I'm not sure anyone enjoys cleaning toilets...if you know someone that does, please send them my way! Seriously, though...I hate cleaning toilets, so anything that makes it easier for me is great! I discovered an easy way to clean your toilet with only 3 ingredients and basically no effort. These homemade toilet cleaning bombs can be made with 3 household ingredients and will leave your toilet sparkling clean! The crazy thing is that I use the same recipe for my Homemade Dish Tablets, so they do double duty!
I made a quick video showing how easy they are to make in real time...check it out below!
What you will need to make Homemade Toilet Bombs:
You can click the links to find the products listed below…these are affiliate links that I may receive a commission for if you buy.
1 Cup Baking Soda
1 Tablespoon Dish Liquid (any brand will do)
Add one cup of baking soda to a large bowl.
Next, add ¼ cup of Citric Acid.
Squirt in 1 tablespoon of dish liquid...you can find my Homemade Dish Liquid Recipe HERE or you can use any dish liquid you like or have on hand!
Mix together well using your hands, a spoon or a whisk.
Now press the mixture into your silicone molds or an ice cube tray, making sure to wipe any excess away.
***PLEASE NOTE*** These will expand more if you use more liquid, and that is perfectly ok. Let them expand for a few moments, then wipe any excess away and use to fill your mold again. If you don't have enough molds or ice cube trays to hold the extra, store the extra mixture in a sealed plastic bag until you can use to refill more of your molds. Expanding is absolutely normal.
Let them dry for at least 4 hours or overnight. Once they are completely dry, gently pop them out and store in an airtight container.
To clean and deodorize your toilet, simply toss a toilet bomb into your toilet bowl.
It should start fizzing, which means your toilet cleaning bombs are doing their work!
These homemade toilet cleaning bombs make toilet cleaning easy and hands free!
You can find the cute Free Printable Cleaning Labels HERE if you'd like to use them on your homemade cleaners!
All of my home tips and cleaning hacks are easy to access too...they are all in one place on my Cleaning and Home Tips Page HERE!
Phyllis says
Where do you buy citric acid - thank you for all your helpful hints.
Ellen says
Any grocery store. You use it for canning.
Jessica says
I'm not really sure, but I would think so!
Nancy says
Does this work for hard water stains or just basic simple cleaning?
Jessica says
It's not great for hard water stains, more for cleaning and deodorizing. Here is an article I did on getting rid of hard water stains...
Shobha says
Try borax for your hard water stains
Carol says
If you want to get fancy you can add grated orange or lemon rind. I also add a few drops of orange essential oil and a small handful of dried lavender. This works great. We have a septic system. I'm not sure how safe it is to use on septic systems but if you leave it soak over night and put a little elbow grease in scrubbing it the rust stains come out quite well. I'm hoping over time with scrubbing on a regular basis that the rust stains above the ring will come out but I think it is promising. We also have a dog who likes to drink out of the toilet bowl. I know. Gross! I feel a little better though using more natural ingredients than store bought cleaners with harsh ingredients that may have potential carcinogens in them.
Colleen says
If this has citric acid, that should work on hard water stains as pure citric acid works to clean lime from your dishwasher. The product dishwasher magic is made of pure citric acid.
Juliet says
Can I sun dry it after filling it in the mold?
Cindy Mendez says
@Phyllis, if you live in an area like that don't have those items in any corner. Places that sell things to make candles and soap also sell citric acid. That where I go for mine.
Betty says
The Citric Avid is in your canning section.
Debra Welch says
The link is live over the words Citric Acid. Just click it and it will bring you to Amazon where you can purchase it for only $2.97.
kim says
you can get it at Walmart for 1.97 in the canning department
Beth Martin says
eBay! I just bought 2# for $11 total.
Theresa says
Amazon
Gwen says
I got citric acid on amazon in a 2 lb bag. 9.99
John says
I got mine from a baking supplies store.
Ashley Argo says
You can buy it at Wal-Mart in the canning department.
Kare says
Grocer, hardware household section, or any large pharmacy stores
Lisa says
Health food store
Diana says
You can find a big bag on Amazon fairly inexpensive
Patty Sylvester says
Got a big bag at Amazon too.
