How to Clean a Toilet (The Eco-Friendly Way)

Humans have been using chemical agents to clean for around 5,000 years. But there's growing scientific evidence that these agents can increase our exposure to harmful air contaminants, including particulate matter. In fact, household cleaning products have been linked to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and toxic fumes from mixing chemicals like bleach and ammonia. This risk is higher for cleaning products in spray form because the chemicals become airborne, making it easier for us to inhale larger amounts.

The good news is that cleaning your toilet doesn’t have to be toxic. Ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, citric acid and essential oils can be as effective at tackling dirt, limescale and bacteria, without leaving behind toxic residue or fumes. Likewise, switching from a plastic toilet brush, which harbours oils, debris and bacteria, to a plastic-free one with antimicrobial properties, can reduce your exposure to germs.

In this guide, we’ll explore why you should make the switch to natural cleaning, the essential tools you’ll need, and a simple, step-by-step method to get your toilet sparkling clean. 

Why Make the Switch to Natural Toilet Cleaning?

Conventional cleaning products are often packed with harmful air contaminants that increase our risk of respiratory issues. 

By contrast, a natural approach uses simple, natural ingredients such as baking soda, white vinegar, citric acid, and essential oils to clean. These tackle dirt, limescale, and bacteria without the harmful ingredients. 

But the problem isn't just the liquids; it's the tools we use. Standard toilet brushes almost always feature plastic heads and handles that break or crack and cannot be recycled, and they harbour more bacteria than alternatives. Plastic-free toilet brushes, on the other hand, are made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, wood and natural plant fibres, and are biodegradable after use. Their materials are also inherently antimicrobial and non-porous, making them less likely to harbour odours and germs.

Researchers concluded in their 2024 review that green products. which contain only biodegradable ingredients, seem to be less harmful than conventional ones. In short, switching to plastic-free, natural cleaning is better for you and the planet.

Eco-Friendly Toilet Cleaning Toolkit 

Before you begin, gather your sustainable cleaning kit. You might already have some of the ingredients in your cupboard, and with the right reusable essentials, you'll be set to clean without the waste and contaminants. 

The Cleaning Agents

Ingredients that you can use alone or combined to create a natural cleaner. 

• Baking Soda: A gentle abrasive that helps lift grime and naturally deodorises. It can be used as an abrasive. 
• White Vinegar: Cuts through soap scum and dissolves mineral deposits and limescale.
• Citric Acid: Tackles hard water and soap stains and rust rings, and helps to kill bacteria and fungi. Just as you would expect from a toilet cleaner!  
• Lemon Juice: A natural, fresh-smelling acid that helps break down dirt and limescale.
• Essential Oils: Not just for fragrance! Tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon and grapefruit oils have some antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, leaving your bathroom clean and smelling fresh. 
• Natural Cleaners: Some brands offer premade, natural, and sometimes refillable cleaners, such as Splosh or Ecover’s Toilet Cleaners.

You can read our guide, The Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products, for more recommendations. 

The Tools

These will help you to clean the toilet without plastic or single-use paper towels and cloths. 

• Plastic-Free Toilet Brush: Unlike plastic brushes that can scratch surfaces and harbour bacteria, toilet brushes with natural fibres are tough on grime but gentle on porcelain, making them a safer, more hygienic choice. Look for materials that are naturally durable and odour-resistant, such as coconut fibre bristles. When the head finally wears out, you can compost the natural fibres, leaving zero waste behind. 
• Swedish Dishcloths: Made from a blend of natural wood fibre and cotton, Swedish dishcloths are fully compostable and biodegradable. They are incredibly absorbent, perfect for wiping down the toilet seat, lid, and exterior, and they dry quickly, which helps prevent bacterial growth. Microfiber or cotton cloths are also a good alternative. 
• Spray Bottle: Reuse a glass or durable plastic spray bottle for your DIY cleaners.
  

How to Clean Your Toilet 

1. The Bowl

Start by giving the bowl a good flush. If you're dealing with stubborn marks, you can get the most out of your cleaner by removing some of the water first. Simply press and hold the flush handle or use an old cup to scoop out the excess water.

You can:

• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all around the inside of the bowl.
• Follow this with a good splash of white vinegar. It will instantly start to fizz, which helps to naturally lift dirt and limescale. For an extra antibacterial boost and a fresh scent, add some drops of essential oil.
• Let the mixture sit and work its magic for five to ten minutes.

Then, take your plastic-free toilet brush and give the entire bowl a thorough scrub. Pay special attention to the rim where buildup can occur. 

For stubborn stains, try using citric acid and warm water. 

2. The Rim and Hinge 

This is the spot that often gets neglected. While the cleaning mixture is still fizzing in the bowl, use your brush to scrub the underside of the rim. If you have a toilet brush with a pointed or narrow head, use it to get right up into the hidden spaces and around the hinge area where the seat attaches. A final flush will wash away all the loosened dirt.

3. The Seat, Lid and Exterior

Now, turn your attention to the outside. Dampen your reusable cloth (we recommend our Swedish dishcloth) with a simple, all-purpose cleaner. You can make your own toilet cleaner by mixing equal parts water and vinegar in your spray bottle, and adding a few drops of lemon or lavender oil for a fresh scent. 

Use the damp cloth to wipe down:

• The entire toilet seat (top and underside).
• The lid.
• The outside of the porcelain bowl.
• The toilet base and the floor immediately surrounding it.

You might wish to follow this with a dry cotton cloth to wipe up any remaining water or residue. Otherwise, put your dishcloth in the dishwasher or washing machine, ready for its next use.

4. The Flush Mechanism 

For a once-a-month deep clean, you can add on the internal parts of your toilet. Simply pour two cups of white vinegar into the overflow tube (the open pipe in the centre of the tank, not the bowl itself), let it sit for an hour to break down mineral deposits inside the tank, then flush. 

Conclusion

Switching to natural cleaning products is one simple but effective swap that you can make in the bathroom. And a little regular maintenance makes a big difference! For a daily refresh, sprinkle a little baking soda into the bowl each night and give it a quick scrub with your plastic-free brush in the morning to prevent buildup. Always remember to rinse your brush and let it dry to keep it fresh and hygienic.

Wild & Stone's mission is to create stylish and easy-to-adapt alternatives to common plastic products around the home.We source all our products sustainably, from raw material to final delivery. Shop all of oursustainable home & lifestyle products on our website, or browse ourhousehold collection for more kitchen and bathroom swaps. 

Share your plastic-free swaps with us at hello@wildandstone.com or tag us on Instagram #wildandstone.