Cleaning the toilet is rarely on the list of favorite household chores. However, it’s unavoidable: the bathroom is considered one of the dirtiest places in the home. The toilet is home to thousands of bacteria that are invisible to the naked eye. Therefore, regular cleaning is not only a matter of aesthetics but also of hygiene. The good news is that it can be done quickly and without harsh chemicals. And that’s where ordinary vinegar and paper towels come in handy.

Why you should avoid bleach.

Many people habitually use chlorine-containing products, but in reality, they are far from ideal. Yes, the surface may appear lighter, but chlorine is virtually ineffective at dissolving limescale and stubborn deposits. Furthermore, such products are harmful to the environment and can have adverse health effects—especially with frequent use or poor ventilation. Chlorine vapors irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. The most dangerous thing is mixing chlorine with other cleaning products. This can create chlorine gas, which is highly toxic. In fact, chlorine is not necessary to keep your toilet clean: there are safer, more effective alternatives.

How Vinegar and Paper Work

Limescale dissolves easily in an acidic environment, which is why vinegar is much more effective than bleach. Soaked paper towels in vinegar keep the acid in contact with the stained surface for a long time, gradually breaking down the limescale.

Step-by-step instructions.

Take paper towels or thick toilet paper.

Soak them generously in table or cleaning vinegar.

Carefully place the paper inside the toilet, covering the stained areas.

Leave the toilet for at least 4-5 hours without using it. It’s best to do this overnight—that way, the vinegar will be most effective.

In the morning, flush. The result is a clean toilet free of plaque, harsh odors, and harmful chemicals: minimum effort, maximum results.