Most store-bought toilet cleaners contain harsh chemicals that harm the planet, and are not safe to be around.
Choose unscented biodegradable cleaners for pregnancy/nursing/medical conditions (and near pets – citrus oils are unsafe).
Anything in excess (esp. essential oils) can harm aquatic life. So use non-scented homemade cleaners (baking soda, cleaning vinegar) or mild commercial solution, only when needed.
- Miniml spearmint peppermint toilet cleaner is made with natural ingredients, use the QR code to send back empties to get the containers washed and refilled.
- You don’t need a toilet brush, they are made from plastic (even silicone ones have TPE plastic heads).
- Just pour 1 cup of baking soda into the pan, then 1 to 2 cups of cleaning vinegar (the solution will fizz).
- Leave for 10 minutes, then use a plastic-free sponge to scrub the toilet bowl, and flush to rinse.
How Natural Toilet Cleaners Work
- Baking soda has abrasive properties, to scrub toilet bowls, without scratching. It can also neutralises unpleasant odours, leaving your toilet smelling fresh.
- Cleaning Vinegar can disinfect and kill germs. Its acidic nature can also dissolve mineral deposits and hard water stains.
- Lemon juice has natural bleaching powers, good to help remove stains caused by hard water. And leaves behind a fresh scent. Just squeeze the juice of one lemon into the toilet bowl, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub off with a plastic-free sponge.
- Soda Crystals (wear protective gloves, can cause eye irritation) are good. Pour 300g down and around the toilet bowl. Leave overnight (close doors to avoid children and pets coming in), then flush.
Other Good Commercial Toilet Cleaners
- Bio-D Unscented: This is made with biodegradable ingredients, and sold in bulk for commercial use – 5L or 20L.
- Delphis Eco: This has a light citrus scent. The heavy duty toilet cleaner (good for urinals) can remove limescale, rust and stains.
- Greenscents: This offers a Nonscents version (or with mild essential oils). Send the glass bottle back for cleaning and refilling. Made with organic cider vinegar and neem oil. Sold in 3 sizes (from 33 to 1333 uses, depending on choice).
How to Unblock a Clogged Toilet
You don’t chemicals to unblock a plugged toilet. The best to prevent blocked toilets is to choose good recycled toilet roll (not thick versions) and never put anything else down the toilet (especially baby wet wipes).
To unblock a clogged toilet:
- Pour a cup or two of baking soda into the toilet pan.
- Then follow with the same amount of cleaning vinegar.
- Watch the fizzing!
- After 10 minutes, pour a kettle of water into the pan.
- This should clear it, if not repeat one or two more times.
You Don’t Need Yucky Toilet Brushes
Toilet brushes are mostly made from plastic (even if silicone, then tend to have TPE plastic heads). So when you use them, they release microplastics that go into the ocean.
Just use the info above along with SEEP Plastic-Free Sponges and SEEP Eco Rubber Gloves.
If you Have to use a Plunger..
- Use a flange plunger (designed for toilets).
- Place it over the drain hole to create a seal, so no air escapes.
- Use strong push-and-pull movements, to build up pressure (10 to 15 times).
- Flush the toilet. If it doesn’t work, try again!
- If still no joy, call a plumber.
