Categories: Kitchens

Toilet cleaning: Why you shouldn’t use bleach, according to an expert

Published by
James marcus

An expert’s warning telling people to never put bleach in your toilet has divided the Internet.

The furious debate started when Aussie mum Clare shared advice she’d received from an expert, who claimed that cleaning your loo with bleach ‘destroys the porcelain’.

In the video above: Mum shares genius cubby house hack

For more Hacks related news and videos check out Hacks >>

But while many agreed with the expert’s opinion, others vehemently disagreed – sparking a good-natured debate amongst Facebook users.

Sharing her tip on the Mums Who Clean Facebook page, Clare wrote: ‘I’ve just bought a new toilet seat and I happened to mention that I clean my toilet with bleach.

‘The lady told me I should never use bleach as it destroys the porcelain. She said eventually the toilet will not flush properly as the bend will be so scarred that it traps the paper. Has anyone else heard this before?’

Many others agreed with the advice, with several plumbers echoing the concerns.

Bleach or no bleach? Credit: Michael Heim / EyeEm/Getty Images/EyeEm

‘My son is a plumber and always told me to never use bleach in the toilet,’ said one. Added another: ‘Hubby a plumber and has always said never use bleach.’

Said a third: ‘Bleach destroyed our toilet so badly it was uncleanable and had to be replaced. I’ll never use it again. It DOES damage the porcelain and the scoring is impossible to clean after that.’

“’Bleach destroyed our toilet so badly it was uncleanable and had to be replaced’”

Said one more: ‘I worked in a hotel after many years this happened many needed replacing for this reason.’

However many of the group’s followers disagreed with the advice, with scores revealing they’d been using bleach in their toilets for decades with no issue.

‘My mum has been cleaning the toilet with bleach for over 24 years and no problems yet,’ said one. Added another: ‘50 years….been using beach….! Never had an issue…’

For more on 7NEWS.com.au

  • Passenger plane splits into pieces after skidding off runway
  • Dozens of rescue workers killed as two avalanches strike in Turkey
  • Waitress left shaking by diner’s unbelievable note on receipt

Said a third: ‘Using bleach in the loo for over 30 yrs…no drama at all.’

Added another: ‘I have used bleach gel all of my life no issues and my mum cleans hers daily with it for 20 yrs and she has 2 in the house so i think she is telling a porky.’

Said one more: ‘What a load of Twaddle. 20+ years of using bleach in/on and around the same toilet and it’s still flushing just fine – and the porcelain is still white’

Housemaid wearing yellow rubber glove and using brush cleaning in the toilet Credit: Kritsana Karakate / EyeEm/Getty Images/EyeEm

So, who’s right?

So who’s right? Plumbing website PlumbingSupply.com agrees that bleach can definitely be problematic on some types of porcelain and toilet systems.

‘Bleach, among the most revered of cleaning products and one that most people have readily accessible, can wreak havoc on your enamelled fixture.’ they say. ‘While generally safe with straight porcelain and fireclay, chlorine bleach can oxidize the iron of an enamelled fixture to create terrible rust stains. With coloured porcelain enamel, the effect can be even worse: in addition to rust, the colour will fade.

‘As a general rule, do not use regular chlorine bleach on a porcelain-enamelled fixture. When used on straight porcelain or fireclay, follow the dilution directions on the bottle, don’t let it sit for too long, and be sure to rinse well and dry after cleaning.

‘As always, never mix cleaners, and be extra-cautious with bleach (especially if you’ve used ammonia-based cleaners previously). If your home has a septic system instead of municipal sewage, steer clear of bleach as it can quickly destroy the natural waste-disposing ecosystem of your septic.’

This post was last modified on 14/10/2023 09:07

James marcus

Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.

Share
Published by
James marcus

Recent Posts

DIY Turmeric Scrub for Hyperpigmentation

For all my beauties with dark inner thighs, armpits, bikini area and spots, etc, this…

1 year ago

Top 15 Cook Interview Questions and Answers

Are you a passionate cook aspiring to embark on a rewarding culinary journey? Whether you're…

1 year ago

What Color Walls Go With Grey Kitchen Cabinets [Schemes]

Discover the perfect wall colors to complement your grey kitchen cabinets, creating a harmonious and…

1 year ago

10×10 Kitchen Remodel Cost: Everything You Need to Know

Generally, a 10×10 kitchen remodel ranges from $15,000 to $45,000, but several factors could cause…

1 year ago

How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?

Sleek and durable, quartz countertops are the latest trend in kitchen and bathroom renovation. Comparable…

1 year ago

Australian IKEA Kitchen Design & Installation Costs

IKEA kitchens are designed to be as simple as possible to assemble and install yourself.…

1 year ago