9 Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners: Reviewed For 2024

Top Toilet Bowl Cleaners Compared

1. Fluidmaster’s Flush ‘n Sparkle Automatic 

If you’ve got better things to do than scrub toilets (and let’s face it, most of us have), then the chances are that you favor automatic toilet cleaning tablets which you just drop into your tank and they do the work for you.

That’s fine and dandy except that any plumber will tell you that there’s nothing more destructive to the seals and valves in your tank than these drop-in bleach tablets. If you use them consistently you’ll find sooner or later that you have an expensive call-out for your plumber to replace the degraded parts.

Before you reach for the toilet brush and resort to the old fashioned squirt and scrub method, we have good news – the Flush ‘n Sparkle automatic toilet bowl cleaning system is the answer to your needs. It works by putting a cleaning solution directly into the overflow tube of the flush valve which is delivered into the bowl when you flush.

The sensitive parts in your tank never come into direct contact with the chemicals, eliminating the need for those costly plumber’s visits. One cleaning solution cartridge lasts for up to three months and it takes less than a minute to replace the cartridge.

It really IS that simple to take all the hassle out of toilet cleaning. If you’d like to see how this highly-rated product works and how it attaches inside the tank.

2. Zep Acidic 

If you live in a hard water area and find that it’s impossible to remove hard water residue no matter how much you scrub, this product from Zep is the answer you’ve been searching for. Zep uses the power of acid to break down the limescale and other stains like rust or any build-up of organic stains.

Its thick gel formula clings to the bowl to maximize contact time and to produce the best possible results. It’s of a commercial grade which means that it has real power to clean, break down stains and thoroughly sanitize your toilet. Your toilet will be sparkling clean and fragrant again in no time.

Since actions speak louder than words, why not take a look at this YouTube clip to see it in action.

If you find you don’t get the results you’d hoped for, it may be that you’re a little too hasty with scrubbing/washing it off. Be sure to give it time to work its magic.

3. Powerhouse Pumice Cleaning Stone

If you’re environmentally aware and are looking for chemical-free, non-toxic alternatives to the aggressive chemicals typically used around the home, then you’ll find that the Powerhouse Pumice is an effective and safe tool for cleaning your toilet bowl.

This product is dense synthetic pumice formed from silicon (sand), not the hard, natural pumice formed from lava. It has a gentle abrasive effect on all tough stains like calcium, lime and rust, and your porcelain will be sparkling again in no time.

The pumice molds naturally to the curved shape of your toilet bowl and quickly removes build-up, while the fine abrasive grit prevents deep scratching. You can also use this tool to clean the hard-to-shift baked on residue on Pyrex dishes and BBQs and will be surprised at how effective it is. It doesn’t crumble away as you work like some lesser products might.

To save you the trouble of searching for a recipe for one of those, you can find one right here.

4. Better Life 

The active ingredients in all of the popular toilet bowl cleaners in the average home contain some heavy-duty chemicals which can be harmful to human health and are detrimental to the environment.

Better Life have produced a whole range of natural household cleaning products which are safer, more environmentally safe and generally more human-kind.

Apart from the obvious health benefits, your home won’t smell unpleasantly clinical as it can when you use standard commercial cleaning products which are full of chlorine - you’ll be basking in wonderful natural scents instead.

Why not swap your regular toilet cleaner for something gentler but still effective? This plant-powered product removes stubborn stains and deodorizes as it cleans and it’s thick so it clings to surfaces for effective cleaning. Better yet, it’s safe for septic systems and won’t do any harm in waterways.

If you’re just starting out on your green living journey or you’re concerned about the effects of all those chemicals in your home environment, greenandgrowing.org have summarized some of the facts about making the switch to natural products and why you should. Jump to this link to find out more.

5. Method Antibacterial 

This powerful germ-buster in a 100% recycled plastic bottle does a great job at cleaning and sanitizing your toilet while making your home smell deliciously fresh and minty.

