From gels and sprays to disposable wands, automatic options, and septic-safe formulas, there are plenty of toilet cleaners to choose from. For the latter, Umberto Griccino, a commercial plumber, recommends looking out for “chlorine bleach or chemical sodium hypochlorite on product labels. Using these can cause septic tank backups, contaminate your drinking water, and cause foul odors.” Meanwhile, you should also consider the product’s scent and purpose. For example, if you have rust stains, look for a toilet cleaner that will tackle this particular task instead of a general, all-purpose toilet cleaner. We researched various options on the market with these considerations in mind to help you find the best toilet cleaner for your needs. The Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach is our top pick, because it’s affordable and it disinfects surfaces while it cleans. Here, the best toilet cleaners to keep your bathroom in top shape. This gel toilet bowl cleaner from Clorox is our top pick, because it’s affordable and super effective. Since it contains bleach, it’s tough on everything—stains, odors, and bacteria. In fact, it can kill 99.9 percent of germs, according to the brand. So as long as you follow the package instructions about how long the solution has to sit, you can be sure you’re getting the most thorough and powerful clean possible. However, keep in mind that since it contains bleach, it’s not the most septic-friendly option. Notably, it does have a light scent, though. The scent doesn’t feel overpowering like many other products that contain bleach, making it great for those who are sensitive to smells. The packaging is also designed with a special ergonomic nozzle that’ll help you reach every hard-to-reach nook and cranny—like the area at the top of the bowl. Just note: since the solution is a light color, you’ll need to pay particular attention to where you’re squirting the liquid to ensure full and ample coverage. Price at time of publish: $15 It can even disinfect surfaces—the brand’s product listing says it can kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs. To achieve this type of clean, simply mix 1/3 of a cup of bleach with one gallon of water, pre-clean the surface, and then apply the water-bleach mixture for six minutes before wiping it clean. You’ll notice that the product is also highly brightening to keep your porcelain throne sparkling white—even if it’s prone to rust or water rings. Just be careful when you’re pouring this bleach, since it’s not a splash-less formula, and you’ll want to avoid getting it on your skin, clothes, and other surfaces it’s not meant for. It also has a particularly strong smell, so make sure you use it in a well-ventilated area so you won’t inhale it. In general, bleach is a very strong formula that must be handled and used with care. If you’re using it to clean, you’ll want to always make sure to dilute it and wear protective gloves and gear. Bleach can also damage surfaces if they’re nonporous or a certain color, and you should never mix bleach with other household cleaners as it can have a dangerous reaction with ammonia, acids, and other ingredients in cleaners. Price at time of publish: $16 Meanwhile, the whole thing comes with a convenient stand that’s filled with diatomaceous earth. Sounds fancy, right? It is—the rock absorbs excess water and resists mold and bacteria to help extend the usable life of the brush. Just like the brush, the rock is replaceable, and the brand recommends changing it out when you change brush heads. Price at time of publish: $30 Doing so is easy—just squirt the product in the bowl, let it sit, and then scrub before flushing to remove the cleaner and any grime. It has a gentler formula that doesn’t lather in comparison to other options, so you may have to scrub a little bit harder when using it, but it should still wash away any grime in your toilet. The 24-ounce bottle is pretty inexpensive and has a cleverly designed nozzle that allows you to reach any area of your toilet bowl, seat, and rim. The bottle is also made of recyclable plastic, making it more of an eco-friendly choice if green shopping is important to you. As for the smell, it has a soft and refreshing spearmint scent that isn’t too overpowering. Price at time of publish: $29 You’ll know it’s time to put in a new tablet when the original one has dissolved in the tank and the blue fades. However, note that sometimes the last bit of the tablet may not dissolve fully, and you may have to physically scrub it off with a toilet brush or flush the toilet several times in a row to remove it. Each box comes with a pack of 20, so they should last you quite a while unless your toilet experiences heavy use due to having a larger household. Price at time of publish: $17 Here’s how it works: Attach a disposable pad to the wand, and then use it to clean out the bowl. Each pad has a hexagonal design that fits nicely even in the small, tight areas like the space on the underside of the bowl. The built-in cleaning formula foams up as you scrub and removes rust, calcium, and lime stains. Like other Clorox products, the brand’s product listing says it can kill up to 99.9 percent of germs. Keep in mind, however, that these pads aren’t as durable as a traditional toilet brush, so if you have stains that need hard scrubbing, these may not be the best option. Once you’ve finished cleaning, simply hit a button on the wand to release the pad into the trash. It has a fresh scent that eliminates odors but doesn’t linger. Each kit comes with a stand for the wand that also has a compartment for the 16 pads it comes with. When you run out of those, you can then buy more replacement heads separately without having to repurchase the entire system. Price at time of publish: $21 Each tablet lasts for around 45 days and can be used safely even if you have a septic system. They also come in a pack of six, so they should last you quite a while—however, keep in mind that they might not last as long if you have a larger household with more frequent flushing. These tablets are also unscented, making them a great option for those who are sensitive to smells. Price at time of publish: $8 It leaves a refreshing lemon scent behind to keep odors at bay between weekly washes, but it’s not overwhelming. The 24-ounce bottle should last you quite a while, and you can often find them available in three-packs, upping the bang for your buck. Even better, each bottle is made in the U.S. Price at time of publish: $20 In addition to cleaning and deodorizing, the product helps keep toilet rings and limescale buildup away, so you can extend the time between your regular deep cleans. Just note: the stamps don’t disinfect, so you definitely don’t want to skip those cleanings altogether. Each package comes with six tabs, so they should last you roughly 10 weeks, but if you have a larger household with frequent flushing, they may last a little less. Overall, this is a great option for those who are looking for an automatic cleaning solution to keep their toilet fresh in between cleanings. Price at time of publish: $17
Scent
Though scent doesn’t influence efficacy, a pleasing aroma can make the dirty job a little more enjoyable. Toilet cleaners come in all types of fragrances, from more floral aromas to citrus notes. If you’re sensitive to synthetic fragrance, you may want to opt for an unscented cleaner.
Effectiveness
The best toilet bowl cleaners are all effective for everyday cleaning, but if your toilet has hard water buildup or rust stains, you may need a specialty product that will target the root cause of the issue. Look for a cleaner that’s marketed toward your particular need. Just note: Stronger toilet bowl cleaners tend to also have harsher ingredients, like bleach, that help remove the tough stains and kill bacteria. These chemicals can be dangerous if you have pets, kids, or a septic system, as noted by Griccino. If that’s the case, opt for a gentler product that requires a little more elbow grease.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was fully updated by Brigitt Earley to reflect the latest and greatest toilet cleaners on the market. Brigitt has been writing for The Spruce since 2018, but has over 12 years of experience writing for a wide range of publications, including Real Simple and Good Housekeeping. She’s written and edited hundreds of articles in the cleaning space and made her final selection of products based on her own experience, bestseller lists across multiple retailers, and interviews with Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations of Two Maids & A Mop, and Umberto Griccino, a commercial plumber. Once you have the right brush within arm’s reach, begin by applying the toilet cleaner to the bowl as close to the top as you can get it. Then allow it to soak for a few minutes. While it’s soaking, clean the outside of the toilet with a disinfectant. Next, use a scrub sponge to clean the outside of the toilet. Once the outside is clean, use a toilet brush to clean the bowl. If you have hard water stains, a pumice stone can help remove them, he adds.
