DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner: 5 Simple Recipes for a Deep Clean

by Emily Clayton
DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Keeping your toilet clean doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals. With DIY toilet bowl cleaner recipes, you can achieve a deep clean using natural ingredients right from your home.

In this article, we’ll share 5 simple recipes for a DIY toilet bowl cleaner that effectively tackles stains and odors while being eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Discover how easy it is to maintain a fresh and clean toilet with these quick and effective DIY solutions!

Tools & Materials


    • Mixing Bowl
    • Measuring Cups and Spoons
    • Whisk or Spoon
    • Squeeze Bottle or Spray Bottle
    • Gloves
    • Old Toothbrush or Scrub Brush
    • Funnel
    • Baking Soda
    • White Vinegar.
    • Castile Soap
    • Essential Oils
    • Hydrogen Peroxide

5 Simple Recipes to Make DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner


Maintaining a clean and fresh toilet is essential for a hygienic bathroom environment. Here are five easy recipes to help you achieve a sparkling clean toilet bowl:

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Cleaner

Baking Soda and Vinegar Cleaner

Credit: Pinterest/@pmctunejones

Ingredients

        • 1 cup baking soda
        • 1 cup white vinegar

Instructions

The combination of baking soda and white vinegar is a classic cleaning solution that effectively removes stains and odors. Start by pouring 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, making sure it coats the sides. Next, slowly add 1 cup of white vinegar.

You’ll notice an exciting fizzing reaction; this is the cleaner working to break down stubborn stains and disinfect the bowl. Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes to maximize its cleaning power.

Afterward, use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl thoroughly, focusing on areas with visible stains or buildup. Finally, flush the toilet to rinse away the cleaner.

Best for

This DIY cleaner is ideal for regular maintenance and routine cleaning. It’s particularly effective against hard water stains, mineral deposits, and lingering odors.

Why it Works

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that helps lift stains, while white vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant, breaking down grime and neutralizing odors. The fizzing reaction helps to dislodge dirt and debris, making it easier to clean.

Related: The 7 Best Water-Saving Toilets of 2025

2. Essential Oil Toilet Cleaner

Essential Oil Toilet Cleaner

Credit: Pinterest/@commonsenseidea

Ingredients

        • 1 cup baking soda
        • 1 cup liquid Castile soap
        • 10 drops of essential oil (such as tea tree, lavender, or lemon)

Instructions

This essential oil-infused cleaner not only cleans effectively but also leaves your toilet smelling fresh and inviting. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of liquid Castile soap.

Add 10 drops of your chosen essential oil to the mixture. Essential oils not only provide pleasant scents but also possess antimicrobial properties that enhance cleaning effectiveness.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined, then transfer the mixture into a squeeze bottle or jar for easy application. When ready to clean, squeeze or scoop the mixture into the toilet bowl, scrub with a toilet brush, and flush.

Best for

This cleaner is perfect for those who desire a fragrant and effective solution for their toilet bowl. It’s great for regular maintenance to keep the toilet fresh and clean.

Why it Works

Liquid Castile soap is a gentle yet effective cleaner that cuts through grime and dirt, while baking soda provides scrubbing power. Essential oils like tea tree oil offer antimicrobial benefits, making this cleaner effective against bacteria and germs.

3. Citrus and Vinegar Cleaner

Citrus and Vinegar Cleaner

Credit: Pinterest/@favecrafts

Ingredients

        • 1 cup vinegar
        • 1/2 cup citrus peels (lemon, orange, or lime)

Instructions

Harness the natural cleaning power of citrus with this refreshing cleaner. Begin by placing 1/2 cup of citrus peels (such as lemon or orange) in a jar. Pour 1 cup of vinegar over the peels, ensuring they are fully submerged.

Seal the jar and let it sit for about two weeks to infuse the vinegar with the natural oils from the citrus peels. After two weeks, strain the mixture to remove the peels. To use, pour the infused vinegar directly into the toilet bowl, scrub with a toilet brush, and flush.

Best for

This citrus-infused vinegar cleaner is ideal for regular cleaning and for those who prefer a pleasant fragrance while cleaning their toilet bowl.

Why it Works

Citrus peels contain natural oils that have antimicrobial properties, while vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant. This combination not only cleans effectively but also leaves a fresh scent that combats odors.

Related: The 7 Best De-Icer Sprays of 2025

4. Borax and Essential Oil Cleaner

Ingredients

        • 1/2 cup Borax
        • 10 drops of essential oil (such as eucalyptus or peppermint)

Instructions

Borax is a powerful cleaning agent known for its stain-fighting properties. To make this cleaner, sprinkle 1/2 cup of Borax into the toilet bowl. Then, add 10 drops of your chosen essential oil for added fragrance and antimicrobial benefits.

Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to an hour to allow Borax to penetrate and loosen tough stains. Afterward, scrub the bowl thoroughly with a toilet brush and flush to rinse away the cleaner.

Best for

This cleaner is ideal for deep cleaning sessions, especially for tackling stubborn stains and odors that have built up over time.

Why it Works

Borax is a natural mineral that acts as a powerful cleaning agent, effectively removing stains and neutralizing odors. When combined with essential oils, it enhances cleaning power and leaves a refreshing scent, ensuring your bathroom stays pleasant.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner

Ingredients

        • 1 cup hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
        • 1/2 cup baking soda

Instructions

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant that can kill germs and bacteria in your toilet. Begin by pouring 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl. Next, add 1/2 cup of baking soda and watch the fizzing reaction take place.

This fizzing helps lift dirt and stains, ensuring a thorough clean. Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes to effectively disinfect and deodorize the toilet. After sitting, scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and flush to rinse.

Best for

This hydrogen peroxide cleaner is perfect for those looking for a powerful disinfectant that also removes tough stains in their toilet bowl.

Why it Works

Hydrogen peroxide has natural disinfectant properties that kill germs and bacteria, making it an effective cleaning agent for toilets. Combined with baking soda, it provides excellent scrubbing action that helps lift stains and odors, ensuring a clean and fresh toilet.

The Bottomline


In conclusion, incorporating DIY toilet bowl cleaner recipes is an effective and eco-friendly way to maintain a fresh and clean toilet. These natural solutions not only eliminate tough stains and odors but also reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals found in commercial products.

With simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils, you can easily create your own DIY toilet bowl cleaner at home. Embrace these easy recipes to enjoy a cleaner, healthier bathroom while saving money and protecting the environment!

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