Homemade Toilet Bombs for a Sparkling Clean Bathroom
Last Updated on February 24, 2025 by Kiersten James, BS, RN
These homemade natural toilet bombs turn an unpleasant chore into a quick and easy job with no hazardous chemicals.
I used to think that a clean home had to smell like bleach. There was something about that sharp, almost eye-watering scent that made me feel like the job was done.
Once I started digging into the health effects of commercial cleaning products—especially the ones we use in our bathrooms—I realized I needed to make a change.
Lately, I clean my toilets with these simple, homemade toilet cleaner bombs and they work JUST AS WELL without the health risks.
No more worrying about my kids inhaling toxic fumes, no more gloves required, and no more headaches after scrubbing the bathroom. Just fresh, clean toilets.
What’s Hiding in Your Toilet Bowl Cleaner?
Most commercial toilet bowl cleaners have powerful cleaning claims, but at what cost? Here are some of the most common (and concerning) ingredients you’ll find in commercial bathroom cleaners.
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
Found in: Most liquid toilet bowl cleaners and bathroom disinfectants.
Why it’s a problem: Bleach is highly corrosive and can cause skin burns, respiratory issues, and eye irritation. When mixed with ammonia (which is found in many other cleaners), it creates toxic chloramine gas which is extremely dangerous to inhale.
Hydrochloric Acid
Found in: Heavy-duty toilet bowl cleaners.
Why it’s a problem: This strong acid is meant to dissolve tough stains but is also incredibly harsh on the skin, eyes, and lungs. Long-term exposure can cause chronic respiratory issues.
Ammonia
Found in: Multi-purpose bathroom sprays and glass cleaners.
Why it’s a problem: Ammonia fumes can irritate the throat and lungs, and when mixed with bleach, it creates a poisonous gas that can be deadly in confined spaces (like your bathroom).
Artificial Fragrances & Dyes
Found in: Just about every commercial cleaning product.
Why they’re a problem: Synthetic fragrances are made from undisclosed chemicals, many of which are known endocrine (hormone) disruptors. Some dyes and fragrances have even been linked to respiratory issues and allergies.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
Found in: Antibacterial bathroom sprays and disinfecting wipes.
Why they’re a problem: Quats are known to trigger asthma and contribute to antibiotic resistance over time. They linger on surfaces and are especially harmful to kids and pets.
So…if you’re like me, reading this list probably makes you want to dump every toxic cleaner under your sink straight into the trash.
Thankfully, there’s an easy, natural alternative that works just as well—without the side effects.
Homemade Toilet Bombs for a Sparkling Clean Bathroom
These homemade toilet bombs are a GAME changer. They fizz when dropped into the toilet bowl, break down grime, and freshen the air naturally.
The best part? They take just a few minutes to make and store beautifully in a simple glass jar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup citric acid
- 2 cups baking soda
- 25 drops orange essential oil
- 25 drops tea tree essential oil
- Water (for spray bottle)
Supplies You May Need:
- Ice cube tray
- Spray bottle or mister
- Measuring cup
- Large glass bowl
- Mixing spoon
Instructions:
Combine baking soda with citric acid in a large glass bowl.
Spray the mixture with 1 to 2 sprays of water as you mix. Do not spray too much or it will fizz and make a mess! I found this out the hard way lol!
Add essential oils and mix thoroughly.
Press even amounts of the powdered mixture into the ice cube tray compartments.
Let dry outside in the sun or overnight in a warm place.
When completely dry, remove the cubes from the tray.
Store in an air tight container in a cool, dark place. I keep ours under the sink in the bathroom so they’re easy to access.
How to Use Homemade Toilet Bombs
- Add one toilet bomb to the toilet – make sure to let it completely dissolve.
- Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush.
- Flush the toilet and repeat the following day, or as often as needed.
Homemade Toilet Bombs for a Sparkling Clean Bathroom
These homemade natural toilet bombs turn an unpleasant chore into a quick and easy job with no hazardous chemicals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup citric acid
- 2 cups baking soda
- 25 drops orange essential oil
- 25 drops tea tree essential oil
- Water (for spray bottle)
Instructions
- Combine baking soda with citric acid in a large glass bowl.
- Spray the mixture with 1 to 2 sprays of water as you mix. Do not spray too much or it will fizz and make a mess! I found this out the hard way lol!
- Add essential oils and mix thoroughly.
- Press even amounts of the powdered mixture into the ice cube tray compartments.
- Let dry outside in the sun or overnight in a warm place.
- When completely dry, remove the cubes from the tray.
- Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place. I keep ours under the sink in the bathrooms so they're easy to access.
Notes
To Use:
Add one toilet bomb to the toilet - make sure to let it completely dissolve. Once dissolved, scrub the bowl with the toilet brush. Flush the toilet and repeat the following day, or as often as needed.
More DIY Natural Cleaners
All Natural Bathroom Freshening Spray
Hand Sanitizer Spray with Essential Oils
Natural Homemade Floor Cleaner
Homemade Non-Toxic Disinfectant Wipes
Save It For Later!