Banish the smell of harsh chemicals forever and replace it with the zing of spearmint instead. It’s biodegradable and completely non-toxic and yet it still leaves your toilet sparkling clean.

It’s formulated with citric acid for use on hard non-porous surfaces and is effective against 99% of household germs, including influenza A flu virus, staphylococcus aureus, rhinovirus and salmonella enterica.

If you’re still doubtful about using plant power instead of chemical punch, this is what Elizabeth wrote in her 5-star review of this product on influenster.com:

6. Clorox Toilet Wand 

If you’re looking for a different but effective system for cleaning your toilet and aren’t keen on the idea of storing a germ-riddled toilet brush close to your toilet, then this cleaning kit from Clorox is quite possibly the answer. Once you’ve got it set up and ready to use, it certainly makes it easy to clean and disinfect your toilet.

The kit comes with disposable sponge cleaning heads which attach to the ‘wand’. The heads are pre-loaded with Clorox foaming cleaner to tackle stains and kill germs as you scrub and swish around inside the toilet bowl and below the water-line.

The hexagon shaped sponges are great for getting to those hard-to-reach places like under the rim where bacteria can easily build up.

You can click here if you’d like to know all the ins and outs of using this product from the perspective of the ‘Savvy Cleaner’ on the household cleaning blog site.

When you’re done, the sponge goes into the trash, taking all those germs and viruses with it. It’s simple but effective.

7. Scrubbing Bubbles 

Many people think that the clip-on plastic hangers of in-bowl automatic cleaners are pretty gross. And they do seem to hold a magnetic attraction for toddlers!

This product does the same 24/7 job of cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing your toilet but without the need for a clip. You use the dispenser provided to ‘stamp’ a gel table onto the inside of your toilet bowl, just under the rim, so your hands don’t come into contact with the product or the toilet bowl at all.

Each disc will last up to 7 days (depending on how many times you flush your toilet) and gradually dissolves with each flush. When it’s finished, you just pop another one in its place. It couldn’t be much simpler and it does seem to be effective.

8. Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day 

Although many standard toilet bowl cleaners claim to be septic-safe, the reality is that the harsh chemicals they contain are always going to mess with the delicate balance in your septic tank or composting toilet. You’re likely to have to pump out your system more often and that can get costly.

A natural product is always going to have the edge over a chemical-based product for that reason because it will actively encourage the ‘flora’ inside your tank to flourish and do their job effectively.

Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day toilet bowl cleaner is effective and powerful yet contains only plant-derived chemicals and essential oils, so it will give your septic system the best chance to function properly.

At the same time, your toilet bowl will be thoroughly cleaned and deodorized without any phthalates, chlorine or other harsh chemical ingredients. You can choose between lavender and lemon verbena scents, which will make the job of cleaning your toilet more fragrant and pleasant and make your home smell great, too.

Reviewer Elaine said this about Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day Toilet Bowl Cleaner on the Stain Removal 101 site:

9. Clorox Tablets

Clorox is one of those old-faithful brands that has been tried and trusted over decades for household cleaning products, especially those for use in challenging environments like the kitchen and the bathroom. This product eliminates the need for scrubbing the toilet, a chore which no one relishes.

All you need to do is to flush the toilet, open the lid and drop a tablet into the tank while the water level is still low. Be careful not to handle the tablet directly. The tablet slowly dissolves over time and it cleans and sanitizes your toilet every single time you flush, giving you peace of mind and filling your bathroom with a fresh scent.

It also prevents those tough limescale and organic stains developing. Depending on how many times the toilet is flushed, the tablet can be effective for up to 3 months.

These tablets win out for convenience but you should be aware that plumbers have noted that the seals and flapper in the tank tend to degrade over time due to constant contact with chlorine bleach. If you’re concerned about this, take a look at this link.

Why Are Toilet Cleaners Necessary?

We all know just how quickly a toilet can become really gross. Trust us when we say that your toilet is unlikely ever to look anything like this gallery of horror, showing the grossest toilets ever!

