Your toilet is one of the most frequently used fixtures in your home, which means it can easily accumulate dirt and unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning is essential to keep it hygienic and fresh, but not everyone has the time or energy to scrub the toilet every day. Fortunately, there’s a clever, low-effort solution that helps keep your toilet clean and odor-free — all you need is a plastic bottle and a few household supplies.
Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Bottle
Start by finding a small plastic bottle that fits easily inside your toilet tank.
1. Fill the bottle about two-thirds full with clean water.
2. Add a small amount of toilet cleaning solution or liquid detergent.
3. Seal the bottle tightly and shake it gently to mix the contents.
Next, heat a nail or another pointed tool and carefully poke several tiny holes in the sides of the bottle. These holes will allow the cleaning mixture to release gradually.
Step 2: Place the Bottle in the Toilet Tank
Open the toilet tank lid and place the prepared bottle inside. Make sure it is positioned securely and does not interfere with any of the tank’s moving parts. Once it’s in place, close the lid.
Each time you flush, the water flow will cause a small amount of the cleaning solution to be released from the bottle. This continuous release helps to:
- Disinfect and deodorize the toilet bowl,
- Prevent the buildup of stains and bacteria, and
- Keep your toilet smelling fresh for much longer between cleanings.
With this simple trick, you can reduce how often you need to deep-clean your toilet — saving both time and effort.
Step 3: Try the Soap Bar Method
In addition to the plastic bottle trick, here’s another easy and effective method to maintain a clean toilet:
1. Take a small bar of soap and place it inside a thin sock or nylon stocking.
2. Tie the top securely to prevent the soap from slipping out.
3. Place the sock with the soap inside the toilet tank, making sure it doesn’t sink to the bottom.
4. Rest one end of the sock over the edge of the tank and close the lid to hold it in place.
As the soap slowly dissolves, it releases mild soapy water with every flush, cleaning, freshening, and reducing odors naturally.
The Bottom Line
Both of these clever DIY methods — the cleaning-solution bottle and the soap-in-a-sock trick — can help you maintain a cleaner, fresher-smelling toilet with minimal effort. They’re affordable, easy to prepare, and use everyday items you already have at home.
A simple plastic bottle or bar of soap can go a long way toward keeping your bathroom sparkling clean — with no scrubbing required!
