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Lately, I’ve been on a mission to replace the heavy, chemical-laden cleaning products in my home with simple, natural, and effective alternatives. Over the years, I’ve made my own herbal-infused cleaning vinegar, all-purpose rosemary and lavender cleaner, and even a DIY all-natural pine cleaning spray. Now, I’m tackling toilet cleaning with these homemade toilet bombs—an easy, natural way to keep the bathroom fresh without harsh chemicals.
Why Make Your Own Homemade Toilet Bombs?
Many conventional toilet cleaners are filled with synthetic fragrances, bleach, and other harsh ingredients that I’d rather not have in my home, especially with my commitment to a more natural lifestyle. These homemade toilet bombs use baking soda and citric acid to help break down grime, while essential oils add natural antibacterial properties and a fresh, clean scent.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups baking soda
- 7 tablespoons citric acid
- 1½ tablespoons castile soap (I love Dr. Bronners – or substitute with Dawn dish liquid or any mild dish soap if you don’t have castile soap)
- 35-40 drops of antibacterial essential oil – Examples: lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender or peppermint.
- 1 tablespoon plus 1-2 teaspoons water
Instructions:
Step 1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking soda and citric acid. Use a fork to stir well and to break up any clumps.
Step 2. – Add the liquids
To ensure your homemade toilet bombs turn out perfectly, follow these steps carefully, allowing each ingredient to blend properly while maintaining the right consistency:
Slowly drizzle in the liquid soap. Stir continuously to incorporate the soap without causing clumps.
Add the essential oils and mix them in well to make sure that their antibacterial properties are well-integrated throughout the mixture.
Add water little by little—just a few drops at a time—while stirring. This prevents over-wetting, which could cause the mixture to begin fizzing prematurely. The goal is to achieve a texture that resembles damp sand, which is firm enough to hold its shape when pressed but not too wet that it activates the ingredients before use.
Step 3. – Shape, Dry, & Store
- To shape your homemade toilet bombs, take a handful of the mixture and firmly press it into your chosen mold. While silicone molds and ice cube trays work well, you can also use mini muffin tins or even shape them by hand into small, compact mounds.
- Once formed, leave them out on the counter to dry completely for about 24 hours.
- After they’ve fully dried, carefully remove them from the molds and transfer them to a glass mason jar. I love storing mine in mason jars right in the bathroom—they not only keep the toilet fizzies fresh, but also look charming on the shelf. Adding a label helps avoid any confusion (after all, they may look a little too much like bath bombs!). Now, whenever your toilet needs a little refresh, just drop one in and let it do the work.
How to Use Homemade Toilet Bombs:
Simply drop one of your homemade toilet bombs into the toilet bowl and let it work its magic. It will bubble and dissolve, releasing the fresh citrus scent and helping to break down buildup. A quick brush and flush, and your toilet will be fresh and clean—without the need for harsh chemicals!
Tips for Success:
- If the mixture is too dry, add a tiny bit more water. If it’s too wet and starts fizzing, let it dry out slightly before molding.
- Store your homemade toilet bombs in a dry place to prevent them from activating prematurely.
- Feel free to switch up the essential oils, or use a combination of your favorites.
About the Ingredients
In crafting these homemade toilet bombs, each ingredient plays a crucial role in ensuring effective, natural cleaning:
- Baking Soda: This versatile household staple is excellent for neutralizing odors and gently scrubbing surfaces without scratching. In toilet bombs, baking soda helps to deodorize the toilet bowl, maintaining a fresh environment.
- Citric Acid: Naturally found in citrus fruits, citric acid is a powerful cleaning agent. When combined with baking soda, it creates a fizzing reaction that aids in breaking down grime and mineral deposits, making it easier to clean the toilet bowl.
- Castile Soap: Derived from vegetable oils, castile soap is a gentle yet effective cleaner that helps to emulsify and lift away dirt and stains. It enhances the cleaning power of the toilet bombs by breaking down residues. If castile soap isn’t available, Dawn dish liquid or any mild dish soap can serve as a substitute.
- Essential Oils: These concentrated plant extracts not only add a pleasant aroma but also contribute to the toilet bombs’ cleaning power. Many essential oils possess natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to sanitize and freshen the bathroom. Depending on preference, a variety of essential oils can be used to achieve a crisp, refreshing, or calming scent.
- Water: A small amount of water helps the mixture to bind together when forming the bombs.
Explore More Natural Cleaning Solutions
I love how simple these are to make, and they’ve become a staple in my natural cleaning routine. If you’re looking for more DIY cleaning solutions, check out my other recipes.
DIY All-Natural Pine Cleaning Spray: Utilize the natural antibacterial and antiviral properties of pine needles in this simple cleaning spray, perfect for tackling messes and bringing a fresh scent to your space.
Antibacterial Rosemary Lavender Cleaner: Combine the antimicrobial properties of rosemary with the calming scent of lavender in this effective, natural cleaner suitable for various surfaces.
Simmer Pots: Fill your home with delightful, natural fragrances using simmer pots. They’re an excellent way to utilize leftover fruit peels, herbs, and spices to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Quick and Easy DIY Disinfectant Spray Using 3 Common Kitchen Ingredients: Learn to make a powerful disinfectant spray using white vinegar, ethyl alcohol, and essential oils. This cost-effective solution is free from harsh chemicals and can be prepared in minutes to keep your home germ-free.
- DIY Oil Reed Diffuser: Natural Home Fragrance: Replace artificial air fresheners with a customizable oil reed diffuser made from essential oils. This tutorial guides you through creating a natural and inviting aroma in your home, enhancing ambiance without the use of candles or chemical sprays.
- 8 Simple Infused Vinegars for a Fresh and Clean Home: Discover eight simple infused vinegar recipes that utilize natural ingredients like fruits, herbs, and spices to freshen and clean your home without relying on harsh chemicals. These DIY solutions not only enhance your living space with pleasant aromas but also offer effective cleaning properties derived from nature.
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