What you should know when choosing non-toxic toilet bowl cleaner on Welpr:

  • Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
  • We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
  • The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
The Welpr Rating is determined by a scoring formula. The formula takes into account the products safety, user satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing. Click here to learn more.
Our Methodology and Ratings

Find Non-Toxic Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Pine Fresh - Ecover

Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Pine Fresh - Ecover
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.8
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-B are generally safe and offer good ingredient transparency, even if they have a few moderate-concern components. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/2238-EcoverToiletBowlCleanerPineFresh/?formulation=6042" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System. <a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org/brand/ecover-0" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$7.00

Product Details

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  • Plant and mineral based ingredients
  • Includes fragrances from essential oils
  • Removes tough stains, decalcifies, and freshens
  • Bottle made from 100% plant plastic and is 100% recyclable
  • Not tested on animals
  • Safe for septic tanks

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Eco-friendly
  • Effective
  • Pleasant

Cons Mentioned

  • Strong

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.


Ingredients: Aqua, Citric Acid, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance* (*100% Natural Fragrance), Sodium Benzoate, Linalool, Limonene

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.

Zero Plastic Bathroom Cleaner Powder, Unscented - Seventh Generation

Zero Plastic Bathroom Cleaner Powder, Unscented - Seventh Generation
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-A contain minimal health hazards and provide excellent ingredient disclosure. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/7111-SeventhGenerationZeroPlasticToiletBowlFoamingPowderFragranceFree/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The B Corp certification indicates that a company meets high social and environmental standards. <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/seventh-generation/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$20.67

Product Details

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  • Non-scratching, mineral-based cleaning power
  • Zero plastic packaging with a container made of steel
  • Biodegradable ingredients
  • Water-activated formula effective against soap scum
  • Free from dyes, chlorine bleach, and fragrances

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Eco-friendly
  • Fragrance-free

Cons Mentioned

  • Troublesome

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.


Ingredients: Citric Acid, Sodium Percarbonate, Fumaric Acid, Gluconolactone, Alkoxylated Alcohol

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.

Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Tea Tree & Peppermint - Better Life

Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Tea Tree & Peppermint - Better Life
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.7
/5
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Certifications

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<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System.</p>
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$12.10

Product Details

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  • Made with plant-based cleaning agents that are gentle on the planet.
  • Designed to leave your toilet sparkling clean and smelling fresh with a natural, powerful cleaning action.
  • Throne-Tidying feature allows for easy application by squirting gel under the rim to coat the bowl; simply brush and flush afterward.
  • Safe to use in septic systems.
  • Leaping Bunny certified, confirming the product is cruelty-free and never tested on animals.
  • Incorporates natural ingredients like tea tree oil, eucalyptus leaf oil, peppermint oil, lime oil, and lemongrass oil for effective cleaning and refreshing scent.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Fresh
  • Eco-friendly

Cons Mentioned

  • Pricey

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.


Ingredients: Purified Water, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Alkyl Polyglucoside, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Oil, Plant- Or Mineral-Based Ingredient

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Lemon Cedar - Blueland

Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Lemon Cedar - Blueland
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Safer Choice is an EPA label that identifies products with chemical ingredients that have passed a stringent evaluation, ensuring they contain only the safest components as determined by rigorous scientific processes. <a href="https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/products#search=a043d000003RsqIAAS" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The USDA Certified Biobased Product Label certifies that a product is made primarily from renewable biological resources, verified through third-party testing and ongoing USDA monitoring. <a href="https://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/catalog/Catalog.xhtml" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The B Corp certification indicates that a company meets high social and environmental standards. <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/one-home-brands-inc/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The Climate Neutral certification verifies that a brand has measured, reduced, and offset its entire carbon footprint. <a href="https://www.changeclimate.org/brand/blueland" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System. <a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org/brand/blueland" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$28.99

