 30 or even 50 toilet cleaners all claiming they are the best.
But what makes one toilet cleaner better than the others? What are the best toilet bowl cleaners available?
If you look at the ingredients, many competitors are using the same hard-to-pronounce chemicals. Are they more similar than different?
The most likely answer is “yes”, however, there are certain toilet bowl cleaners that do a better job of keeping our toilet clean.
In this article, I’ll share my experience using toilet bowl cleaners and we’ll review the subtle differences between the options. There are liquid toilet cleaners and tablets that are meant to remain in your toilet. There are attachments and sprays.
In the sections below I’ll outline what you should look for and the best options available. Let’s get started.
A Word Of Safety
The first thing I want to highlight is that most cleaners use chemicals. For sensitive individuals, like me, it’s important you take the necessary steps to protect your family from the chemicals even if they claim to be harmless.
If I plan on cleaning my toilet using chemicals, I open windows, shut the bathroom door, and turn on the vent. These actions will keep the chemicals contained in the bathroom and the fan and window can help push them outside.
It’s also wise to close the toilet lid if you decide the let the toilet cleaner soak (every small action counts)
Natural vs Chemical Toilet Bowl Cleaner
In my recommendations, I’ll highlight natural cleaning options as well as chemical options. I’ll admit that I’m biased towards natural toilet cleaners because I have sensitivities to chemicals (and allergies) and I care about what I’m flushing down the toilet.
Whether you have a septic system or you’re connected to a municipality, the materials you flush will end up back in the environment. I don’t feel good about flushing chemicals so I choose to use organic cleaning options and I feel the work just as good if not better than chemicals (and they are cheaper).
Natural toilet cleaners are usually one of a few substances that include:
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Citric Acid
- Borax
- Hydrogen Peroxide
They can be used independently or combined with each other (bases and acids). Natural cleaners need time to work so I advise to let them sit in a toilet bowl overnight and clean using a standard toilet brush in the morning.
>> check out my article on natural methods to clean your toilet
Chemical toilet cleaners, on the other hand, work faster and don’t need to be left in the toilet for long periods of time (although allowing them to sit can help their effectiveness). Chemical cleaners are strong and are good at clearing away toilet scum and rings.
Both natural and chemical toilet bowl cleaners should be used consistently. A few times per month is usually adequate for a family. Weekly scrubbing with a toilet brush should help reduce the need to use a cleaner.
Tablet vs Liquid Toilet Bowl Cleaner
In the early 2000’s, tablets became a popular way to keep toilets clean. Tablets are often seen in urinals but are also effective in toilets. They can be dropped in the tank where they will slowly disintegrate over a period of 1 month.
There are also tablet options that attach to the side of the toilet bowl and hide under the rim. These are often blue in color to show that they are working.
>> can I clean my toilet with a pumice stone
Tablets work well, but using them doesn’t mean you won’t have to clean your toilet. Tablets help reduce the growth of bacteria and mildew, however, it should be combined with a few toilet brush scrubs every month to keep your bowl looking good.
Liquid toilet bowl cleaners are not meant to be used every day and they can be applied to the toilet as needed, usually a few times per month. Liquid cleaners have stronger ingredients than tablets and do a better job at getting persistent stains out.
But they also take more effort than a tablet that can remain in a toilet for a month.
Best Toilet Bowl Cleaner (7 Options Reviewed)
#1 Green Works – Clorox (4 Pack)
I ranked this toilet bowl cleaner first for 2 reasons. 1) It’s 99% natural so it’s safe for kids and pets. 2) It’s still made by a reputable cleaning company (Clorox) so you know they’ve tested the product well to make sure it works.
Green Works comes in a pack of 4 with Amazon and they deliver right to your door. It uses a gel to coat the inside of your toilet and the angled nozzle helps to reach those hard-to-get places under the rim.
It’s bleach free and safe for the environment, including septic systems (it is biodegradable). Although its main use is for the toilet, it can also be used in the laundry and in the kitchen – a truly versatile cleaner (check Green Works price on Amazon).
Clorox states that this cleaner is just as effective as strong chemical options.
Ingredients:
Filtered water, citric acid, plant-based cleaning agent, lactic acid, blue and yellow dye, essential oil, natural thickener (no phosphorus and no bleach).
Over 200 customers have given it good reviews and many of them switched from using strong chemicals in their toilet to using natural products. I recommend at least trying this natural product. It will be easier to breathe while cleaning.