Desiree says
Amazon
Mae says
EBay has it.
CF says
I had to buy on Amazon!
Pamela Crenshaw says
Walmart or Amazon if you want to buy in bulk like I do.
Fary Hor says
I found my citric acid in the bulk spice section of Sprouts.
Julie says
I get mine from Amazon it’s called “just citric acid“
https://www.amazon.com/Its-Just-Non-GMO-Household-Cleaning/dp/B07N8JV4FH
Jessica says
Hi, Phyllis! You can find citric acid in the canning section of some grocery stores or you can buy it on amazon here...http://www.amazon.com/Ball-Jar-Citric-Acid-7-5-Ounce/dp/B007CRHD4U?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B007CRHD4U&linkCode=w00&linkId=IR4RF4MSW6Y3NXAJ&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=mom40b-20
Jan says
Baking section also citric acid and baking soda good for cleaning dentures
Lindla Barnett says
Hi, Justk wanted to ask where one can purchase citric acid? Thanks, and I'm looking forward to making and using your toilet bombs !;!!
Jessica says
Hi, Lindla! Here is an amazon link to buy the citric acid Citric Acid
Kelsey says
Mine foamed/expanded big time! What did I do wrong?!?!
Jessica says
Mine expanded some too, that's why you have to go back after a bit and run your hands across them. You can use the excess to make more if you like.
Karen says
We used to much Dawn. 2nd batch I used less then 1 tblsp of Dawn and a whisk, it worked perfectly this time.
Cindy Mendez says
It's the liquid when u added it. Need to pour it in as close to the dry products as possible. So the citric acid doesn't activate. Also try filling two molds and pressing together like a bath bombs.
Deidre says
Walmart also has it. You can find it by the jars for caning.
KG30 says
Do you still use a toilet bowl scrubber to get areas the fizzy water doesn't touch or will flushing mix all the water and remove stuff stuck towards the top of the bowl?
Jessica says
I do every so often, but not as often now that I use the toilet bombs. That stuff doesn't build up as much when using these. Hope this helps!
Lisa says
Hi, I love this idea. Do you happen to know if they are septic safe? Thank you
Jessica says
Hi, Lisa! They are completely septic safe! Glad you asked!
Kirsten says
Hi, can these be used in a caravan toliet cassette as the breakdown/ deodorising agent?
Jessica says
Is this the same recipe as the dishwashing tabs? If so, 2 for 1 :) just curious though!
Jessica says
It is! A two for one...nothing better!
Mary Davis says
the dishwashing tabs ? for dishwashers or hand washing ?
Jessica says
For dishwashing...they work great!
Brenda Urey says
Hi , I just made this recipe exactly as stated and when I attempt to put in silicon, the mixture just keeps puffing up out of the mold no matter how much I push it in it still puffs up out. What am I doing wrong?
Jessica says
Hi, Brenda! Sometimes it does puff up a little, and it may depend on altitude...weird, right? Instead of trying to push them down, swipe the extra that puffs up off by sliding your fingers across and removing the excess. The excess mixture can be used in another mold. Hope this helps!
Karen says
Mine did the same the 1st time. I made a 2nd batch used alittle less Dawn and a wire wisk. I used a 6 cup cupcake pan with silicone liners. 1 batch make 6 perfect tablets and the popped right pout after they dried. I did put the pan in a plastic bag to dry.
Elizabeth says
Might be a strange question, but do I need to make molds? Would it not have the same effect if I made the mixture then just dumped in a tablespoon or so? Just curious :)
Jessica says
You can by using an ice cream or cookie scoop, or you can use an ice tray as a mold. Hope this helps! ~Jess
Diana says
That was my question as well. My silicone trays don't arrive for another few days, but I need my dishwasher tabs today :-)
Jkim says
I use the same ratio of baking soda to citric acid. I sprinkle right into the bowl 4 tablespoons of soda and then 1 Tablespoon of citric acid. And a few drops of oils and a squirt of dish soap. Scrub. Fizzes nicely without the messiness of filling the molds.
