Vinegar: A Non-Toxic Cleaner For Your Toilet

For most of us, cleaning the toilet is a dreaded chore. It doesn’t help that commercial cleaners also release harsh fumes. Consider using vinegar, a cheap ingredient that’s so much safer.

With the right approach, vinegar can limit how many times you need to deep clean. It’s basically a dream come true!

Here’s how to make it happen.

Chemicals That Commercial Cleaning Products Contain

1. Carcinogens

The very chemicals that make commercial cleaners work are also carcinogenic. For instance, formaldehyde is a germicide and a disinfectant that keeps your bathroom clean. However, according to a large study by the National Cancer Institute, formaldehyde is associated with cancer. Workers who were frequently exposed to formaldehyde had a higher risk of death from leukemia than those who were not exposed to the chemical. ¹

Another concern is ethanolamines, which are used as emulsifiers in cleaners. These include monoethanolamine (MEA) and diethanolamine (DEA). In Europe, these chemicals are restricted from products, as they may form carcinogenic nitrosamines.²

2. Respiratory Irritants

Breathing in chemicals can damage the respiratory system. For instance, both MEA are DEA are associated with asthma or asthma-like symptoms.³ If you already suffer from asthma attacks, using commercial cleaning products will just make it worse.

Products with chlorine bleach are also linked to respiratory damage, wheezing, and nose and eye irritation. It’s even worse when it’s applied as a spray – as most bathroom cleaners are. In fact, workers who regularly use bleach have a higher risk of obstructive lung disease, too.

At home, all it takes is using bleach four or more times a week to bring on respiratory irritation.⁴

3. Poisons

Many household cleaning products are poisonous. Spray bottles are responsible for 40 percent of household cleaner injuries. It doesn’t help that many products are brightly colored and attract kids.

Bleach is also used to lighten toilet stains. However, it’s the top cause of chemical poisoning.⁵ With so many possible hazards, it’s worth going all-natural.

How To Clean Your Toilet Using Vinegar

The first method will maintain the toilet in between deep cleanings. When it’s time to scrub down, the task will be less dreadful. Use the other remedies for more intense clean-ups.

1. Daily Cleaner

What You Need:

• 1 cup white vinegar

How To Use:

• Pour the vinegar into the toilet bowl.
• After 20 to 30 minutes, flush the toilet.
• Repeat this daily or every few days.

2. Toilet Scrub

What You Need:

• 2 cups white vinegar
• Baking soda
• A toilet brush

How To Use:

• Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the toilet.
• Let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Sprinkle the toilet bowl with baking soda.
• Using a toilet brush, scrub the stains away and flush.

3. Scented Vinegar Toilet Cleaner

What You Need:

• White vinegar
• Essential oils like lemon, bergamot, and grapefruit
• A spray bottle

How To Use:

• Fill the spray bottle with white vinegar.
• Add an essential oil of your choice until it’s scented enough. The number of drops will depend on the bottle’s size.
• Spray into the bowl and scrub with a brush. For the rest of the toilet, spritz and wipe with a paper towel.

4. Citrus Vinegar Toilet Cleaner

What You Need:

• Lemon, orange, and grapefruit peels
• 1 liter white vinegar
• Essential oils
• A large jug or container

How To Use:

• After squeezing or eating the citrus fruits, add the peels to the vinegar.
• Let it sit for at least 5 days.
• Add the essential oils.
• Use as a spray or just pour it into the toilet.

5. Vinegar Tank Cleaner

What You Need:

• 2 to 3 liters of white vinegar

How To Use:

• Shut the water supply. Flush the toilet and let the tank drain out.
• Pour plain white vinegar into the tank until it reaches the overflow tube.
• Replace the lid, and wait at least for an hour.
• Flush and turn the water back on.

Unlike commercial cleaners, vinegar is noncarcinogenic and nonpoisonous. Your body (and wallet) will thank you.