Here’s an easy, effective and non toxic homemade toilet cleaner powder recipe to keep your toilet sparkling clean, without the hassle of making fiddly toilet bombs! 
First published November 2024, updated July 2026.
Quick answer: To make homemade toilet cleaner powder, combine one cup of bi-carb soda, one-third of a cup of citric acid and 20 drops of essential oil in an airtight glass jar. Sprinkle two tablespoons into the toilet bowl, scrub lightly, allow it to fizz and then flush.
Many commercial toilet cleaners contain harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach, ammonia, and fake fragrances, which can pass through sewage treatment plants and enter waterways, affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Our DIY alternative avoids those synthetic chemicals entirely, using natural ingredients that are just as effective without the environmental impact. Let’s dive into how the ingredients in homemade fizzy toilet cleaner work their magic.
Firstly, what's the problem with commercial toilet cleaners?
Most toilet cleaners in Australia (such as Harpic, Duck, White King and Bref) contain harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach, ammonia, hydrochloric acid, and very strong synthetic fragrances (not that you would know because they do not disclose the ingredients on the label).
When flushed, these chemicals can pass through sewage treatment plants and enter waterways, where they disrupt aquatic ecosystems. Chlorine bleach, for example, releases toxic byproducts called dioxins, while ammonia contributes to nutrient pollution, leading to harmful algal blooms.
Fake fragrances contain phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors affecting both wildlife and human health. Not every fragrance contains phthalates, but limited ingredient disclosure can make it difficult to know exactly what is present.
By opting for natural cleaning alternatives, we can reduce these pollutants and protect the environment.
An additional surprising note, most toilet cleaners on the shelves in Coles and Woolworths are made in Indonesia, Poland, Vietnam, and Mexico!
If you've been searching for Fizz Clean toilet cleaner powder, you may also be wondering what it's made of and whether you can make your own.
The manufacturer does not publish a complete ingredient list, although it states the product contains no chlorine bleach, hydrochloric acid or phosphates. Third-party listings commonly mention ingredients such as sodium percarbonate, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, surfactants and fragrance, but these have not been confirmed by the manufacturer and may not represent the official formulation.
This homemade toilet cleaner powder is intentionally much simpler than many commercial toilet cleaner powders. This recipe creates a similar fizzing action and rather than using surfactants, synthetic fragrance or other undisclosed ingredients, it uses just three simple, recognisable ingredients that you choose yourself.
How To Make Fizzy Toilet Cleaner Powder
You only need three ingredients and an airtight container to make this homemade toilet cleaner powder. Unlike commercial toilet cleaner powders, you'll know exactly what's in every batch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of bi-carb soda
- ⅓ cup of citric acid
- 20 drops of Biome’s Native Essential Oil (or your own blend of Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus)
- Airtight glass jar or container
Method:
- Add the bi-carb soda and citric acid to your airtight container.
- Add 20 drops of essential oil.
- Put the lid on the jar, shake well, and your fizzy toilet cleaner is ready to use!
How to Use It
To clean, simply sprinkle two tablespoons of the toilet cleaner powder into the toilet bowl, scrub lightly with a plastic free toilet brush, let it fizz, and then flush for a fresh and clean result.
For more stubborn mineral deposits or staining, leave the powder in the bowl for a little longer before scrubbing. Do not mix it directly with chlorine bleach or other toilet cleaning chemicals.
Storage Tips
Store your homemade toilet cleaner powder in an airtight container and always use a dry spoon to prevent moisture activating the fizzing reaction.
If the powder clumps or hardens, simply break it into smaller pieces before use. Making smaller batches also helps keep it fresh.
Using this non toxic DIY Fizzy Toilet Cleaner Powder is an excellent way to avoid harmful chemicals, and reduce plastic waste, while keeping your bathroom fresh and sparkling. Give it a try—your bathroom (and the planet) will thank you!
Where can I buy the ingredients to make homemade toilet cleaner powder?
Bi-carb soda and citric acid are available from most supermarkets. Essential oils, reusable glass jars and plastic free toilet brushes are available from Biome.
Shop the ingredients & tools
Australian Native Adds a fresh natural scent. |
Keeps the powder dry and fresh. |
For scrubbing after the powder fizzes. |
Use separately for stubborn stains. |
How these toilet cleaner ingredients work
Bi-carb soda
Being interested in eco friendly cleaning, you likely already know that bicarbonate of soda is a versatile cleaning ingredient. It gently scrubs, neutralises odours and helps lift dirt without the harshness of some abrasive cleaners.