Product Details

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  • Plastic-free, eco-friendly design aimed at reducing environmental impact.
  • Formulated with plant-based ingredients to tackle tough toilet stains such as rust, mineral deposits, limescale, and hard water.
  • Simple usage process: drop a tablet into the toilet bowl, brush, and flush.
  • Features a natural Lemon Cedar scent derived from 100% natural fragrance.
  • Contains no chlorine bleach, hydrochloric acid, CTAC, or dyes, ensuring safety for septic systems.
  • Certified by EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny (Cruelty-Free), Vegan, B Corp, Climate Neutral, and USDA Bio-Preferred.
  • Support provided by Blueland's Customer Experience team for any purchase issues.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Eco-friendly
  • Convenient

Cons Mentioned

  • Pricey

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.


Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate 144-55-8, Naturally Derived, Citric Acid 77-92-9, Naturally Derived, Maltodextrin 9050-36-6, Naturally Derived, Water/Aqua 7732-18-5, Naturally Derived, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 151-21-3, Naturally Derived,Brassica Napus (Canola) Seed Oil 120962-03-0, Naturally Derived, Limonene 5989-27-5, Naturally Derived, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Oil 8007-02-01, Naturally Derived, Sodium Benzoate 532-32-1, Naturally Derived

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.

Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner Strips, Fresh - Nature Clean

Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner Strips, Fresh - Nature Clean
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.5
/5
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Certifications

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<p>The PETA certification identifies cosmetics, personal-care, and household products as cruelty-free ensuring no animal testing or animal-derived ingredients are used worldwide. <a href="https://crueltyfree.peta.org/company/nature-clean/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$29.99

Product Details

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  • Safe and Non-Toxic: Free from harsh chemicals, phosphates, and chlorine, septic-safe and biodegradable.
  • Powerful Cleaning: Formulated to remove tough stains, mineral deposits, and odors, ensuring the toilet bowl remains spotless and fresh.
  • Easy-to-Use: Drop a strip into the toilet bowl, let it dissolve, stir, brush, and flush with no need for plastic bottles or messy liquids.
  • Long-Lasting: Each pack contains 36 strips, providing months of cleaning without frequent resupply.
  • Fresh Scent: Leaves a pleasant, natural lemon scent, keeping the bathroom smelling fresh.
  • Safe for All Toilets: Compatible with all types of toilets, including porcelain, ceramic, and septic tank systems.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Convenient
  • Eco-friendly

Cons Mentioned

  • Inconsistent

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.


Ingredients: Sodium Coco Sulfate, Poly Vinyl Alcohol, Aqua, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Saponins, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Carbonate, Polyether Modified Polysiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Brilliant Blue Fcf

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.

Toilet Cleaner, Fresh - naturally it's clean

Toilet Cleaner, Fresh - naturally it's clean
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.45
/5
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Highlights

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<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$14.95

Product Details

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  • ECO Friendly: Contains no harsh fumes, vapors, phosphates, chlorine, or petroleum and is safe for septic systems.
  • Plant-Based Products: Made with plant-based enzymes, safe for cleaning around children and pets.
  • Effective Cleaning: Cleans toilet bowls, bidets, urinal surfaces, porcelain, fiberglass, and hardwater buildup while removing odors without strong fragrances.
  • Easy To Use: Product instructions include shaking the container, streaming contents around surfaces and under the rim, soaking, and scrubbing as needed.
  • Made In The USA: Produced in a facility in the USA, focused on effective, safe cleaning products for a healthy home and environment.
  • Free From Artificial Dyes and Fragrances: Formulated without artificial dyes or fragrances, emphasizing natural ingredients.
  • Reusable, Refillable Packaging: Supports sustainable practices with packaging designed for reuse and refills.
  • Cruelty-Free: Not tested on animals, ensuring ethical production practices.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Natural
  • Fragrant

Cons Mentioned

  • Watery

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.


Ingredients: Water, Plant-Based Enzyme Blend, Citric Acid, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside (Plant-Based Surfactant), Xanthan Gum, Sodium Formate (Natural Stabilizer), Dipropylene Glycol, Benzisothiazolinone, And Sodium Hydroxide (Preservative), Citrus Natural Fragrance, Carmine (Natural Color)

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.

