Baby oil, Coca-Cola, and vinegar; they’re the ingredient list that sounds like something bored children might come up with on a rainy day.
But these are just a few of the shocking products you can use to keep your toilet clean and in excellent shape.
What’s more, you’ll save money by re-purposing these everyday household items and help you cut back on harsh cleaning products that can be dangerous to your family and the ecosystem.
Here is a list of 10 weird, wacky-but-effective toilet fixes that you should try.
1. Coca-Cola cleanser
It may sound like an urban myth, but a lot of people swear that Coke breaks down rust rings. How does it work: Empty a full can around the rim so that it completely coats the bowl, then leave it to sit for about an hour or more to allow the acids in the soda to dissolve the stains.
Then you scrub the bowl with a brush and flush. If this isn’t helpful, it may be time for tip No.2.
2. Scrub with a Pumice stone
A pumice stone is another unexpected yet effective way to get rid of that stubborn ring inside the bowl, according to BrightNest. Always begin by soaking the stone in warm water — the toilet surface and the pumice should always be wet to avoid scratches.
Scrub the stain gently until it fades, and then flush the bowl to rinse.
3. White vinegar toilet bowl bath
Most folks turn to bleach to eliminate toilet stains and germs. However, Mark Lallanilla a green living expert says that plain old apart from being a very effective cleaner is also safer than chlorine bleach.
To obliterate hard water stains, soak toilet paper with vinegar and put directly on top of the affected area. Allow the vinegar-soaked paper to sit for the night. The following morning, flush to rinse, and the stains should be no more.
Lallanilla adds that full-strength vinegar also works in eliminating grout and caulk. Saturate the area using a spray bottle and leave it to soak in for about an hour or more before rinsing.
4. Disinfect with Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective and safe germ fighter. To sanitise your toilet, pout ½ of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl, leave to stand for at least 30 minutes before flushing.
5. DIY fizzy toilet bomb
You can purchase fancy “bomb” or “fizzies” that deodorise and clean your toilet, but it’s inexpensive and easy to make your own.
Soap and candle expert David Fisher has an amazing all-natural recipe for fizzy toilet bomb that combines everyday household products with your favourite scented oil.
6. Baby oil polish for chrome
I was stunned when I saw the shinning effects of baby oil applied to chrome fixtures. To only can you polish toilet handles, but your shower head and faucets can also benefit with just a few drops on a soft, clean fabric.
Then, apply a few more drops to the toilet bowl and toilet tank and polish until the porcelain gleams.
7. Nail polish prevents rust
Keep your toilet seat hardware free from rust by coating the screws and bolts with clear nail polish. This will also stop the seat from shifting around, as the screws will be less likely to unscrew.
8. Boiling water unclogs stubborn pipes
To unclog a toilet pipe without chemicals, fill a medium saucepan, with water and allow it to boil. To dissolve the clog, carefully pour the boiling water directly into the toilet bowl.
9. Reduce condensation with bubble wrap
A layer of bubble wrap will help prevent a sweating toilet tank, according to BrightNest. Firstly, shut off the water valve to the toilet and then open the tank lid. Flush out the water drains from the tank.
Once the water drains out, line the inside of the container with a sheet of bubble wrap – this added layer of insulin prevents the outside of the tank from getting too cold.
10. A plastic soda bottle saves on water
There’s an easy way to cut back on wasted water and save money if your toilet isn’t a newer model with water-saving features. Fill an empty one-litre plastic container with an inch or two of sand and then top with water.
Screw on the cover and then put the bottle inside your toilet tank, safely away from the operating mechanisms. The bottle will help save water with every flush.
Clean better, save money
Don’t be weirded out by the odd ingredients. These cleaning hacks really work! Give them a try and find out how you don’t have to use expensive, harsh chemicals to keep your toilet clean. Aren’t we better of consuming less Coca-Cola anyway?