In this homemade toilet cleaner powder, bi-carb soda helps lift surface grime and neutralise unpleasant smells. It also reacts with the citric acid once the powder comes into contact with water, creating the fizzing action.
Citric acid
Citric acid, naturally found in citrus fruits and also synthetically made, is a favourite ingredient in eco-cleaning products.
Its acidic nature helps to dissolve mineral build-up, water stains, and grime, while also serving as the “fizzing” agent when combined with bi-carb. That fizzing reaction isn’t just for show—it’s a chemical reaction that helps loosen grime and break down stains effectively.
Biome Australian Native Essential Oil Blend
Biome’s Australian Native Essential Oil Blend includes several Australian essential oils, each contributing its own unique properties::
- Lemon myrtle: strong antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities, adding a fresh, uplifting scent.
- Nerolina: mild floral aroma with soothing, cleansing properties.
- Eucalyptus citriodora: cooling, citrus-scented oil with natural antibacterial and deodorising qualities.
- Kunzea: fresh, woodsy aroma with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
- Bush balm: calming effects and antibacterial properties.
- Tea tree: powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, helping keep your toilet extra fresh.
Together, these oils not only add a refreshing and earthy scent but also bring natural antibacterial, anti-fungal, and deodorising benefits to your fizzy toilet cleaner powder.
Essential oils are concentrated and should always be kept out of reach of children and pets. Avoid direct skin contact and follow the safety directions provided with the oil.
Prefer a ready-made alternative?
If you'd rather skip the DIY, ready-made toilet bombs offer the same convenient fizzing action without any mixing. Simply drop one into the toilet bowl, let it fizz, give the bowl a quick scrub and flush.
Urthly Organics Toilet Bombs
These ready-made toilet bombs fizz in the bowl to help freshen and loosen grime before scrubbing. Made with biodegradable ingredients and pure essential oils, they're a simple option when you don't have time to make your own toilet cleaner powder.
Best for: A convenient, ready-made alternative to homemade toilet cleaner powder.
Prefer a ready-made toilet cleaning option?
Explore Biome’s range of toilet cleaning powders, toilet bombs, oxygen bleach and plastic free toilet brushes for a lower-waste bathroom cleaning routine.
Frequently asked questions about homemade toilet cleaner powder
What is homemade toilet cleaner powder made from?
Homemade toilet cleaner powder is commonly made from bi-carb soda and citric acid. Essential oils may also be added for scent. When the dry ingredients come into contact with water, the acid and bi-carb react and create a fizzy effect.
Can I make my own Fizz Clean toilet cleaner?
You cannot recreate the commercial Fizz Clean product exactly because its complete formula is not publicly disclosed. However, you can make a simple homemade toilet cleaner powder that creates a similar fizzing action using bi-carb soda and citric acid.
Is homemade toilet cleaner the same as Fizz Clean?
No. This homemade toilet cleaner uses three simple ingredients and creates a light fizz. Fizz Clean is a commercial formula designed to produce more foam and may contain surfactants, fragrance and other cleaning agents that are not used in this DIY recipe.
Can I add oxygen bleach to this recipe?
It is best not to add oxygen bleach, also known as sodium percarbonate, directly to the same storage jar. Citric acid and oxygen bleach can react and reduce the effectiveness and stability of the mixture, particularly if moisture is present.
To target stubborn stains, use the oxygen bleach separately and follow the directions on its packaging. Do not combine either cleaner with chlorine bleach or another toilet cleaning product.
How often should I use homemade toilet cleaner powder?
For regular maintenance, use it once or twice a week with a plastic free toilet brush. You may need to clean more frequently if your toilet develops hard water build-up or frequent staining.
Is this homemade toilet cleaner safe for septic systems?
Bi-carb soda and citric acid are generally used in small amounts in household cleaning. However, septic systems vary, and essential oils can affect microorganisms when used in concentrated amounts. Use only the small quantity listed in the recipe and check with your septic system provider when unsure.
Can I use this cleaner elsewhere in the bathroom?
This blend is formulated for the toilet bowl, but it may also help freshen suitable bathroom sink drains. Do not use it on marble, limestone, terrazzo or other acid-sensitive natural stone surfaces, as citric acid may etch or damage the finish.
How long does homemade toilet cleaner powder last?
When stored in a dry, airtight container, the powder should remain usable for several months. If it becomes damp, its fizzing action may begin inside the container and the mixture may harden. Making smaller batches helps keep it dry and well mixed.
Does the fizz clean the toilet without scrubbing?
The fizz helps distribute the ingredients and loosen some surface grime, but it does not replace scrubbing. Use a toilet brush to physically remove residue, mineral deposits and marks from the bowl.
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