The Conscious Toilet Brush, Unscented - Tushy

The Conscious Toilet Brush, Unscented - Tushy
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.45
/5
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$54.00

Product Details

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  • Features a durable powder-coated steel stem and a natural bamboo handle for ergonomic comfort and longevity.
  • Equipped with 100% biodegradable and sustainable coconut husk scrubbing pads.
  • Includes an easy-to-use claw gripper activated by a button on the handle for efficient cleaning.
  • Compact design ensures it does not occupy unnecessary bathroom space.
  • Naturally abrasive bristles effectively remove tough stains.
  • Infused with a Lemon & Tea Tree Oil scented cleaning agent for a fresh aroma and effective cleaning.
  • Cleaning agent composition includes citric acid, tea tree oil, lemon essence, sodium lauryl polyether sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, cocamide DEA, and preservatives.
  • Incorporates a brush holder.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Eco-friendly
  • Elegant

Cons Mentioned

  • Expensive

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Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.

Liquid Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Lemon Verbena - Mrs. Meyer's

Liquid Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Lemon Verbena - Mrs. Meyer's
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.4
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-B are generally safe and offer good ingredient transparency, even if they have a few moderate-concern components. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/693-MrsMeyersCleanDayToiletBowlCleanerLemonVerbena/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System. <a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org/brand/mrs-meyers-clean-day" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$5.99

Product Details

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  • Effective toilet cleaner that freshens and removes stains.
  • Formulated with essential oils and plant-derived ingredients.
  • Free from phthalates, chlorine, and mineral acids.
  • Septic safe and biodegradable.
  • Cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified.
  • Features a light, citrus fragrance of Lemon Verbena.
  • Available in other garden-inspired scents and cleaning products.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Refreshing
  • Eco-friendly

Cons Mentioned

  • Overpowering

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.


Ingredients: Water, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, C12-16 Alcohol Ethoxylates 7 EO, Fragrance, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Albies Alba (Fir) Leaf Oil, Cympobogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Xanthan Gum

Our Product Rating System

Our Product Rating System

First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.

Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.

Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.

Welpr Rating:

5.0/5

The Welpr Rating takes into account 3 things:

  1. Product Safety
  2. Consumer Satisfaction
  3. Ethics & Environment
Product safety

Part 1: Product safety

We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.

Consumer satisfaction

Part 2: Consumer satisfaction

We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).

Ethics & Environment

Part 3: Ethics & Environment

When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.

Common Harmful Chemicals in Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric acid is used in multiple industries like chlorides, fertilizers, dyes, electroplating, and others. It has dangerous health effects like irritation and inflammation of eyes, nose and respiratory tract, and pulmonary edema after short-term inhalation; corrosion to mucous membranes, esophagus, and stomach and severe burns after oral exposure; dermatitis, photosensitization, gastritis and chronic bronchitis after long-term occupational exposure. While the EPA hasn't classified hydrochloric acid for carcinogenicity, many chemicals can spill to release HCl in water.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Sodium laureth sulfate, derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a surfactant used in sudsy products like toothpaste, detergents, and shampoos. While it acts as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, it can sometimes contain toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. This chemical has raised health concerns due to its potential to cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, organ toxicity, and, primarily because of contamination by 1,4 dioxane, cancer.

Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye, is an odorless white crystalline solid that absorbs moisture from the air. It generates significant heat when dissolved in water or neutralized with acid which may ignite combustible materials. It is highly corrosive and is typically used as a solid or in a 50% solution. Sodium hydroxide is used to manufacture a variety of products including soaps, rayon, paper, explosives, dyestuffs, and petroleum products. Exposure to this substance may cause severe burns, necrosis, and pulmonary edema, depending on the concentration and exposure method.

Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite is a clear liquid with a strong chlorine odor, predominantly used as bleaching agents or disinfectants in commercial cleaning solutions and water purification systems. Sodium hypochlorite is often used in a dissolved state. It is corrosive to skin and can cause pulmonary edema from high inhalation exposure. Its ingestion can lead to methemoglobinemia, and a 3% to 5% solution causes burnings of the mouth and throat. The anhydrous form of this compound is highly explosive.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released by many cleaning products, as revealed by a study in Chemosphere which analyzed 30 such items. Of the 530 distinct VOCs identified, 193 were considered hazardous, linked to health issues like respiratory system damage and cancer. Indoor air contamination from VOCs is significantly higher than outdoor, with up to 10 times more pollutants. However, products labeled as green, particularly those without fragrances, exhibited fewer hazardous VOC emissions. Exposure to VOCs has critical health implications, especially for cleaning industry workers and children, and these compounds also contribute to outdoor air pollution.

Phenol

Phenol is a manufactured chemical and natural substance that is primarily used in the production of phenolic resins, nylon, and other synthetic fibers. It is also used in slimicides and various medicinal preparations. Exposure to phenol may occur from certain medicinal products and it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and toxicity when ingested. It can also lead to various health problems such as weight loss, vertigo, kidney damage, and other serious health conditions. It is highly corrosive, flammable, moderately soluble in water, and has a sweet, tar-like odor; it should be handled with protective clothing and stored in well-ventilated areas to avoid toxic exposure.

Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid, in liquid or solid form, can cause second-degree burns upon contact within minutes. It's usually shipped as a solid or an 85% solution and is corrosive to skin when the concentration is over 70%. This acid is also an irritant to the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract, however, the risk of pulmonary edema is minimal.

Potassium Hydroxide

Potassium hydroxide 30-70% is a liquid that is highly corrosive to skin, causing second or third-degree burns even after brief contact. It is a hazardous substance that can also induce pulmonary edema, a condition characterized by excessive fluid in the lungs. The effects and properties of this chemical can be compared to those of Sodium hydroxide.

Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine appears to cause occupational asthma and allergic contact dermatitis in machinists and photographers, as well as liver and kidney damage in animals with high-dose feeding. It's noted to be an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, with potential to cause skin sensitization, though the rate of skin sensitization in humans is low. Triethanolamine has low acute toxicity, with median oral LD50 values of 4,190-11,260 mg/kg in rats and 5,300-8,000 mg/kg in guinea pigs, and a median dermal LD50 greater than 2,000 mg/kg in rabbits. Triethanolamine is not carcinogenic, developmental toxicant, or toxic to the reproductive system. However, chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage.

Monoethanolamine

2-Aminoethanol is a colorless, viscous liquid that, despite not being registered for pesticide use in the U.S, holds vast potential in a variety of applications. It can be used in cutting fluids, production of soaps, surfactants, salts, corrosion control inhibitors, pharmaceuticals, and even in protective topical solutions against chemical warfare agents. Used as a pharmaceutical adjuvant, 2-Aminoethanol is effective as a solvent for fats and oils and in creating emulsion formulas like lotions and creams. However, it poses health risks, as a 5.9% concentration can irritate human skin and inhalation may cause allergic reactions, liver damage, and liver symptoms.

Ethanolamine

Ethanolamine is a liquid that can cause first-degree burns on short exposure. It is known to be a skin irritant and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Occupational exposure, notably among hairdressers, has been linked to asthma. Inhalation of ethanolamine in high concentrations can lead to Central Nervous System (CNS) depression and can be toxic to the liver, as shown in subchronic inhalation studies in animals. It is also a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant, with the potential to sensitize the skin.

Diethanolamine

Diethanolamine is a chemical found in various consumer products like shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Acute exposure in humans can result in irritation of the nose, throat, and skin. However, no detailed data is available on its chronic, reproductive, developmental or carcinogenic effects on humans. Studies on animals reveal that acute oral exposure can influence the liver, blood, kidney, and central nervous system, while dermal exposure has been connected with an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice. Production of first-degree burns, skin irritation, occupational asthma, kidney, and liver injury risk, and potential skin sensitization are some other adverse effects associated with diethanolamine.

