• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Shop ModernMom
  • Become An Insider

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • ModernMom Monday Videos
  • Cooking
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Lifestyle
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
    • Brooke Burke
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Must Have
  • Contests
  • Entertainment

Green Toilet Cleaning

December 10, 2010 by ds_15457 Leave a Comment

You probably don’t enjoy scrubbing the toilet, but the gleaming, freshly-scrubbed bowl is rewarding. Out of habit, many people reach for their regular commercial toilet bowl cleaner to achieve the shiny porcelain look. A more green approach to shining the toilet benefits you and the environment. Whether you want to mix your own natural toilet cleaner or purchase a green cleaner, there are options available.

Dangers

Commercial toilet bowl cleaners include several toxic chemicals, including hydrochloric acid, chlorine and ammonia. When flushed down the toilet, these chemicals enter the water system. Water treatment facilities might not remove all the chemicals from the water.

Benefits

By choosing a more green method to clean your toilet, you eliminate the harsh chemicals, both in your home and the water supply. No commercial cleaners on hand mean no chance for your child to accidentally ingest the chemicals. Green cleaners might also benefit your plumbing system since some chemicals in commercial cleaners are considered corrosive.

Homemade Cleaners

You probably already have the materials in your pantry to make a nontoxic toilet cleaner. Add a cup of vinegar and 1/4 cup of baking soda in the toilet for cleaning purposes. Give the cleaner a few minutes to work before scrubbing with a toilet brush. You can also use two parts borax to one part lemon juice as a toilet cleaner.

Commercial Products

There are green toilet cleaner options available at the store. Reading the label helps you figure out which option is best. Many cleaners use words such as “natural”, “biodegradable” or “non-toxic” on the label, but that doesn’t mean they are safe for you or the environment. The Green Guide notes that a package must include a warning of “Danger” and “Poison” if it is corrosive, flammable, irritating or has the potential for serious negative effects. “Warning” and “Caution” on the label means there is less hazard. Look for a designation on the package from the EPA Design for the Environment program for a cleaner that won’t harm you or the environment.

Considerations

Regular cleaning keeps the toilet bowl under control, reducing the need for stronger cleaners. Even a quick daily scrub with the toilet brush alone can prevent grime from collecting in the toilet. Never mix different chemicals when cleaning the toilet. If you just used a commercial toilet cleaner, don’t follow it with a homemade cleaner, such as the baking soda and vinegar combination, as it could cause a dangerous reaction.

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Around The House

About ds_15457

Shelley Frost has been a freelance writer since 2007, specializing in parenting and education. Her work can be found on websites such as ModernMom.com and PreschoolRock.com. Frost holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with a minor in reading from the University of Northern Iowa.

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Search

Tell a friend

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
ModernMom Boutique

ModernMom TV

Featured

Coconut Oil

Why Coconut Oil Is So Good For Pregnant & Nursing Mothers

“Coconut oil contains large amounts of lauric acid, a … [Read More...] about Why Coconut Oil Is So Good For Pregnant & Nursing Mothers

Must Have

STEM-related Toys to Include in Your Child’s Easter Basket This Year 

April has arrived which means it’s time to pull out the food … [Read More...] about STEM-related Toys to Include in Your Child’s Easter Basket This Year 

Did you know?

Dizziness in Pregnancy

Causes of Dizziness in Pregnancy

Substitutes for Butter When Baking Cookies

can you get pregnant on birth control pill if you miss one day

Can You Get Pregnant on Birth Control Pill If You Miss One Day?

what type of vitamins help fertility

What Type of Vitamins Help Fertility?

Quick Ways to Cook a Round Steak

Quick Ways to Cook a Round Steak

how to find out your pregnancy due date

How to Find Out Your Pregnancy Due Date

Painful Intercourse During Pregnancy

Painful Intercourse During Pregnancy

Footer

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2022 Modern Mom. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc.

The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.