#2 Lysol Power and Fresh Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Maybe you prefer to use chemicals because that’s what you’ve always used. I agree with the saying “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it”. Lysol is a well-respected brand that offers plenty of home cleaning products.
It will power through tough stains and grime and it does great work against toilet bowl rings. As a disinfectant, it will kill 99% of viruses and bacteria (check Lysol price and options on Amazon).
Ingredients:
Water, hydrochloric acid, PEG-2 hydrogenated tallow amine, c12-16 pareth-5, methyl salicylate, acid blue 93
The Lysol Power cleaner works great, but I’d be careful if you have pets or kids around the house. Clean when they are outside, and store the product in an area out of reach. If you like the effectiveness of other Lysol products you’ll certainly like the power of this toilet bowl cleaner.
#3 Clorox Beach Tablets – Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Clorox also makes a clever table option for the toilet. This option includes 8 tablets that each last 2 months. That means the 8 tablets will last over a year without having to buy more.
The table is also scented so it will keep the bathroom smelling fresh. However, if you’re sensitive to the smell of bleach you might not like this cleaner.
It fits in the tank and remains out-of-sight to anyone using the bathroom. Think of it as your personal cleaner that does it’s job inside your toilet (check out these bleach tablets on Amazon).
Ingredients:
1-bromo-3chloro-5, 5-dimethylhydantoin 51%, 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin 23.3%, 1,3-dichloro-5-ethyl 5-methylhydantoin 9%, other ingredients 16.7%, bromine 33.3%, chlorine 37.7%
The packaging directs to stay away from children and pets so I’d keep the spare tablets in an area out of reach. The tablet in-use shouldn’t be a problem as it will be hidden in the tank. I like tablets because they last a long time and take much of the work out of keeping a toilet bowl clean.
#4 Seventh Generation – Emerald Cypress Toilet Bowl Cleaner – 8 pack
Seventh Generation isn’t just a product, it’s a way of life. Many customers are faithful to the brand because they began selling before “natural” and “organic” was popular.
Ingredients:
Water, lactic acid, caprylyl/myristyl glucoside, xanthan gum, abies balsamea, extract, citrus aurantifolia, sempervirens oil
This cleaner comes at a comparable price to the others on the list (actually a better price because it includes 8 bottles). Each bottle is 32 ounces and comes in an 8 pack.
It’s child and pet-friendly and contains no chlorine, ammonia, strong acids, or petroleum-based ingredients. It’s totally biodegradable an non-toxic.
#5 Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner – Variety Pack (4)
With so many options from Clorox, it’s no surprise they have a variety pack that includes their various bleach cleaners and gels.
Use this clean 1x every two weeks to keep the inside of your toilet looking good!
#6 Lysol No Mess Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
We really like products that are automatic. The Lysol toilet attachment helps keep our toilet clean and reduce the need for our muscle to get rid of stains.
It is scented so the toilet will stay fresh, but it doesn’t change the color of the toilet water (maybe a very light blue tint). I like that it’s concealed and it lasts a few months (less if a larger family).
After 1-2 months the product can be thrown away and replaced. This pack comes with 8!
Ingredients:
Colors, mineral oil, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sydrated silica, titanium dioxide, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate
These ingredients could make allergy and asthma sufferers sensitive. I’d also be careful with children who like to play near the toilet.
#7 Clorox Toilet Wand – Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Over a thousand people have bought and reviewed the Toilet Wand. The evidence shows that they like it!
The Toilet Wand was created for clean freaks who like their toilet clean without having to get close. The wand has a disposable attachment on the end that is filled with a cleaning solution. It works better than a toilet brush!
After each use, the head can be thrown away and a fresh head is attached (a hands-free process).
I think the Toilet Wand works great but it does require work by the user. I’d still prefer tablets if I want a hands-off approach but there’s no doubt the wand is more effective than a toilet brush (think of it as a toilet brush replacement)
Ingredients:
Substrate, water, c9-c11 alkyl polyglucoside, glycolic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, disodium lauryl phenyl ether disulfonate, fragrance, benzyl salicylate, butylphenyl methylpropional, citronellol, d-limonene, geraniol, hexyl cinnamal, linalool, dyes.
What To Consider In A Toilet Bowl Cleaner
When you’re looking for the best toilet cleaner there are a few criteria you should look for. Each household will have different needs.
