Here are our top nine picks for toilet bowl cleaners available right now, ranging from fast-acting tablets to gel solutions.
Almost everyone will say that cleaning the toilet is one of their most hated household chores, if not the most hated. In order to keep your home clean and your family healthy, you must perform this unpleasant task.
You need a good toilet bowl cleaner if you have issues with hard water or toilet bowl rings, or if you want to shorten the cleaning process. Here are the top nine toilet bowl cleaners.
- Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners
- Best Overall: Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel
- Best Value: Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Best Natural: Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Best Toilet Cleaning Stamp: Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Gel
- Best for Stains: Scrubbing Bubbles Power Stain Destroyer
- l Best Automatic: Lysol Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Best Wand System: Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System
- Best for Hard Water: Iron Out Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Best for Rings: Pumice Stone Toilet Cleaner
- How to Shop for Toilet Bowl Cleaners Like a Pro?
- Tips for Keeping Your Toilet Cleaner
- Conclusion: a Clean Toilet
- FAQs
Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners
- Best Overall: Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel
- Best Value: Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Best Natural: Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Best Toilet Cleaning Stamp: Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Gel
- Best for Stains: Scrubbing Bubbles Power Stain Destroyer
- l Best Automatic: Lysol Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Best Wand System: Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System
- Best for Hard Water: Iron Out Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Best for Rings: Pumice Stone Toilet Cleaner
Best Overall: Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel
Look no further than this well-liked option from Lysol for a fantastic toilet bowl cleaner all around. It’s made with a potent hydrogen peroxide-based formula that releases tens of thousands of tiny bubbles to thoroughly penetrate and dissolve stubborn grease, soap scum, hard water, and other substances.
Toilet bowls are left looking clean and new, and it has been demonstrated to kill 99.9% of bathroom bacteria and viruses.
The gel formulation of this product not only removes stains but also eliminates bacteria that can cause your bathroom to smell unpleasant in favor of a lovely, cooling ocean fresh scent.
Place the bottle directly above the toilet and wait for the thick gel to cover the entire bowl and rim before scrubbing because the bottle’s angled top makes it incredibly easy to use, even for areas that are typically difficult to access.
Pros
- Kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria
- Thick cling gel adheres to the toilet bowl
- Breaks down stubborn stains without much scrubbing
Cons
- Slight chemical smell
Best Value: Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner
You won’t ever be left wondering where the Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner went. This gel cleaner clung to the bowl and its dark blue color made it easy to see where it was applied. You’ll need to do a bit of scrubbing, but it removed stains and left the toilet bowl sparkling and is so well-priced that we’re considering it a value buy.
Additionally, it has an angled neck for simple application under the toilet rim and kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria.
Pros
- Clings to toilet
- Easy to apply
- Kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria
Cons
- Required more scrubbing than with others
Best Natural: Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Utilizing ingredients derived from plants, Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner is environmentally friendly. Tea tree and peppermint combine to create a fresh, minty scent.
Apply Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner under the rim and scrub with a toilet bowl brush to use. To remove stains, let the cleaner sit for 5 to 10 minutes before scrubbing.
Over 7,500 users have given the Better Life Toilet Bowl Cleaner 4.5 out of 5 stars. While most reviewers claim this product works great on stains, others give it an “okay” rating.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- No harsh chemicals
- Capable of breaking down stains
Cons
- It doesn’t kill germs or disinfect
Best Toilet Cleaning Stamp: Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Gel
For maintaining freshness without frequently scrubbing, the Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Gel toilet cleaning stamp is ideal. For up to 40 weeks of cleaning, each package includes 24 gel stamps and one stamper.
You need to put a gel cleaner into the stamper in order to use the Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Gel Stamp. After that, press the product against the toilet’s rim. The cleaner will work and coat the toilet bowl each time it is flushed.
Gel stamps are the best for nonstop cleaning without scrubbing. They will assist in deterring limescale and toilet rings.
