How to Clean a Toilet With Vinegar and Baking Soda

Cleaning your toilet is an important household chore, but there is no need to use harsh chemicals to do the job effectively. Vinegar and baking soda, two common household items, can overcome even the toughest stains and odors in your toilet. These natural ingredients are effective, environmentally friendly, and safe for your family. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your toilet using vinegar and baking soda.

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Why Vinegar and Baking Soda?

Vinegar is a moderate acid, typically formed from acetic acid and water. It can dissolve filth, dirt, and mineral deposits. In addition, it functions as a natural deodorizer to help get rid of offensive odors. Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a mild abrasive that can clean surfaces without causing scratches. Baking soda and vinegar together produce a fizzing response that can aid in removing stubborn stains.

What You’ll Need

To clean your toilet with vinegar and baking soda, you’ll need the following supplies.

  • White vinegar (distilled)
  • Baking soda
  • A toilet brush
  • A spray bottle (optional)
  • A clean cloth or paper towels

Step 1

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

Remove trash can, toilet paper stand, or toilet brush holder before you begin cleaning. It will save you from any accidental spills or splashes and allow you easy access to the area.
Clean the bowl's inside and remove all the surface grime, flush the toilet. The cleaning procedure will be more successful as a result.

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

Step 2

Apply Vinegar

Apply Vinegar

Cover the edges of the toilet bowl before you pour one to two cups of white vinegar into it. You can fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spritz the rim and other toilet surfaces directly. Vinegar will get to work right away dissolving stains and dirt. To eliminate bacteria and break down dirt, Leave the vinegar in the toilet for five to ten minutes.

Step 3

Add Baking Soda

Once the vinegar has had time to do its job, fill the toilet bowl with approximately one cup of baking soda. A fizzing reaction will occur when the baking soda and vinegar come into contact. Stains are lifted and broken down by this reaction, which facilitates scrubbing.

Add Baking Soda

Step 4

Scrub the Toilet Bowl

Scrub the interior of the toilet bowl with the help of a toilet brush. Pay special attention to regions like the waterline and under the rim that have obvious stains or discolorations. The fizzing action of the vinegar and baking soda will loosen the stains and make them easier to remove. Make sure you scrub everything well to get rid of any residue.
Add a little more vinegar and baking soda and let it remain for ten to fifteen minutes before washing again if the stains are very difficult to remove.

Step 5

Clean the Exterior

Clean the Exterior

Use a cloth or paper towel drenched in vinegar to wipe off the outside of the toilet, including the tank, lid, seat, and base, while the vinegar and baking soda are working on the bowl. Any filth, dust, or mildew that has developed on these surfaces can be easily removed with vinegar.

Step 6

Final Rinse

After scrubbing, flush to rinse away the vinegar and baking soda mixture. The flushing will wash away any remaining grime and leave your toilet sparkling clean.
For a final touch, wipe down the toilet with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess moisture and ensure a streak-free finish.

Step 7

Maintenance Tips

Use this vinegar and baking soda method weekly to keep your toilet clean and smelling fresh. If you encounter hard water stains or mineral deposits, you can leave vinegar the bowl overnight  and then scrub it with baking soda in the morning. Regular cleaning prevents grime buildup and makes each cleaning session quicker and easier.

Conclusion

Cleaning your toilet with vinegar and baking soda is an effective, simple, and eco-friendly method. This natural cleaning solution is ideal to remove stains and odors while being gentle on surfaces and safe for your family. With just a few simple ingredients and a little elbow grease, you can keep your toilet fresh and clean without harsh chemicals.

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