Pouring baking soda into the toilet bowl can help clean and deodorize it. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can scrub away stains, and it also neutralizes odors. Here’s a closer look at how baking soda can help keep your toilet fresh and clean.
How Baking Soda Cleans The Toilet
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, an alkaline powder that can dissolve mineral deposits like limescale and soap scum. When baking soda is combined with water and an acid like the vinegar or citric acid in toilet bowl cleaners, a chemical reaction occurs that breaks down grime and stains.
The abrasive texture of baking soda also helps scrub away stubborn buildup in the toilet bowl. It won’t scratch the porcelain, but provides just enough gentle scouring power to lift dirt and residue when you swirl it around the bowl with a toilet brush.
Deodorizing With Baking Soda
Baking soda is very effective at absorbing odors. It works through a process called adsorption, where odor molecules become trapped in the powder. Baking soda has a large surface area due to its fine, powdery texture. This allows it to adsorb smells readily.
The bacteria and organic matter that cause unpleasant toilet odors will be drawn into the baking soda and neutralized. This helps freshen the air around the toilet.
How To Use Baking Soda In The Toilet
There are a few easy ways you can use baking soda to clean and deodorize the toilet bowl:
- Sprinkle about 1/2 cup baking soda into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush and flushing.
- Make a thick baking soda paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Spread the paste on stained or dirty areas of the toilet. Let it sit overnight before scrubbing clean.
- For regular maintenance, pour 1/4 cup baking soda into the toilet bowl after cleaning. No need to scrub, just let it sit until the next cleaning.
Baking soda can help extend time between deeper toilet cleanings. It’s safe for the septic system too.
Other Uses For Baking Soda In The Bathroom
Because it’s a mild abrasive and absorbs odors, baking soda can be used throughout the bathroom:
- Sprinkle it on a damp sponge or cloth to scrub tile, grout, counters, sinks, tubs, and showers
- Use it to freshen shower curtains – sprinkle baking soda lightly on both sides of the curtain
- Keep an open box in the room to absorb musty odors
- Make a thick paste with water to scrub away stubborn soap scum
- Mix it with equal parts vinegar to clean drains and keep them clog-free
Why Baking Soda Works
Here’s a quick recap of why baking soda is so effective when cleaning the toilet and bathroom:
- Abrasive: The gritty, powdery texture lets it scrub away stains.
- Alkaline: Dissolves mineral deposits and soap scum when activated with an acid.
- Odor absorption: Traps and neutralizes molecules that cause smells.
- Non-toxic: Completely safe for you, your family, and your pipes.
- Inexpensive: Very budget friendly compared to many cleaners and deodorizers.
Precautions When Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is quite safe, but here are a few things to keep in mind when using it to clean the toilet:
- Avoid getting baking soda into the tank, as it can eventually cause sediment to build up.
- Don’t use baking soda at the same time as bleach or other cleaning products. It can react and reduce effectiveness.
- Make sure to thoroughly rinse any baking soda paste off surfaces when done.
- Baking soda can leave a white residue if not rinsed well. Use a damp sponge or cloth to remove any leftover powder.
- It can clog drains if poured directly into them. Mix with water before using in sinks.
Benefits of a Clean Toilet
Keeping your toilet clean and odor-free with baking soda offers a number of advantages:
- Prevents buildup that can lead to clogs or cause flushing problems
- Eliminates odors and keeps bathroom smelling fresh
- Removes stains to keep toilet looking its best
- Cuts down on germs that breed in grimy toilets
- Extends time between difficult deep cleanings
- Safe for pipes, plumbing, septic systems
A clean, hygienic toilet also makes your bathroom more pleasant to use and welcoming for guests.
How Often To Clean The Toilet
To keep your toilet fresh and prevent buildup, a regular cleaning routine is recommended:
- Daily: Quick wipe down of exposed surfaces with a disinfecting cleaner.
- Weekly: Thorough cleaning inside bowl and below rim with brush and cleaner.
- Monthly: Deep clean including tank, base, hinges, handle, and behind toilet.
- As Needed: Spot clean visible stains or grime buildup as soon as noticed.
Adding baking soda can supplement your regular toilet cleanings and help extend time between deep cleanings. It’s a simple, safe way to help keep things fresh between scrub downs.
Conclusion
Baking soda is an effective, non-toxic cleaner that can dissolve stains, deodorize, and scrub away grime in the toilet bowl. Its abrasive texture lifts dirt while its alkaline properties dissolve mineral deposits and soap scum when activated with water. Baking soda also absorbs odors instead of just masking them.
To use it, sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl and let sit before scrubbing and flushing. Make a paste to tackle stubborn stains overnight. It can also freshen shower curtains, scrub tile, and unclog drains throughout the bathroom.
Regularly using baking soda can help keep your toilet clean, fresh, and odor-free in between deep cleanings. Just be sure to rinse it away fully and avoid mixing it with other chemicals. Keeping your toilet properly clean brings huge hygiene benefits and keeps your bathroom inviting.