Most store-bought cleaners are packed with harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. That’s where eco-friendly methods come in. Use a silicone toilet brush to avoid microplastics leaching into the bowl.
Anything in excess (esp. essential oils) can harm aquatic life. So use non-scented homemade cleaners (baking soda, cleaning vinegar) or a mild commercial solution, only when needed.
If you scent cleaners with essential oils, only use a few drops (never pour neat oils down drains). Then wrap and bin leftovers, or take them to the tip for safe disposal.
Also avoid using essential oils when pregnant/nursing or with allergies and affected medical conditions. Keep all cleaners (even natural ones) away from children and pets, and never mix any cleaners (even natural bleach or vinegar).
Environmental Impact of Conventional Cleaners
The impact that chemical toilet cleaners have on the environment is another crucial factor. These products often contain phosphates and other harmful ingredients that can contaminate water systems and damage aquatic life.
- Water Pollution: When you flush a chemical cleaner down the toilet, it can end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, harming fish and other wildlife. The effects on marine ecosystems can be devastating.
- Plastic Waste: Most conventional cleaners come in plastic bottles, which only contribute to the growing issue of plastic pollution. Choosing natural cleaning products that come in eco-friendly packaging can help reduce this waste.
- Chemical Runoff: Rain can wash chemicals off surfaces into storm drains and eventually into bodies of water, causing long-lasting ecological damage.
Ingredients for Natural Toilet Cleaning
Use plastic-free gloves in cardboard packaging and plastic-free cleaning tools.
Baking soda isn’t just a baking staple; it’s a powerful cleaning agent. Its abrasive properties make it perfect for scrubbing away stains without scratching the surface. When you sprinkle baking soda inside the toilet, it starts working immediately to lift grime and provide a gentle scrub.
Additionally, baking soda acts as a deodoriser. It neutralises unpleasant odours, leaving your toilet smelling fresh. The next time you clean, just pour half a cup of baking soda into the bowl, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush. Easy, right?
Cleaning Vinegar is a superstar when it comes to natural cleaning. Its ability to disinfect means it can kill germs effectively. This is crucial for maintaining a hygienic toilet. The acidic nature of vinegar helps to dissolve mineral deposits, hard water stains, and grime that build up over time.
To use vinegar, pour two cups into your toilet bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For extra cleaning power, you can combine it with baking soda. After adding baking soda, the fizzing action works wonders in breaking down stubborn stains. Who knew a kitchen staple could be so helpful in the bathroom?
Lemon juice is not just for flavouring your drinks; its natural qualities can brighten your toilet as well. This zesty ingredient has natural bleaching powers that can lighten stains, particularly those left by hard water. Plus, it leaves behind a fresh scent. Keep citrus oils away from pets.
To harness the power of lemon juice, squeeze the juice of one lemon into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with your toilet brush. The acidic content will tackle tough stains and grime, giving you a sparkling clean bowl without any synthetic cleaners. It’s a refreshing approach to toilet cleaning, literally!
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.
Eco-Friendly 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, if you want some scent. The heavy duty toilet cleaner is idea to remove limescale, rust and stains, and is ideal for public urinals.
- Greenscents: This offers a Nonscents version (or real mild essential oils if wished). Sold in a glass bottle, you then send it back for cleaning and refilling. Made with organic cider vinegar and neem oil. Sold in 3 sizes (from 33 to 1333 uses, depending on which you choose).
A DIY Eco-Friendly Toilet Cleaner
If you prefer to take a hands-on approach, making your own toilet cleaner can be rewarding. Just pour 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, then add 1 cup of cleaning white vinegar. It will fizz, to break down grime and stains. Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then scrub with a toilet brush, and flush to rinse.
The Dangers of Mixing Cleaning Products
Here’s a quick list of cleaning products you should never mix:
- Bleach and Vinegar: This combination creates toxic chlorine gas, which can cause serious respiratory issues.
- Bleach and Ammonia: This mix produces a harmful gas called chloramine, which can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: While useful for specific tasks, combining these in large amounts can lead to overflowing reactions that make a mess without cleaning.
- Different Commercial Cleaners: Many store-bought cleaners contain ingredients that can react with each other. Always read labels first.
How to Unclog a Clogged Toilet Naturally
One of the simplest and most effective ways to unclog a toilet naturally is with baking soda and vinegar. This duo works like a charm, as they create a fizzy reaction that can break down clogs. Here’s how to use them:
- Pour about one cup of baking soda directly into the toilet bowl.
- Follow it up with two cups of white vinegar. You’ll see bubbles forming right away!
- Let it sit for about 15-30 minutes. The longer it sits, the better the reaction.
- Flush the toilet. This should help dislodge any stubborn debris.
This method not only tackles the clog but also naturally cleans your toilet. If the clog persists, you can repeat the process or combine it with the next method.
- Choose the Right Plunger: Make sure you use a flange plunger, designed for toilets. It creates a better seal than a flat one.
- Positioning: Place the plunger over the drain hole and ensure it is sealed tightly. You want to prevent air from escaping.
- Push and Pull: Use strong, even thrusts. Start with gentle pushes to build up the pressure in the drain, then increase force gradually. Repeat this motion 10-15 times.
- Flush: After plunging, flush the toilet to see if the water drains properly. If not, keep trying!
When to Call a Professional
- Repeated Clogs: If your toilet frequently clogs, it could indicate underlying plumbing issues.
- Multiple Fixtures Affected: If you notice other drains in your home backing up, this might signal a bigger problem, like a blockage.
- No Improvement: If you’ve tried natural methods and the clog remains stubborn, a plumber can diagnose the issue more effectively.