Kristopher Deapen says
Will the toilet bomb help with hard water?
Renate Hansen says
Yes it does help Here in Germany I have veryyyyy hard water and I have been makeing These bombs for some Time no and my Bowl Looks like IT is Brand New (10 Years at least) so try IT
Louichy says
Hi Jessica ! Thanks for the tip ! We need to read more about cleaning !
Mary Davis says
how do you get rid of the grunge around the openings where the water comes down into the bowl ?..I have tried Mr Clean scrubers and that does not do anything . does PH of the water have any effect on it ....thanks MD
LURA KUCHYT says
I saw a post on Pinterest about this. You turn off the water to the toilet then flush all the water out of the tank. Then, use duct tape over and cover the holes that the water comes out of tightly. Pour a quart or two of vinegar into the tank and push the flush handle which releases the vinegar into the holes. Let it sit overnight and remove duct tape - turn on the water and let the tank fill with water. Flush and swish. I have never tried this but this is the process I read about.
Wanna says
Hi... my mixture kept
Expanding once I pressed them in the silicone molds. Is that normal? Thanks and I love your blog!
Jessica says
It's definitely normal...once they expand, you should just wipe across the top and use the excess to make more.
Marie McArdle says
What is the yield from this quantity please?
Nicole says
Do you know if you added a few drops of essential oils if it would affect the cleaning in any way? Thank you!! These are fantastic especially in my household of 4 boys!
Jessica says
I don't think it would hurt them at all! Yeah, boys = stink! Good luck!
Ellen says
Will this work on well water. Such a struggle.
Geralyn says
Tried the recipe. Put one in a toilet as I was making them and it foamed like crazy. Put one in a toilet this morning and hardly any foaming. Baking soda settled to bottom of toilet and that was it. What did I do wrong?
Jessica says
I'm not sure why they wouldn't work for you...the citric acid should cause it to fiz once in the water.
Noreany says
I also have same problem. Baking soda settled to bottom and not fiz at all.
Are you using citric acid for "baking" or "cleaning" coz there is 2 type citric acid.
Tammy says
I made these last night for the dishwasher (just saw the toilet cleaner tonight) Mine didn't come out of the silicone tray very easy, some fell apart. I left them in freezer for about 13 hours. I smushed them back together and put back in freezer. When I pulled them out 5 hours later they still fell apart after sitting in a sealed jar for awhile. Placed them back in freezer, plan to leave them there until I need to use one.
For those asking about where to get the Citric Acid, I found it int he bulk section at my store - it was in with the spices.
Michelle Ford-Copley says
I don't think they go in the freezer. I think they just sit to 'dry' out some
Rachel says
I use more dish soap than the recipe calls for, which stops the crumbling. And these work great!
Linda says
How do you stick the labels in the jars? I tried sealing tape but water seeped in
Ruth says
Put them on the outside
Karen marchetti says
Can this recipe be used for laundry also?
Jessica says
No, I wouldn't use this for laundry. I do have homemade laundry tabs here ... https://www.mom4real.com/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-pods/
Elise says
Is this safe for septic?
Jessica says
Absolutely, Elise!
Claire says
Do you think I can use this for wAshing machine？
Nancy says
Jessica, I was wondering if one could use lemon juice in place of the citric acid instead?
Thanks, Nancy.
Jessica says
Hi, Nancy! I'm not sure it would harden as well or fizz because the citric acid is what makes it work, but you could give it a try in a small batch if you like. Great question!
clm says
Did you try it Nancy? Did it work? I was wondering the exact same thing
Melissa says
Could you add an essential oil, such as lemon? Or do you think it would not stick as good.
Jessica says
You totally could...I would probably keep it to a minimum though, just in case!
Tani says
Are you using liquid citric acid or in powder, and do you scrub the toilet bowl afterword
Rizka says
I tried making it several times at exact amount as your recipe, but why it won't fizz?
Andrea says
I have made the recipe exactly as written, but my bombs sat in the mold for 48 hours and they still have not hardened up. Any ideas?
