Donna asked: How can I clean our toilet? We are on a septic system, and our dog drinks out of the toilet. Thank you.
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If your dog likes to drink out of the toilet, the last thing you want to do is plug it full of chemical cleaners. Instead, try this pet-friendly, eco-friendly cleaning technique to keep toilets fresh. Simple and effective, it’s even safe for septic systems!
You Will Need:
- White vinegar
- Clean toilet brush
- Baking soda
- Spray or squirt bottle
- Warm water
Steps to Clean the Toilet:
- Add vinegar to a squirt bottle. For routine cleaning, dilute it with a bit of warm water. For bowls with obvious stains or grime, apply full strength.
- Spray or squirt the bowl with the vinegar.
- Allow it to sit for several minutes (or up to overnight for really dirty toilets).
- Scrub the bowl with the clean toilet brush.
- Flush to remove the dirty water and vinegar.
- If stains remain, make a paste of baking soda and warm water and apply to the bowl. Allow it to sit overnight, then scrub clean.
Additional Tips and Advice
- To remove stubborn stains or rust rings, you may need to use a stronger cleaner the first time. Lock your pet out of the bathroom overnight while it works, then rinse and flush several times until the residue is gone.
- To maintain your “green clean,” be sure to repeat the process frequently. The more often you clean, the more effective this method is. Clean at least once a week; preferably twice.
- Baking soda and vinegar are both non-toxic and safe for pets. However, if your pet has a sensitive stomach, it’s best to keep him away from the bowl while it “soaks.”
- When you combine baking soda and vinegar, you get a frothy “volcano” effect. Do so only with caution; it’s not dangerous, but it can be extremely messy.