Basics

• Lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda are natural substances that can work as a toilet bowl cleaner. The acid in lemon juice kills germs and leaves a fresh scent. Vinegar absorbs odors and kills germs. Vinegar's odor disappears after about 20 minutes. Baking soda scours surfaces without scratching and absorbs odors. Germs, lime, rust and debris cling to toilet bowls. Either use a bucket or spray bottle to store the lemon juice or vinegar. While these items won't harm skin, wear gloves to keep your hands from getting dirty and contaminated. Use a toilet brush, pumice stone or washcloth to scrub the bowl. Do not use any cleaning tool that has been exposed to commercial cleaners or bleach.
  
  

Stain Removal

• Use lemon juice or vinegar to clean up lime and rust. Soak the spot in cleaner, then scrub. Repeat, if necessary. Saturate heavy rust spots in lemon juice or vinegar. Spray lemon juice or vinegar on the bowl and wipe it down once or twice a week to prevent buildup. For simple disinfecting or a quick clean, pour 2 cups of vinegar in the bowl and allow it to sit for a few hours. Harder water may need more applications. For stains, combine water and baking soda to make a paste. Spread the paste on the stain. Either let it sit for a few hours or scrub it off. Baking soda cleans off blood, urine and other stains.
  
  

Benefits

• Clean toilets any time a household member falls ill. Killing bacteria in a commonly-used item prevents the spread of disease. Use vinegar or lemon juice to clean the rest of the toilet. Rinse off the gloves and scrubbing item with a little vinegar or lemon juice to kill any stray bacteria on the brush.