Over 3,800 customers have given Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Gel Stamp a rating of 4.5 out of 5. The stamp keeps people’s bathrooms smelling fresh, according to top reviewers. The stamp plunger doesn’t function well, according to a few unfavorable comments.
Pros
- Prevent toilet rings and limescale buildup
- Cleans with every flush
- One stamp can last 12 days
Cons
- The smell may be too intense for sensitive noses
Best for Stains: Scrubbing Bubbles Power Stain Destroyer
You’ll know the Scrubbing Bubbles Power Stain Destroyer is working when it changes from green to blue as it gets rid of limescale and rust. The bottle’s curved neck made it simple to apply under the toilet rim and remove those difficult-to-see stains.
The marks were easily scrubbed away after letting the cleaner sit for 15 minutes. Stains that resist treatment may need to be applied again or for longer periods of time. If necessary, it is even safe to leave the product out overnight.
Pros
- Easy to apply under the rim
- Gets rid of limescale and rust
Cons
- May need to apply more than once for stubborn stains
l Best Automatic: Lysol Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
This gel cleaner was simple to use and comes in individually wrapped packets to make application and disposal neat and easy. To help clean and freshen with each flush, simply dispense one dose of gel so that it sticks to the interior surface of the bowl.
Two weeks are possible with one application. In a toilet that is already stained, the Click Gels can’t take the place of a thorough scrub, and they are more likely to help delay the formation of rings than to prevent stains.
However, they will lessen the number of cleanings required and assist in maintaining a fresh smell in the restroom. It didn’t smell overpowering to smell Atlantic Fresh.
Pros
- Helps keep the toilet clean
- Easy to apply
- Individually wrapped packets are sanitary
Cons
- Won’t remove stubborn stains
- Packaging is somewhat wasteful
Best Wand System: Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System
Try the Clorox Toilet Wand Disposable Cleaning System to prevent a dripping toilet bowl brush. Disposable pads are included with the wand and can be thrown away after each use.
It’s easy to use the Clorox Toilet Wand: just click a cleaning sponge into place, wipe your toilet bowl, and then pop the sponge off to throw it away. To remove stains and disinfect, Clorox cleaner is already loaded onto each cleaning sponge.
More than 46,000 users have given the Clorox Toilet Wand system a 4.5-star rating. Top reviewers adore how much cleaner this system is than a regular toilet brush. The majority of people who have left bad reviews have experienced the wand breaking.
Pros
- More sanitary than a typical toilet bowl brush
- Cleans and disinfects a toilet
- Disposable sponges have preloaded Clorox cleaner
Cons
- Must keep a stock of disposable sponges
- Some complaints of the sponges snapping off the wand
Best for Hard Water: Iron Out Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Iron Out Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner is a great option if you have hard water and rust in your toilet.
It’s necessary to clean the rust from your toilet before using the automatic tablets. Use Iron Out toilet bowl powder or spray. Next, put one of the tablets in the tank of your toilet. A portion of the solution will be released into your toilet bowl with each flush, preventing the buildup of rust and hard water.
The shelf life of each tablet is 45 days. Over 12,000 users have given the Iron Out Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner an average rating of 4.5 stars. The majority of reviews claim that these tablets have removed iron and rust from users’ toilets. Numerous critics, however, lamented the lack of an impact.
Pros
- Eliminate stains caused by hard water
- Long-lasting automatic tablets
- It helps prevent toilet rings
Cons
- Must use Iron Out spray or powder first
Best for Rings: Pumice Stone Toilet Cleaner
Consider using the pumice stone toilet cleaner for clingy toilet rings. Before choosing a cleaning solution, you can use this product to scrub off stains and rings.
A pumice stone is your best option if other products haven’t been able to get rid of a stubborn ring. Wipe it on messes like toilet rings and stains to use it. After that, rinse the toilet and stone.