Of course, it’s not just about aesthetics; hygiene is most people’s greatest concern when it comes to toilet cleanliness. And toilet bowl cleaners do that job with a few enthusiastic swishes of the toilet brush. Very little elbow grease is usually required to get exceptional results. 

If your toilet cleaning regime slips a little and you allow the build-up of mineral deposits, stains and/or mold, those areas will become the biggest breeding ground for germs. There are magical products out there, though, which will dissolve even the toughest stains and leave your toilet bowl sparkling clean and smelling fresh. Scroll down to find our top picks. If you're having issues with clogging, using a plunger before cleaning might do the trick. 

Have you ever wondered why porcelain is used all around the world to make toilets? That’s because its smooth surface means there are no imperfections or crevices where particles can get stuck and become a breeding ground for germs. Added to that, porcelain is nonporous, so it’s less susceptible to build up of bacteria than other materials.

The smooth, shiny surface is also easy to clean and it sparkles in a very satisfying way to reflect your hard labor. The best way to keep that sparkling white porcelain looking great is to use a toilet bowl cleaner regularly.

Buyer’s Guide: Toilet Bowl Cleaners

There’s so much choice out there that it can be hard to decide on the right product. Here are a few things to note which may help with your decision but, if you’re pushed for time, you could just scroll down to our selection of the best toilet bowl cleaners. And if your toilet is past saving, read our guide to the best new toilets on the market. 

Ease of Use/Delivery System

Ingredients Used

In order to do the tough and important job of cleaning and sanitizing your toilet, it’s no surprise that there are some pretty robust chemical ingredients involved. Hydrochloric acid, chlorine bleach and sodium lauryl sulfate can be found in most products in varying concentrations.

The harsh nature of these chemicals means that you should take the greatest care when handling toilet bowl cleaners – always wear protective gloves and make sure that the space you’re working in is well ventilated.

Eco-friendliness

You’ve probably got the message by now that there are some pretty noxious nasties among the ingredients of toilet bowl cleaners. You may have started wondering if there are any alternative, more planet-friendly (and, frankly, human-friendly) ways of getting this essential job done.

Since the chemicals that enter the sewers from your home ultimately find their way into lakes and rivers which are home to aquatic creatures and often a human playground too, we need to think twice about what goes down those pipes.

If these matters really concern you, the logical step is to have a go at making DIY toilet bowl cleaners. They work well and they’re easy and cheap to make with ingredients that you most likely already have in your cupboards or are easily obtained at your local store.

You’ll find out how to do it here. Best of all, your bathroom will be bursting with the glorious scent of citrus or essential oils instead of chlorine! You can find out more about cleaning your toilets the environmentally friendly way on the Green Living Tips website.

Quality

This is always a primary factor when looking for the most effective toilet bowl cleaner, just as it is in most other things. Whatever product you select from the vast range available, it needs to be super effective and easy-to-use.

Reading our reviews of the best-rated toilet bowl cleaners will give you the confidence that you’re buying the right product for your needs.

Effectiveness (value for money)

Products which appear to be cheaper are, in fact, often diluted to some extent so they are less effective and you need to use more to achieve the sparkling and hygienically clean white porcelain you’re looking for.

We suggest you compare the price of the product with its other features such as quality, performance and user-friendliness before considering the price.

Active Ingredients Used in Cleaning Agents

Hydrochloric Acid

If you’ve ever wondered what’s responsible for cutting through those stains and creating a sparkling finish on your toilet bow, this is it. The problem is that hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive and needs to be handled with the greatest care as it can cause chemical burns.

If it does accidentally splash onto skin, gently wipe it off, flush with water and then cover the area with a cloth moistened with baking soda to neutralize the acid. If it gets into your eyes, flush them with water for 15 minutes and visit your physician.

The vapors should not be inhaled, so good ventilation is essential when you’re using it. Do not breathe hydrochloric acid vapors; use the cleaner in a well-ventilated area. Some people choose to wear a face mask.