Some families will prefer a budget option, while others will want a non-chemical cleaner. Some families will want a tablet that lasts 1 month and others will prefer the self-applied spray to use once every two weeks. Let’s take a look at the
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Chemical or Natural
Does it matter to you whether your toilet bowl cleaner is natural or chemical? Most people would say “no”, but health issues like asthma are becoming more and more common.
If you have allergies or asthma I’d recommend getting rid of most of the chemicals in your home. At the very least, they should be stored outside the house (the garage is a better place).
There are masks and gloves that can be worn while cleaning and I mentioned earlier that using the bathroom fan and windows should always be utilized before using chemicals.
Natural cleaning products like vinegar can also stink, however they won’t burn your lungs. The smell of vinegar can be reduced by keeping the bathroom door closed and opening a window or turning on a fan.
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Cost
The cost of the cleaner will always be important. Prices for toilet cleaners are relatively inexpensive so making a purchase isn’t something you need to budget for.
Some cleaners come in packs of 2 and they usually last months. If you choose natural cleaners, a bottle of wine vinegar is only a dollar or two and baking soda is also cheap.
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Discounts
Everyone loves a sale. Cleaners often go on sale at various times of the year or when inventory gets too high.
At grocery stores, there’s usually a sale, and Amazon offers free shipping if you’re a prime member.
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Liquid or Tablet
Earlier, we discussed choosing liquid or tablet toilet cleaners. Tablets tend to be a little more hands-off and they do a good job at preventing build up. But this doesn’t mean you won’t have to scrub.
Liquid toilet cleaner must be applied as needed and I recommend using it a few times each month.
How Often Should I Use A Toilet Bowl Cleaner
If you’re consistent in using your toilet brush, chances are you don’t even need toilet cleaner. Mildew and toilet rings occur when the toilet hasn’t been scrubbed in months.
You reach a point where the only way to clean the toilet is with chemicals and elbow grease.
You don’t need to make a schedule, but cleaning once or twice a month should keep your toilet looking good. Add a little cleaner, give it a good scrub, let it soak for a few hours, then scrub again before flushing.
This is the method I use whether I’m using natural or chemical cleaner. Allowing it to sit in the bowl for a period of time is the best way to get rid of tough stains.
There No Replacement For The Toilet Brush
People look at toilet brushes in disgust, yet I rarely see a toilet without a brush nearby.
Why is this?
First of all, people don’t like using a toilet brush. It is a bit gross and it is dirty, especially when we’re cleaning up stains in our toilet.
Second, toilet brushes splash water and the brush itself is hard to keep clean.
But we continue to use a toilet brush because it works! And it works well! If people used their toilet brush each week, there would be less need to purchase chemical cleaners.
>> check out my article on using a pumice stone to remove a stubborn toilet ring
The problem is, we don’t use our brushes for preventative care, we only use it when we see a problem – and by then the toilet ring and mildew has set on our toilet and requires a stronger product.
I don’t like to use a toilet brush but I understand it’s importance and I know that chemicals aren’t a replacement for a good old-fashioned scrub. We can buy the best toilet cleaner but we’ll still have to use that darned brush.
Conclusion
Finding the best toilet cleaner can be confusing when there are so many options. The truth is that most of the products using chemicals are very similar.
The main differences you’ll find in toilet cleaners are if they are 1) liquid or tablet and 2) natural or chemical. Once you decide on these factors, it’s easy to choose one.
Chemical cleaners work great but they can have strong odors and can cause respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.
Natural cleaners also work great but they require more time to sit in the bowl and do their work. With natural cleaners, I recommend letting the vinegar, baking soda, or citric acid sit in the bowl overnight.
You might be surprised to learn that natural cleaners do a great job with toilet bowl rings and stubborn mildew – but the big brands will never admit that natural products work!
If you’re feeling like a DIY project you can even make your own toilet cleaner (we’ll save that information for another article).
As a rule of thumb, make sure you open a window, turn on a fan, and close the bathroom door when you’re cleaning. This will reduce the smell through the house and contain it in the bathroom area. Leave the fan on and window open all day if possible.
I hope this article has provided enough information on the best toilet bowl cleaner. There are plenty of options and many of them are the same.
You won’t go wrong with any of the cleaners I mentioned but remember that cleaners aren’t a replacement for using the toilet brush. You must use both together.
Our toilet water eventually makes it out into our lakes and oceans, so if you’re up for an experiment try a natural product to see if it works as good as the hard-to-pronounce chemicals.