Amount of vinegar when cleaning the toliet?

@sedel1027 (17846)
Cupertino, California
February 27, 2008 2:51pm CST
How much vinegar do you put in the bowl? I have been using a 1/2 cup per toilet and when I throw the baking soda in, that seems like enough. I vaguely remember reading somewhere to use a full up though.
3 people like this
5 responses
@peavey (16936)
• United States
28 Feb 08
I think a half cup is enough. Does the toilet look clean afterwards? That would be the deciding factor. As far as disinfecting, vinegar needs to stay longer, probably an hour, to be as effective as chlorine bleach. Adding the baking soda too soon neutralizes the power of vinegar.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
28 Feb 08
I clean the toilets every week so they do not look dirty. I would probably have to wait 2-3 weeks until they got a ring to really check it out. I always thought the baking soda was added to help scrub the toilet, like cleaners would. I have seen some cleaning recipes that say to leave the vinegar overnight.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
28 Feb 08
The only thing about leaving it in the toilet over night is that then someone can not use the toilet before it is cleaned. I don't want my son waking me up at 2am to clean his toilet lol
@peavey (16936)
• United States
28 Feb 08
Yes, the baking soda does help scrub, but it also neutralizes the vinegar. Leaving vinegar in the bowl overnight helps in a lot of ways. First, it sanitizes, secondly, it breaks down any rust or scum and third, it deodorizes. Vinegar is a very useful product.
@Sissygrl (10912)
• Canada
28 Feb 08
I dont use vinager in my toilet! i use bleech. I dont have pets either though so i dont have to worry about the pets drinking the bleech. And i always have the door to the bathroom closed so my daughter can't get in there. Why would you use vinager instead of bleach ?
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
28 Feb 08
Not only that bleach does not kill everything and using bleach can cause whatever is in there to mutate and become resistant to the bleach, thereby rendering it more ineffective (like using anti-bacterial soap).
@peavey (16936)
• United States
28 Feb 08
Vinegar is safer for the environment, not just for your pets and children. The water you flush with is recirculated in the environment, along with chemicals and caustic products (like bleach).
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
28 Feb 08
I have n';t tried this combination for cleaning the toilet. I have used baking soda on it's own & it is quite effective. I will try your idea. I would imagine that 1/2 of vinegar is sufficient.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
28 Feb 08
It seems to work okay. I guess by using both the fizzing action is suppose to cut down on the work. I find that if I clean the toilet bowls every week that they do not require much work.
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
27 Feb 08
The toilet is one place I haven't thought to use vinegar! I use it for a lot of cleaning but this is a new one for me. I'll have to try it...thanks for the heads up.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
27 Feb 08
I have seen this done a few different ways but this is the way I clean the toilet: Pour vinegar in toilet Let site 30 minutes, Add baking Soda (I add maybe a tablespoon, enough to get the fizzing action going) clean as usual I am trying to not use many chemicals and scrubs in our house as possible. I find that it actually motivates me to clean more because I find new ways to do things LOL
27 Feb 08
hmmm..ive never heard of doing this...it justs seems easier to buy it at the store whether it costs a lil more or not
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
27 Feb 08
It is cheaper to use things you have in the home and better for the environment and your family.