Toilet cleaners
It’s not a pleasant job, but the right cleaner makes it easier.
You need a product that leaves your bowl sparkling clean and free of stubborn stains. Compare the gel and liquid cleaners we’ve tested, and check how well your favourite product polishes the porcelain – it may be worth trying something new.
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We've gathered information on 20 toilet cleaners.
Find a toilet cleanerActive ingredients
Toilet cleaners usually have confusing ingredients listed on their labels. Here’s our breakdown of what they are:
Sodium hypochlorite: This is basic bleach – the most common chemical in toilet cleaners. It whitens, cleans and deodorises and is identifiable by a strong chlorine smell. Bleach is caustic and can be dangerous if ingested or inhaled, so make sure your bathroom is well ventilated when cleaning.
Surfactants: The eco brands we tested don’t use bleach. Instead they rely on plant-based surfactants, such as glucosides, to lower the water tension between the stain and the water, allowing the mark to be removed.
Sodium hydroxide (known as lye or caustic soda): Another common ingredient that’s highly caustic. Sodium hydroxide dissolves the proteins in greasy stains.
Solvents: These are good for removing oily stains. Many toilet cleaners use naturally occurring solvents such as benzyl alcohol and limonene.
Acids: These work in different ways depending on the acid. Formic and citric acids help break down particles in the stains, while lactic acid is good at descaling the toilet.
Safety first
Toilet cleaner is one of the most poisonous products in your home. If you have tamariki in the house, make sure you buy a product with a child-resistant bottle, and always keep it well out of their reach. If someone ingests a cleaning product, phone either your doctor or the National Poisons Centre (0800 POISON). Keep the bottle for identification purposes.
Bottle necks
Most toilet cleaner bottles have angled necks, and for good reason. The angle helps you apply cleaner underneath the rim without spilling any or getting it on your hands.
