Quck answer
To clean a toilet using vinegar and baking soda, follow these steps:
1. Pour about 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the vinegar to break down any stains or buildup.
3. Sprinkle about 1 cup of baking soda around the inside of the toilet bowl.
4. Use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl, distributing the vinegar and baking soda mixture.
5. Let the mixture sit for a few more minutes to further break down stains.
6. Scrub the bowl again with the toilet brush to remove any remaining dirt or stains.
7. Flush the toilet to rinse away the vinegar and baking soda mixture.
Using vinegar and baking soda is a natural and effective way to clean and freshen your toilet without using harsh chemicals.
Although scrubbing toilets may not be your idea of a fun activity, it is necessary to prevent unpleasant smells, stains, and mildew. While specialty toilet cleaners can be found in stores, you can also use vinegar and baking soda, which are already in your pantry. These ingredients are effective and safe for cleaning all types of surfaces, including your porcelain toilet.
The Benefits of Vinegar and Baking Soda
Many commercially produced toilet cleaners contain harsh chemicals like hydrochloric acid, which can be corrosive and cause burns, pain, and even vision loss if it comes into contact with your body. These cleaners can also be harmful to the environment. On the other hand, vinegar and baking soda are safe ingredients that do not pose any harm to you (other than their smell) and are also gentle on the environment and your plumbing.
In addition, vinegar and baking soda are safe for septic systems, unlike many other toilet bowl cleaners. Store-bought cleaners often contain chlorine bleach, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals that can kill the beneficial bacteria needed for proper septic system function. Baking soda and vinegar do not affect the bacteria in the septic tank.
Things You’ll Need
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Baking soda
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Essential oils (optional)
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Glass bowl
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Wooden spoon
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Cleaning vinegar
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Toilet-cleaning brush
How to Clean Your Toilet with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Flush the Toilet
Begin by flushing the toilet once or twice to ensure that there is clean water in the bowl.
Step 2: Add Essential Oils to Baking Soda
If desired, add a few drops of pure essential oils to 1 cup of baking soda. This step is optional but can enhance the cleaning power. Effective essential oils for killing bacteria include tea tree, lemongrass, and eucalyptus oils. Mix the baking soda and essential oils in a glass bowl using a wooden spoon.
Step 3: Pour Vinegar Into the Toilet
Measure 1 cup of cleaning vinegar, which is 20 percent stronger than regular distilled white vinegar due to its higher acidity, and pour it into the toilet. The higher acidity makes it more effective at tackling tough stains without being too harsh. However, regular distilled vinegar can also be used. Allow the vinegar to work on the stains for approximately five minutes.
Step 4: Add Baking Soda
Sprinkle the cup of baking soda evenly in the toilet bowl, making sure to get some on the upper portion of the bowl.
Step 5: Add More Vinegar
Pour an additional 1 or 2 cups of cleaning or distilled vinegar into the toilet bowl. You will immediately see a bubbling reaction. Pour the vinegar slowly to prevent the mixture from bubbling up and overflowing. Wait at least 10 more minutes to allow the natural cleaners to work.
Step 6: Clean the Stains
Scrub all surfaces inside the toilet bowl using a scrub brush. The stains should come off easily, but tougher stains may require more effort. If you still have stains after scrubbing, you can repeat the vinegar and baking soda process or let it sit for another 30 minutes before scrubbing again.
Step 7: Flush Once More
Once you are satisfied with the outcome, go ahead and give the toilet another flush.
Caution
Be cautious not to mix bleach or toilet bowl cleaner that contains bleach with vinegar. The combination of bleach and vinegar can produce a hazardous gas within your bathroom. It is important to note that even after flushing the toilet, traces of the previous cleaner may still be present.