JoAnne says
I just made these for the first time yesterday. Mine broke apart when I attempted to pop them out of a traditional ice mold. Is it possible I pressed too much into each individual mold? After it would swell, I would press it all back down in there until it stopped swelling. I let them sit for over 4 hours. They all broke in half removing them from the mold. :(
Amy Scott says
I have been looking for a toilet bomb recipient but they all seem to combine citric acid and baking soda which I don't understand how they can be effective. Citric acid is an akaline which has a ph of 2.2. Mixes with baking soda which is an alkaline (base) at ph 8.1 which can neutralize the citric acid, lessening it's effectiveness. The baking soda makes a cute fizz as the gasses release but that is all it does. The added soap is also a base (particularly Castille soap) further neutralizing the citric acid. Personally I'm willing to forego a fizz to get an effective cleaner...I'm just not certain you have effectively created sodium acetate and water here. Has anyone tried just citric acid? I'm still searching... :)
Amy Scott says
Mistyped above...I mean that citric acid is an acidic.
Sylvia says
If you find out what is really cleaning the toilet can you let us know? I'm thinking the acid is the better disinfectant and the baking soda is the abrasive. Dawn does everything well.
Ritamary Rajan says
Hello Jessica,
I made your toilet bombs. They are amazing. I am going to make some more and give it as a gift to my parents. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Nancy L says
I am currently waiting for them to set up still (fingers crossed they won't crumble) but they smell so freaking good! I used Hawaiian Pineapple Dawn! ????
Jessica says
Ooooh...I will have to try that, Nancy! I bet it smells amazing!
Nancy says
It really does smell good! Sadly, it loses its scent quickly after they harden up. I don't think they are working like they should be, though. They don't fizz a whole lot at all, they kinda of slowly disapparate.
Pamela Montgomery says
How does it clean the entire bowl? It will clean where the water level is but that's only a small part of the problem. Most of the odors and mold come from above water level and around the rim.
Have any of you taken a rag and cleaned up under the rim of the toilet? If not done regularly it gets really gross and these bombs won't clean that. That's were the brush is needed.
Paula Wilc says
The reason it expands in your molds is too much moisture makes the citrus acid & baking soda react early. Your mixture is simply too wet & your finished product will never fizz as much as they are suppose to. Try adding the dawn a little at a time & when your mixture starts holding together like wet sand stop & add no more Dawn. Use the recipes 2 tablespoons of Dawn as a guideline only. Differences in climates make that necessary. It's tricky but with practice you will know when your mixture is just right. Just read most instructions for bath bombs & you'll learn to get the combo right. Also never make them on a rainy day or your recipe will fail as well. In fact you can do everything perfectly but if your humidity is too high they are going to react prematuringly. Thanks for the recipe. I've never seen Dawn as the wet ingredient before but why not. I've used washing soda powder & Kaolin Clay along with the necessary baking soda & citrus acid with fragrance oil & colorant as my wet ingredient along with a spray bottle of Witch Hazel or alcohol for additional wetting. Small amount of Kaolin Clay makes your product harder. I'll have to try your recipe as well as it seems so much easier. The end result is what's important.
Betsy says
Can you add any sort of essential oils to the bombs? Is the dish soap really safe the the dishwasher, I've had bad accident with accidently using dish soap in the dishwasher and it foams badly.
Corina says
In the comments above, she stated it was for dishwashing not the dishwasher.
Kate says
You can but ascorbic powder at bulk stores and all natural or Amish stores.much better buy.
Lena says
I am making them and using MINI cupcake pan. the small liners are with them so I used them too. Mine is very dry . What is up ?
Julissa Hernandez says
Hello! We were wanting to make these as a small promotional gift and individually wrap each one.. are they pretty sturdy? Like do they crumble easily
Jessica says
Hi, Julissa! They should hold up great!
nandhu says
citric acid is just lemon juice
M says
Hi!
Mine didn't fizz or expand particularly - they're a nice scrub for the toilet, but didn't have quite the "I don't need to do anything but throw it in" effect I was hoping for. I used the citric acid that you find in the dishwasher section (Lemishine brand) - is it different from the one you find in canning sections? Thanks, anybody who knows! :)
Sonya says
How often do you use the toilet bombs and are they suppose to fizz up like a bath bomb?