Benzyl Alcohol

Benzyl alcohol can occasionally lead to allergic contact dermatitis or occupational contact urticaria. It can irritate the skin and eyes, and inhalation at high quantities can result in central nervous system effects. Rats exposed to high concentrations showed no deaths, however, it has caused fatalities in premature infants when given in IV solutions at doses over 4.5mg/kg a day. The substance is quickly metabolized to hippuric acid and is noted as a known contact allergen in humans.

Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate

Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate is toxic upon ingestion and act as a strong oxidizer, posing a fire hazard when exposed to organic materials. It may react violently with combustible substances and decompose due to heat or water, releasing toxic gases such as chlorine. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, and prolonged exposure can result in corrosive skin burns. Inhalation of high concentrations can lead to acute pulmonary edema. It may also explode from shock, friction, or other ignition sources, and can cause fires upon contact with combustible materials.

Ethylene Oxide

Ethylene oxide is a flammable, sweet-smelling gas that easily dissolves in water. This man-made compound is primarily used to create ethylene glycol, which is used to make antifreeze and polyester, and is also used in small quantities for controlling insects in stored agricultural products, sterilizing medical equipment and fumigating spices. Ethylene oxide may cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, damage to the brain and nervous system, reproductive effects, and is considered by the EPA to be carcinogenic if inhaled. Exposure risks, which are notably prevalent for healthcare workers engaged in sterilization tasks, include CNS depression, eye and mucous membrane irritation and in some cases, cataracts. Despite these hazards, there are conflicted reports regarding ethylene oxide's carcinogenicity in humans.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid is corrosive to the skin and eyes, with 70% technical solutions causing severe burns. It also irritates the respiratory tract and may lead to kidney failures. The chemical can cause burns when inhaled, leading to possible injuries to the upper respiratory tract and lungs. It is also harmful if ingested.

Laureth-7

Laureth-7, a surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol sourced from coconut or palm oil, is commonly used in personal care and household products, especially laundry detergents. In detergents, it functions by reducing surface tension between water and soil, aiding in the removal of dirt, stains, and oils from fabrics. This ingredient belongs to the Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) family, which is found in various consumer goods. Despite past contamination concerns, modern manufacturing processes have addressed and eliminated these issues. Although PEGs are not used in certain personal care products, their inclusion in machine detergents is deemed acceptable since they don't directly touch the skin.

d-Limonene

d-Limonene is a liquid with a lemon-like smell, often used as a solvent to substitute for more volatile and toxic organic solvents. When it comes into contact with air, it can oxidize, and this oxidized form is a known skin sensitizer, capable of irritating skin and eyes. The combination of d-limonene and l-limonene is known as limonene or dipentene. The estimated lethal dose for humans is between 0.5 to 5 g/kg, and studies have shown that it can cause diarrhea and liver effects when ingested in high doses.

Linalool

Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spice plants, consisting of two enantiomers. It is widely used in commercial products for its pleasant floral and spicy scent, serving as a key ingredient in soaps, fragrances, food flavors, household products, and insecticides. In plants, linalool functions as a metabolite, volatile oil component, antimicrobial agent, and aroma compound. Acute exposure to linalool can lead to central depressive effects with symptoms such as ataxia, reduced motor activity, and respiratory disturbances. Additionally, inhalation, oral intake, or skin absorption can result in irritation, pain, and allergic reactions.

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About The Author

Camille May

Hey, I’m Camille, co-creator of Welpr and your clean living guide. After selling my last company in the health food space, I went non-toxic to heal an autoimmune condition. It did wonders for my health, but navigating which products to buy wasn’t easy. We created Welpr to make that journey feel a little bit easier. When I’m not working on Welpr, you can find me at the farmers market or unwinding in the sauna, always in bed at 9pm with a good book. I live in my hometown of Austin, TX with my pit bull, Romeo.