The toilet bowl won’t be scratched by the long wand on this pumice stone, which also makes for easy reaching.
Over 2,000 previous customers have given the Pumice Stone Toilet Cleaner a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. The majority of reviewers were astounded that this product removed their toilet ring. But there have been some reports of the handle breaking.
Pros
- Eliminate toilet bowl rings
- Cleans without harsh chemicals
- It comes in a two pack
Cons
- The handle may break if you push too hard
How to Shop for Toilet Bowl Cleaners Like a Pro?
Think about the following aspects when choosing the best toilet bowl cleaner for you.
Type
Toilet bowl cleaners come in a variety of common forms, including gels, liquids, tablets, and powders. While tablets dissolve naturally and begin working as soon as you flush the bowl, liquid, gel, and most powder cleaners require you to scrub them into the bowl in order to work.
It’s certainly practical and might be the best option for people who don’t want to spend a lot of time or effort cleaning, but using a liquid or gel solution and a toilet brush is still the most efficient way to get into nooks and crannies around the bowl and rim.
Formula
The majority of cleaning products, including bleach and harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide (lye) and hydrochloric acid, are made in factories that also produce toilet bowl cleaners. The area can be completely disinfected with the help of these ingredients, but they need to be handled carefully.
Because it can harm septic tanks and toilet components, bleach is typically not advised for long-term toilet cleaning use.
If you prefer a more environmentally-friendly option, look for formulas that are plant- and/or mineral-based instead—common “gentler” ingredients include citric acid, essential oils, and even baking soda.
Use
While most toilet bowl cleaners are only meant to be used on toilets, some models (like all-purpose stain removers) can also be used on sinks and bathtubs in the bathroom. To find out if your product is safe to use elsewhere in your house, read the fine print on it.
Stain Type
Some stains might need specialized treatment that you can’t get from conventional cleaners. For instance, while the majority of cleaners are capable of removing simple limescale buildup, they might not be able to handle rust. Read the product description to make sure your cleaner will remove the specific stains you are seeing.
Tips for Keeping Your Toilet Cleaner
Your household’s needs and the type of water you use will determine the best toilet bowl cleaner. Here are some tips for keeping the toilet clean:
- At least once a week, clean the bowl with your toilet bowl brush and dry the seat, rim, lid, and base.
- Cut back on scrubbing by using an automatic toilet bowl cleaner.
- To prevent reformation, remove any remaining water rings with a pumice stone and clean the toilet frequently.
- Try a product with a disposable wand if you think your toilet brush is unhygienic.
Conclusion: a Clean Toilet
One of the least enjoyable household tasks is cleaning the toilet. You can make the process simple and quick by selecting a product that has been shown to work. You can select the option you like best from the options listed above and have a clean restroom!
We advise using the potent Lysol Hydrogen Peroxide Toilet Bowl Cleaner if you want a straightforward and effective cleaning product that will get rid of bacteria and viruses. This cleaner is very simple to use and effective at removing stains and odors without the use of bleach. Additionally, it is among the most cost-effective choices available.
FAQs
How Often Should My Toilet Be Cleaned?
Toilets frequently and in large numbers collect germs. Cleaning the bowl of your toilet about once a week will help to ensure that the number of germs in and around it is kept to a minimum. In the meantime, to prevent the accumulation of mildew, rust, and grime, toilet tanks should be cleaned twice a year.
What Do Professionals Use to Clean Toilets?
Professional cleaners often use the same household supplies as you would: toilet-bowl cleaner (or bleach), disinfectant wipes, rubber gloves, as well as a non-scratch scrub sponge, a microfiber cloth, or paper towels. To remove particularly difficult stains, use a handheld scrub brush or pumice stone.
How Do I Get My Old Toilet Bowl White Again?
To the toilet, add baking soda. Over the baking soda, pour white vinegar. Clean the commode with a toilet brush. To rinse, flush the toilet a few times.