Chlorine Bleach

It’s chlorine bleach which whitens and vanquishes those germs from your toilet bowl. Like hydrochloric acid, its vapors shouldn’t be inhaled and good ventilation is important.

It’s also toxic when ingested, so always be sure to flush several times after cleaning your toilet if you have small children or pets who might think drinking the water from the toilet is a good idea – it happens.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium lauryl sulfate is used as a wetting agent to reduce the surface tension of water to allow cleaners to remove dirt more effectively. It can cause irritation to skin and eyes.

Take precautions when handling products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate. Wear gloves and make sure you do not get the product into your eyes.

Center for Disease Control recommends flushing contacted areas with water and seeking medical attention. Remove contact lenses immediately if the product splashes into your eyes. Sodium lauryl sulfate is toxic to aquatic life when flushed into the environment.

Citric Acid

Citric acid is the good guy on the block in the world of toilet cleaners as it’s a natural product, derived from citrus fruits (oranges and lemons). You’ll find it’s the active ingredient in most ‘natural’ toilet bowl cleaners. Citrus acid works by binding with minerals and helping to remove them from the porcelain.

According to Science Daily, citric acid is ‘an environmentally benign cleaning agent’. Better yet, it smells fresh and zesty – so much more pleasant in your home than those harsh (and often dangerous) chemicals.

Safety Measures: Toilet Bowl Cleaners

Now you’ve read about the potentially toxic nature of these products, you’ll be aware of how important it is to handle them with caution and store them safely out of harm’s way.

Always use protective gloves (it’s a great idea to choose a particular color of gloves for use in the bathroom and a different color for the kitchen to avoid any cross-contamination). Some products advise the use of a mask to stop toxic fumes being inhaled.

Tips for Cleaning Toilets

We could write a long list here but Wikihow has done it so well – with illustrations – that we suggest you click here to find out the most efficient and thorough way of keeping your toilet clean.

FAQs

What necessary precautions should I take when using toilet bowl cleaners?

It’s a good idea to read the label so you know precisely what you’re dealing with. Always use protective gloves, open the window if possible or else keep the door open to the rest of the house. Some people choose to wear a mask when using these potentially toxic products.

How do I install in-tank cleaners?

We would recommend reading the instructions on the label to make sure you install correctly.

Are these cleaning products hazardous to our health?

Potentially, yes. Read our guide to the active ingredients in toilet bowl cleaners above for the whys and wherefores.

How do I know if the toilet cleaner is safe for my septic tank?

On the whole, the general advice is to avoid using standard chemical toilet bowl cleaners for septic systems because the chemicals will destroy the very bacteria in the system whose job it is to break down the contents.

You can easily make your own non-toxic homemade toilet bowl cleaner with a few simple and easy-to-find ingredients. Find some recipes here.

Alternatively, there are some very effective ‘green’ products on the market that contain no bleach, ammonia, hydrochloric acid, phosphates or petroleum-based chemicals that would upset the delicate balance of your septic system.

We’ve included a recommendation for a septic safe toilet bowl cleaner among our product reviews.

What to do if I get toilet cleaner on my skin?

Rinse with water immediately.

How long do these bathroom cleaners last?

This will depend on the quality of the product. On the whole, the less you pay the more you’ll have to use to do the same job, so paying the extra for a premium product could be a smart decision.  

Conclusion

Toilet bowl cleaners are a household essential and they do a great job – a few squirts of the product and a few swirls with a toilet brush and your toilet is restored to pristine white cleanliness. You really do achieve maximum effect with minimum effort and there aren’t many products which can do that.

There are three main things to consider when choosing the best toilet bowl cleaner to suit your needs: how much time you have, how much physical effort you want to give to the task and whether you have any concerns about the heavy-duty chemicals in regular toilet bowl cleaners.

One thing’s for sure and that is you don’t want to spend time trawling through the endless options available. We’ve done the hard work for you, selecting the top-rated products and believe the Fluidmaster’s Flush ‘N Sparkle Automatic is the overall best choice.