Mama c says
So as these bombs were drying they really puffed up. Should I tamp them back down? The probably had doubled in size.
Jessica says
You should scrape the excess away after they rise and use it to make more. Hope this helps!
Shirley says
Hi. Can I use vinegar instead of citric acid.
Thanks.
Jessica says
Hi, Shirley! The vinegar will react with the baking soda immediately, causing a mess. The citric acid doesn't activate until dropped in the toilet. The only way these will work the right way is if you add the citric acid. Hope this helps! Jess
Maria A Rose says
Why did mine exams after I put them in the molds?
Maria A Rose says
Expand
Danni says
Instead of putting my toilet bombs into the bowl, I put it into the cistern and it seems to work much better this way.
Mine expanded as soon as I put it in the moulds so I think next time I might make sure I really mix the bicarb and citric acid well before adding the detergent.
Tonda Bailey says
Question: are the toilet bombs safe for septic systems?
BTW, I love your website!!!
Jessica says
Hi, Tonda! Thanks for the kind words, and yes...they are safe for septic systems!
Debbie says
I love these thank you soooooo much for sharing they are so easy to make and where a great addition as I’ve jyst deepest cleaned my toilets to remove all the stains and lime scale so this is making maintaining a really easy job ????
Carla Petruccy says
Hi, where can you find the silicone ice trays/molds??
Thanks!!
Jessica says
You can find them in most grocery stores now or you can purchase them on Amazon. I've also picked up a few at IKEA. They are usually found in the kitchen section. Hope this helps!
Sunni says
Hi. I tried the 3 ingredient toilet fizz balls. Im not sure if I'd used too much dish washing liquid because as soon as I mix the 3 ingredients the dry ingredients were immediately activated and have started to keep expanding like molted lava consistency. Can you please advise? Thanks
Adil Shehzad says
Wow! this is really a toilet cleaning bomb. Going to give it a try for sure. Thank you for sharing.
Caitlyn C says
Hi! I followed the directions exactly but they keep foaming up in my ice cube tray. I keep wiping away the excess but it keeps foaming over the sides. Why is that?
Sharon says
Does it help with bacteria?
Jennifer says
Does this cleaning method kill germs?
Allison says
Can I just store the mixture in a air tight container without molding it?
Chris i says
Mine did not bind together at all. I did add a little water to get it to hold together.
Does anyone have suggestions or have this happen ?
Crystal says
Can u use this if you have a septic tank?
Jessica says
Absolutely!
Deanne says
Mine crumbled when I took them out of the mold, what did I do wrong? I put some of the surviving pieces in the toilet, hardly any fizz, can baking soda or citric acid go bad with age?
R says
I live in an EXTREMELY humid place.
I've tried to make these twice, and they just keep expanding, and then they become a crumbly powder that I just gather up and fill in a jar. They never mould into shape.
Is the humidity preventing this? I'm thinking I'll stick them into a freezer to help dry up, do you recommend this?
Jessica says
Humidity could be the reason they aren't doing well...try less vinegar when making them and see if that works...maybe the freezer could work, but I'm not sure. Hope this helps!
MBrown says
So simple! Thank you! I order 5 pounds of citric acid through Amazon and use 1/2 teaspoon with my dishwasher detergent to keep my dishwasher clean and dishes sparkling. Will make these right now!
Jessica says
Love it!
Mika Hutton says
My four year old had a blast making these with me. Since there's nothing nasty in them, we just got out the candy molds and he had fun picking shapes and smudging it in as it puffed up. He also enjoys watching them fizz, so now he's routinely cleaning the toilets, lol. Amazing! Excellent way to get littles involved with household upkeep and to build pride in helping around the house.
Thanks!
Janis says
Just mixed up your 3 ingredient toilet cleaning bombs. Mine are swelling up?? Do you know why?
Thank You
Rose says
Hi- can I store the extra mixture in a zip lock bag?
Thank You