If you’ve been searching for simple, eco-friendly, and cost-effective cleaning hacks, you might have heard of using baking soda in the toilet. But does it really work? Scroll through below to learn how this common household item can transform your toilet cleaning routine and why you might want to start using it.

Baking Soda Isn’t Just for Cooking, It’s a Natural Cleaning Agent

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has long been a household staple, mainly for its use in baking. However, its powerful cleaning properties go way beyond the kitchen. In fact, baking soda is a mild alkali that can dissolve dirt and grease, making it an excellent cleaning agent.

For your toilet, baking soda’s properties can make a tremendous distinction in both cleanliness and maintenance. When combined with a few other simple household ingredients, it can become an all-natural toilet cleaner that’s gentle on your pipes and free from harsh chemicals.

Baking Soda Can Help You Remove Stubborn Toilet Stains and Hard Water Buildup

Hard water stains and mineral buildup in toilets are an eyesore, and getting rid of them often feels like a losing battle. But guess what? Baking soda works wonders here.

When you sprinkle baking soda into your toilet bowl and let it sit, it helps to break down hard water stains and calcium deposits. Over time, these stains accumulate and harden due to the minerals found in tap water. By regularly using baking soda, you can prevent these from building up and remove the unsightly rings around the toilet bowl.

If the stains are particularly tough, combining baking soda with vinegar can help. The acid in the vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a fizzing action, loosening up tough deposits and making them easier to scrub away.

Here’s how you can use it to clean your toilet:

Sprinkle baking soda in the toilet bowl. Start by adding about half a cup to a full cup of baking soda directly into the bowl.
Let it sit. Allow the baking soda to sit for about 15–20 minutes. During this time, it will start to break down stains and buildup.
Add vinegar for extra cleaning power. For particularly tough stains, pour in a cup of white vinegar after the baking soda has sat for a bit. The combination will fizz, helping to lift stains.
Scrub and flush. Use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl, paying special attention to areas with visible stains. Then, flush the toilet to rinse everything away.

Baking Soda Can Help With Odor Control

Toilets can naturally develop unpleasant odors over time, and many commercial cleaners use harsh fragrances to mask the smell. But instead of using chemical-based products, baking soda provides a natural and effective way to tackle toilet odors.

Baking soda acts as a deodorizer, neutralizing smells rather than covering them up. This means that instead of temporarily masking odors with artificial fragrances, you’re actually eliminating the source of the bad smell.

For long-lasting odor control, you can:

Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into the bowl every few days.
Add a bit of baking soda into the toilet tank as well, which can help keep the toilet fresh between cleanings.

Baking Soda Can Be Part of a Drain Cleaning Routine

Over time, toilets can become slow or clogged due to the buildup of debris in the pipes. While many people turn to harsh chemical drain cleaners to fix this, baking soda offers a gentler yet effective solution for maintaining a clean and smooth-flowing drain system.

By regularly using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, you can help keep your toilet’s drain free from blockages. Here’s how:

Pour a cup of baking soda down the toilet.
Follow it with a cup of white vinegar.
Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes.
Flush the toilet with hot water.

This method helps to break down small clogs and prevent new ones from forming. However, if you’re dealing with a serious blockage, it’s always a good idea to contact a plumber for more professional assistance.

Using Baking Soda is Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic

Unlike many store-bought toilet cleaners that contain harsh chemicals, baking soda is, in fact, non-toxic and safe for both your family and the environment. Many traditional cleaners release fumes that can irritate your respiratory system, especially in small, poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms. But baking soda poses no such risks.

Additionally, because baking soda is biodegradable, using it in your toilet won’t contribute to pollution in the water system. For anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint and use fewer chemicals in their home, baking soda is an excellent alternative.

Keep in Mind That Baking Soda Isn’t a Substitute for Deep Cleaning

While baking soda is a great tool for regular maintenance, it’s not a cure-all for toilet cleanliness. Regular use of baking soda can generally help prevent and minimize buildup, but it’s important to combine this with deeper cleaning methods from time to time.

For example, while baking soda may help remove surface stains, you might still need a stronger cleaner or disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria and viruses that can linger in your toilet. A disinfecting cleaner, bleach, or other toilet-specific products should be used for a more thorough clean, particularly when the toilet is heavily used or when dealing with illness in the household.

Bottom Line: Baking Soda is an Affordable, Safe, and Effective Toilet Cleaner

Baking soda is a versatile, eco-friendly tool that can do wonders for your toilet. From removing stubborn stains to keeping odors at bay, it’s an affordable and effective option for maintaining a cleaner, fresher bathroom.

Whether you’re tackling tough hard water stains, dealing with unpleasant odors, or simply looking for an all-natural way to keep your toilet in top condition, baking soda should definitely be part of your cleaning routine. Plus, it’s safe for your home, the environment, and your plumbing system, which makes it a win all around.