Have you ever looked on the label on the packaging of most toilet cleaners - whether it be liquid cleaners or products that sit on the side of the rim and dose some product with each flush? You'll see that the vast majority say 'extremely harmful to aquatic life'. Traditional cleaning products are a practical and more environmentally friendly solution. You can use Soda Crystals and a toilet brush for general cleaning, or citric acid to remove limescale build up. This 2 step approach is the best method, but these fizzies are a fun and convenient way of keeping your loo fresh.
Tina Bax of Ashby Toolbox has sent in a recipe for making some 'toilet fizzies'. They're both fun to make (why not involve the children?) and fun to watch in use. Tina says they're great for keeping the toilet fresh in between cleans.
Here's Tina's recipe:
1. Mix equal amounts of citric acid and bicarbonate of soda in a polythene bag. (I found a ramekin dish a perfect measure). You can also add some borax substitute which helps soften the water.
2. Add 2/3 squirts of water from a spray bottle and mix in thoroughly. Repeat.
3. Now add 4/5 drops of your favourite essential oil – lemon myrtle is a popular choice as it has a lovely fresh lemony smell.
4. To test your mixture, spoon into your chosen mold (I use an old ice cube tray) and press down firmly with the back of a teaspoon. Turn out immediately. If it holds its shape, great, carry on and fill the tray. If it crumbles, then return to the bag and add a couple more squirts of water. It is important not to make the mixture too moist as the fizzing reaction will occur in the polythene bag and not in the toilet where you need it!
5. Turn out onto greaseproof paper and leave to firm up overnight. Transfer to a Kilner jar or similar, use as necessary.
NB This method is fun and a great thing to do with the kids, perhaps explaining the science behind it, but for regular use it's not the most effective way of cleaning your toilet. For regular use, just use Soda Crystals and a loo brush and when you have limescale deposits, use Citric Acid to remove it. Here we give detailed instructions on how to clean your toilet.