Toilet cleaner buying guide

A good-quality toilet cleaner can help you keep your porcelain in pristine condition with minimal scrubbing and polishing. From liquids and gels to automatic toilet cleaners, there’s a wide range of toilet cleaning products available. To decide which one is right for you, consider the cleaning performance of a range of products, as well as their price tag and environmental friendliness.

Compare some of the best toilet cleaners

Name	Avg. price (USD)	Type	Size	Applicator	Purchase
Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner	$3.72	Liquid	Two 48-oz bottles	Angled neck bottle	Buy now
Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System	$8.88	Wand	Wand, stand and 6 refill heads	Toilet wand	Buy now
Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel	$6.35	Gel	12 gel stamps	Gel stamping wand	Buy now
Soft Scrub 4-in-1 Rim Hanger Toilet Bowl Cleaner	$7.88	In-bowl hanger	Two hangers	Rim hanger	Buy now
Green Works Toilet Bowl Cleaner	$18.48	Liquid	Four 96-oz bottles	Angled neck bottle	Buy now

What types are available?

You’ve got a few options to consider when wandering down the cleaning aisle of your local supermarket. Toilet cleaners come in these forms:

• Liquids and gels. These products are great for a deep clean, since they can be sprayed into the bowl, left to sit for a while and then scrubbed clean. These are the most commonly available toilet cleaners and often come with an angled nozzle to help you spray under the toilet rim.
• Toilet wands. These handy cleaners come with a pre-filled, disposable scrubbing pad, which you attach to the end of a plastic wand to easily clean your toilet bowl without having to reach your hand inside.
• In-tank toilet cleaners. These automatic toilet cleaners come in the form of tablets that can be placed in the cistern, which release cleaning agents every time you flush. The idea is that your toilet stays sparkling for longer without the need for excess scrubbing.
• In-bowl cleaners. These cleaners are also designed to clean the toilet as you flush. They typically consist of a gel held in a cage suspended from the edge of the bowl, or are attached directly to the wall of the bowl. These cleaners remove bacteria and stains and reduce the time and effort required to scrub the bowl clean.

How to compare toilet cleaners

While buying toilet cleaner is relatively straightforward, there are still a few factors to consider before deciding which product is right for your needs:

• Price

  Most products fall within the $2 to $10 price range, but some products are priced as high as $20 or even $30. Remember to consider the amount of cleaner you’re purchasing so that you can compare products on a like-for-like basis.

• Effectiveness

  Spending big bucks on a toilet cleaner doesn’t necessarily mean it will produce the best results. We recommend checking out independent reviews online from people who have actually used the product. What sort of results does it produce? How much scrubbing is required? Does it have an unpleasant or overpowering odor?

• Ease of use

  Read the label to find out exactly how to apply the cleaner to your toilet. Most liquids and gels require you to flush the toilet, spray the cleaner around the bowl, leave it for a specified period of time — usually 10 or 15 minutes — and then scrub clean. Many products can be used straight from the bottle, but some need to be diluted with water.

• Fragrance

  From lemon or citrus to sandalwood and eucalyptus, toilet cleaners come in a variety of fragrances. There’s not really any way to tell whether you’ll find the odor bearable until you use it, but many manufacturers offer a choice of fragrances so that you can at least pick the one that sounds the best.

• Disinfectant

  Check the label to find out whether the cleaner you’re using also disinfects or whether its main use is removing stains.

• Environmentally friendly

  If you’re an eco-conscious cleaner, check the ingredients on the label to find out exactly what sort of chemicals you’re using. Some manufacturers use entirely plant-derived formulas and recycled packaging.

• Design

  Many toilet bowl cleaners come with an angled neck that allows you to spray the liquid under the rim, where all sorts of nasty stains and bacteria tend to gather. However, others may only have a straight neck or nozzle which may make them difficult to apply and may require a little extra elbow grease on your part.

Bottom line

There are several toilet cleaner types available, in a wide range of prices. Choose the right fit for your cleaning needs by comparing a few of the top brands.

Frequently asked questions

• Are toilet bowl cleaners safe?

  Most toilet cleaners contain toxic chemicals and should always be stored out of reach of children and pets. If you’re concerned about safety, choose one of the many plant-based products on the market.

• How do you remove brown toilet bowl stains?

  Many toilet bowl cleaners claim to have stain-fighting power to tackle even the toughest of stains. If you’re looking for a DIY option, try using a white vinegar and borax mixture, letting it sit for several hours before wiping clean.

• Are bleach tablets bad for your toilet?

  Bleach tablets have been shown to cause damage to rubber seals inside your toilet, which may cause leaks and other problems if used frequently.