DIY Natural Foaming Toilet Bowl Cleaner That Actually Works

Sometimes all-natural cleaners can be a tad weak compared to their chemical-heavy counterparts. But this DIY Natural Foaming Toilet Bowl Cleaner actually works! The foaming power is the magic that scrubs for you! With just a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand, you can create a toilet bowl cleaner that is non-toxic and budget-friendly! It’s a Win-win!

Why Go Natural in the Bathroom?

• Less exposure to chlorine bleach fumes and other irritating chemicals.
• Can be whipped up quickly using pantry staples.
• Eco-friendly: fewer plastic bottles and chemical residues.

DIY Natural Foaming Toilet Bowl Cleaner Recipe

Ingredients & Supplies

(Note: This recipe doesn’t store well, so aim to make it fresh when cleaning. Otherwise you’ll lose the foaming power)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the Dry & Wet Ingredients. In a large container, mix baking soda, liquid castile soap, and water. Stir slowly—baking soda will fizz if added too quickly.
2. Add Hydrogen Peroxide. Gently incorporate the peroxide. The mixture may fizz a bit, which is normal.
3. Essential Oils (Optional). Add a few drops of your favorite oil. Stir gently to distribute evenly. Citrus or tea tree would be good options for their cleaning power.
4. Use Immediately. Pour directly into the toilet bowl or apply around the rim. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes for extra scrubbing power.

Using Your Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner

1. Scrub Thoroughly. Use a reusable toilet brush to scrub the bowl, under the rim, and water line.
2. Flush Away. Flush to rinse the toilet bowl. Enjoy a fresh, clean bathroom without the chemical smell.

Pro Tips & Considerations

• If you’re dealing with tough stains, repeat the process or let it sit longer.
• It’s best not to store this solution—it can expand or leak due to the fizzing action of baking soda and peroxide.
• This recipe doesn’t “disinfect” in the same way as chlorine bleach, but it does help remove buildup without the risks of harsh chemicals.

FAQs about Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaners

Does a natural toilet bowl cleaner disinfect as well as bleach?

Not quite! While it does have mild disinfecting properties, use bleach is it is absolutely imperative for you to disinfect.

Is it safe for septic systems?

Yes! Most DIY toilet bowl cleaners rely on biodegradable, non-toxic ingredients that are septic-safe. Harsh chemical cleaners or frequent use of bleach can kill the beneficial bacteria your septic system needs to break down waste. Natural cleaners, on the other hand, pose far less risk to that microbial balance.

Can this cleaner damage porcelain or toilet fixtures?

Typically, no—mild acids (like vinegar) and gentle abrasives (such as baking soda) are safe for porcelain. Just avoid using anything excessively abrasive (like steel wool) that could scratch the bowl. Also, keep an eye on metal parts or toilet seat hinges, which may be more sensitive to acidic solutions. As long as you’re using normal amounts of vinegar and baking soda, you’ll generally be fine.

What if it’s not removing stubborn stains—can I boost its cleaning power?

Absolutely. Here are a few ways to amp things up:

Follow Up with More Hydrogen Peroxide: Spray or pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide after scrubbing for extra disinfecting power.

Soak Longer: Pour the cleaner into the bowl and let it sit for 10–15 minutes (or even overnight) before scrubbing.

Add More Baking Soda: A thicker paste can tackle tough grime better.

Use a Gentle Abrasive Tool: A pumice stone specifically designed for toilets can help lift mineral deposits without scratching porcelain.

Enjoy the Power of Natural Ingredients for Cleaning!

Natural cleaning supplies can be super powerful for your everyday cleaning needs!

• Baking soda is a mild abrasive, deodorizer, and its alkalinity helps break down acidic residues and soap scum.
• Hydrogen Peroxide is a gentle bleaching agent, kills bacteria, and adds to the scrubbing fizz!

Non-Toxic Cleaning 101: Ditching Harsh Chemicals Step-by-Step

A guide to begin your toxic-free journey with my best tips and all of the best DIY cleaning solutions for your whole house!

Read More

This DIY Natural Foaming Toilet Bowl Cleaner is a quick, cost-effective way to keep your bathroom sparkling without resorting to harsh chemicals. Its gentle, non-toxic ingredients are not only safe for septic systems but also tough on common stains, leaving your porcelain bowl fresh and odor-free.

Grab your Free Routine

The 15 Minute Homestead Routine (for busy days).

Want a simple morning rhythm that keeps your home running, your garden growing, and your goals on track? Grab my free 15-Minute Morning Routine Worksheets—designed to help you build homestead habits that stick.

Plus, by avoiding bleach and synthetic additives, you’ll be supporting a healthier home environment and reducing exposure to irritants. Whether you’re tackling daily maintenance or deep-cleaning a stubborn ring, this natural toilet bowl cleaner recipe proves that you can achieve an eco-friendly clean without sacrificing effectiveness. Give it a try, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from choosing safer, greener solutions in your everyday routine!

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About the Author

Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.

Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.

Contact Brittany

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DIY Natural Foaming Toilet Bowl Cleaner Recipe

Brittany Gibson

With just a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand, you can create a toilet bowl cleaner that is non-toxic and budget-friendly!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Large bowl or jar to mix in
• Reusable toilet brush

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
• Optional: 5–15 drops essential oil

Instructions

 

• Combine the Dry & Wet Ingredients. In a large container, mix baking soda, liquid castile soap, and water. Stir slowly—baking soda will fizz if added too quickly.
• Add Hydrogen Peroxide. Gently incorporate the peroxide. The mixture may fizz a bit, which is normal.
• Essential Oils (Optional). Add a few drops of your favorite oil. Stir gently to distribute evenly. Citrus or tea tree would be good options for their cleaning power.
• Use Immediately. Pour directly into the toilet bowl or apply around the rim. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes for extra scrubbing power.

Notes

Scrub Thoroughly. Use a reusable toilet brush to scrub the bowl, under the rim, and water line. Flush Away. Flush to rinse the toilet bowl. Enjoy a fresh, clean bathroom without the chemical smell.