How Do You Make Toilet Bombs

Toilet bombs, also known as toilet cleaning fizzies or toilet fizzy bombs, are an effective, natural, and chemical-free way to keep your toilet fresh and clean. These homemade cleaners are simple to make and provide a fizzy reaction that helps remove mild stains, neutralize odors, and sanitize your toilet bowl. In this article, we will explore how do you make toilet bombs, what ingredients you need, how they work, and why they are an eco-friendly alternative to commercial toilet cleaners.
What Are Toilet Bombs?
Toilet bombs are small, compressed mixtures of cleaning agents that fizz when dropped into toilet water. The fizzy reaction is caused by a chemical interaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and citric acid, both of which are natural and safe cleaning agents.
These fizzy cleaners work similarly to bath bombs but are made with ingredients tailored for sanitizing toilets rather than softening skin. You can also add essential oils to enhance the scent and give it antibacterial properties.
Learn more about sodium bicarbonate on Wikipedia.
Ingredients Needed to Make Toilet Bombs
Before you learn how to make toilet bombs, let’s list the common ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda – deodorizes and breaks down stains.
- 1/4 cup citric acid – reacts with baking soda to create fizzing action.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch – acts as a binding agent.
- 1 tablespoon water – activates the mixture for shaping.
- Essential oils (10-20 drops) – for fragrance and added cleaning power.
- Lavender, tea tree, lemon, or eucalyptus oil are common choices.
- Silicone mold or ice cube tray – for shaping the bombs.
Optional:
- White vinegar (to be used in the toilet bowl to boost fizzing and cleaning power).
How Do Toilet Bombs Work?
The magic behind toilet bombs lies in the acid-base reaction between citric acid and baking soda. When dropped into water, these two ingredients react to produce carbon dioxide gas, creating the signature fizz that helps lift grime and stains from the bowl’s surface.
The essential oils provide a pleasant scent and often have antimicrobial properties. For example, tea tree oil has natural antifungal and antibacterial benefits. Baking soda helps scrub stains, and citric acid dissolves mineral build-up.
Step-by-Step Guide: How Do You Make Toilet Bombs
Here’s a simple method to make toilet bombs at home:
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
- Combine 1 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of citric acid, and 1/4 cup of cornstarch.
- Stir thoroughly using a whisk or fork to ensure even distribution.
Step 2: Add Essential Oils
- Add 10–20 drops of your preferred essential oil.
- Stir again to mix the oils well with the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Add Moisture Slowly
- Using a spray bottle, lightly mist 1 tablespoon of water into the mixture while constantly stirring.
- The key is to add moisture very gradually to prevent the fizzing reaction from occurring prematurely.
- The mixture should resemble damp sand — it should clump when pressed.
Step 4: Mold the Mixture
- Pack the mixture firmly into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Press it tightly to ensure the bombs hold their shape.
Step 5: Dry the Bombs
- Let the bombs sit in a dry place for at least 6-8 hours (overnight is ideal).
- Once hardened, gently remove them from the molds and store in an airtight container.
How to Use Toilet Bombs
Using toilet bombs is as easy as dropping one into the toilet bowl. Here’s how:
- Drop 1 bomb into the toilet.
- Let it fizz for 5–10 minutes.
- Use a toilet brush to lightly scrub if necessary.
- Flush the toilet.
You can also drop one in the tank occasionally (check with your plumber first) or use it in the sink and bathtub drains to deodorize.
Why Use Toilet Bombs?
1. Eco-Friendly
Homemade toilet bombs avoid the use of harsh chemicals, bleach, and synthetic fragrances found in store-bought cleaners. This makes them safe for your plumbing system and reduces your household’s environmental footprint.
2. Cost-Effective
Most ingredients used in toilet bombs are affordable and often already available in your kitchen. Making them at home saves money over time compared to buying commercial toilet tablets.
3. Safe for Families
Toilet bombs are non-toxic, especially if you skip synthetic dyes or strong artificial scents. They are safer for kids and pets when stored responsibly.
4. Customizable Scents and Properties
You can tailor the scent and antimicrobial properties by choosing different essential oils. For example:
- Lemon oil for citrus freshness.
- Eucalyptus oil for a clean, spa-like aroma.
- Tea tree oil for antibacterial strength.
Tips for Best Results
- Store in a dry place – Humidity can cause premature fizzing.
- Use silicone molds – Easier to remove bombs once dried.
- Add vinegar to the toilet bowl – For extra fizz and improved stain removal.
- Use regularly – 2–3 times per week keeps your toilet fresh and buildup-free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much water – Causes the mixture to start fizzing early.
- Not packing the mixture tightly – Leads to crumbly or broken bombs.
- Using metal containers – Can react with acidic ingredients; use glass or plastic bowls.
Are There Any Risks?
Toilet bombs are generally safe, but here are a few precautions:
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not mix with bleach or other chemical cleaners.
- Test essential oils on a small area first if you’re sensitive.
Alternative Uses for Toilet Bombs
Aside from cleaning toilets, these bombs can:
- Deodorize trash cans
- Freshen shoes
- Sanitize sinks and tubs
Just ensure you’re using them in compatible environments and not where food is handled.
Conclusion
Making toilet bombs at home is a smart, sustainable choice for keeping your bathroom clean and fresh without relying on harsh chemicals. They’re easy to make, cost-effective, and customizable to suit your preferences. If you’ve been wondering, “How do you make toilet bombs?”, now you know — and it’s simpler than you might have thought.
These natural cleaners are not only fun to create but also practical for everyday home hygiene. Try your hand at making them, experiment with essential oils, and enjoy a cleaner bathroom with minimal effort and maximum freshness.