Toilets are the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter whether you’re renting a closet in New York that somehow counts as a ‘bachelor’ or have an eight-bedroom mansion in Miami. Your home, however big or small, has a toilet and you probably sit on it multiple times per day. The second worse thing after not having a toilet is having a dirty toilet. This is your place to zen out, do some reading and TBH for most of us — catch up on emails and texts.
No matter who you are or your situation, if you use a toilet, you want it to be clean. You also likely don’t want to spend much time cleaning it (even ‘your’ toilet is still a toilet). Keep your throne fit for royalty with a powerful toilet bowl cleaner that works quickly and efficiently.
The world of toilet bowl cleaners is surprisingly wide. Sure, clean is clean, but do you want clean with bleach or clean with plant-derived ingredients? Do you need a cleaner that can remove years of build-up from previous tenants or something that is easy on your septic tank? If you love the smell of a clean toilet, you may want a cleaner that keeps working in-between cleanings.
Check out our picks for the best toilet bowl cleaners and order one today.
1. Seventh Generation Emerald Cypress and Fir Scent Toilet Bowl Cleaner
For a cleaner that you can feel good about using in your home, try the Seventh Generation Emerald Cypress and Fir Scent Toilet Bowl Cleaner. The pack of eight toilet bowl cleaners gives users enough cleaners for each bathroom, plus several backups. Seventh Generation is a plant-based formula that is free from chlorine, synthetic fragrances, dyes and ammonia, creating a cleaner that users will feel confident using in their home with young children and the elderly. Certified as a 97 percent USDA Biobased Product, Seventh Generation won’t leave harsh fumes that can make users dizzy when cleaning in small, confined spaces.
Pros: Seventh Generation is biodegradable and safe for use on sensitive septic systems.
Cons: The Seventh Generation requires more scrubbing than other cleaners that have added chemicals and may not remove all stuck on calcium stains inside the toilet bowl.
2. Clorox Ultra Clean Toilet Tablets
Keep your toilet looking and smelling good between cleanings with the Clorox Ultra Clean Toilet Tablets. The tablets are easy to use and can be placed in the tank to help prevent tough stains. Each tablet works for an average of four months at eight daily flushes. The bleach tablets help to deodorize the toilet and keep bathrooms smelling fresh and clean. We also like that the Clorox tabs are safe for use with septic tanks. The Clorox tabs help keep the toilet clean between cleanings, but a more vigorous product like the other two cleaners on our list will still be necessary for regular deep cleanings.
Pros: Clorox takes the guesswork out of using the tabs. When the water in the bowl is no longer blue, the tablet should be replaced.
Cons: The Clorox tabs should only be added to toilets that are used frequently. Sitting water may dye the toilet bowl blue.
3. Green Works Toilet Bowl Cleaner
For an eco-friendly cleaning option, try the Green Works Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Packaged in post-consumer recycled plastic, the toilet bowl cleaner includes a minimum of 95 percent naturally derived ingredients. The bleach-free cleaner doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or fumes like other products and still packs enough power to leave toilets looking clean and smelling fresh. The angled spout makes it easy to reach under the rim of the toilet where many stains reside. We also like that Green Works is safe for septic systems.
Pros: The Green Works may help to remove water stains, mineral deposits and rust.
Cons: Because it doesn’t contain bleach, Green Works is better suited for newer toilets that have less build-up.