The ones that top our ratings effectively remove solid waste, bringing a shine back to your bowl.
We note in our ratings which cleaners should be safe for homes with septic systems, based on their ingredients. Septic systems have sensitive bacterial biomes that can be disrupted by harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. And you can also see which cleaners claim to be antibacterial, antiviral, nontoxic, or stain-fighting. (We did not test or score those claims.)
However, as with any cleaning project, what makes your toilet shine extends beyond the cleaner you choose—and into factors like how much you’re willing to scrub, the cleaning instrument you use, and even how hard or soft your water is.
“Every cleaner we tested can tackle the toilet muck,” says Katy Halevah, who bravely battles grime daily in CR’s labs to evaluate not just toilet bowl cleaners, but toilets themselves. “Fair warning, though, you might need to give it a bit more elbow grease or let the cleaner sit for a few minutes longer for buildup or tough stains.”
Below, we highlight the toilet bowl cleaners that come out on top. If you want your whole bathroom to be spotless, CR has also tested multipurpose cleaners, grout cleaners, and concentrated cleaners.
If you need a DIY cleaner in a pinch, many people also report success with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. “It might not be the best for stubborn stains or heavy buildup, but it’s an easy solution for day-to-day maintenance,” Halevah says.
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