What Are Toilet Bombs?
Toilet bombs are small, fizzy cleaning tablets made from natural ingredients like baking soda and citric acid. When dropped into the toilet bowl, they fizz up to help clean and deodorize your toilet without the use of bleach or synthetic chemicals.
They’re ideal for:
- Daily or weekly bathroom freshness
- Quick cleanups between deep scrubs
- Households that want eco-friendly, kid- and pet-safe options
Why Use Natural Toilet Bombs Instead of Store-Bought Cleaners?
Many commercial toilet cleaners contain harsh ingredients that may be harmful to both your health and the environment. DIY toilet bombs offer a better alternative:
- Chemical-Free: No bleach, ammonia, or artificial fragrances
- Safe for Kids & Pets: Made with gentle, non-toxic ingredients
- Eco-Friendly: No plastic packaging or runoff pollution
- Customizable: Choose your own scents using essential oils
toilet bombs -diy -homemade Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda (cleans & deodorizes)
- 1/4 cup citric acid (creates the fizz)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (binds ingredients)
- 30–40 drops essential oils (lavender, lemon, peppermint, tea tree)
- Water in a spray bottle (use sparingly)
- Silicone mold or ice cube tray
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch.
- Add essential oils and stir until evenly distributed.
- Lightly spritz the mixture with water and mix. Repeat slowly until the mixture holds together like wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Let sit at room temperature for 4–6 hours (or overnight) to dry and harden.
- Gently pop out and store in an airtight glass jar.
Best Essential Oils for Toilet Bombs
Toilet bombs are an effective and natural way to freshen your bathroom while neutralizing odors and sanitizing your toilet bowl. The key to making them truly effective and pleasant is choosing the right essential oils. Below are some of the best options for both scent and cleaning power.
1. Lemon Essential Oil
Benefits: Antibacterial, antiviral, and naturally deodorizing
Scent Profile: Crisp, clean, and citrusy
Lemon oil is a favorite for toilet bombs due to its bright aroma and powerful germ-fighting properties. It’s perfect for a refreshing, just-cleaned feel.
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Benefits: Antifungal, antibacterial, and odor-fighting
Scent Profile: Sharp, medicinal, and earthy
Tea tree oil works exceptionally well in toilet bombs thanks to its strong deodorizing abilities. It combats mold and mildew, making it ideal for humid bathrooms.
3. Lavender Essential Oil
Benefits: Antibacterial, calming, and mildly deodorizing
Scent Profile: Floral, soft, and slightly herbal
Lavender not only helps keep the toilet area clean but also promotes a spa-like, relaxing atmosphere perfect for evening use or guest bathrooms.
4. Peppermint Essential Oil
Benefits: Cooling, invigorating, and odor-neutralizing
Scent Profile: Minty, fresh, and slightly sweet
Peppermint is excellent for eliminating strong bathroom odors and leaves behind a crisp, energizing scent.
Create Your Own Custom Blends
You can mix and match oils to create a personalized toilet bomb scent:
Citrus + Mint: Lemon + Peppermint for a fresh, zesty blend
Herbal Spa: Lavender + Tea Tree for a clean, calming scent
Bright Clean: Lemon + Eucalyptus for a sharp, disinfecting combo
Tip: Use 15–20 drops of essential oil per batch of DIY toilet bombs to balance fragrance and effectiveness.
How to Use Toilet Bombs Properly
- Drop 1 toilet bomb into the toilet bowl
- Let fizz for 5–10 minutes
- Brush and flush as usual
Use 1–2 times per week or after particularly smelly visits.
Tips to Customize Your Toilet Bombs
- Add color: Use a few drops of food-safe coloring for a visual pop
- Create scent combos: Citrus + mint, lavender + vanilla, or eucalyptus + lemon
- Add a luxury twist: A few drops of vanilla absolute or clean musk essential oils make your bathroom feel like a spa
Where to Buy Pre-Made Toilet Bombs (If You Don’t Want DIY)
Prefer not to make them yourself? Here are great places to shop:
- Amazon: Search for natural toilet fizzies or essential oil toilet bombs
- Etsy: Find handmade, small-batch options with unique scent blends
- Eco-Cleaning Brands: Look for brands offering refillable packaging and plant-based formulas
FAQs About Toilet Bombs
What are toilet bombs?
Toilet bombs are small fizzy cleaning tablets made from natural ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. When dropped into the toilet bowl, they fizz and help clean, deodorize, and freshen the toilet.
How do toilet bombs work?
Toilet bombs work through a chemical reaction between baking soda and citric acid, which creates fizzing action. This reaction helps loosen grime and freshen the bowl, while essential oils add a pleasant scent.
Are toilet bombs safe for plumbing and septic systems?
Yes, homemade toilet bombs are generally safe for plumbing and septic systems because they use gentle, biodegradable ingredients like baking soda and citric acid without harsh chemicals.
How often should I use toilet bombs?
You can use toilet bombs 2–3 times a week for regular maintenance. For extra freshness or after heavy use, simply drop one in and let it fizz before scrubbing or flushing.
Can I make toilet bombs at home?
Absolutely! Toilet bombs are easy to make using ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, water, and essential oils. They're a fun and eco-friendly DIY cleaning product.
What essential oils are best for toilet bombs?
Popular choices include lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint. These oils offer natural antibacterial properties and leave the toilet smelling fresh.
Why are my toilet bombs crumbling or not fizzing?
This can happen if there's too much moisture or if the ingredients aren’t mixed well. Make sure to slowly add liquid and press the mixture firmly into molds.
Do toilet bombs replace scrubbing the toilet?
No, toilet bombs help with deodorizing and mild cleaning but don’t fully replace scrubbing. They’re best used in between deep cleans to maintain freshness.
Explore more natural cleaning ideas in our related articles:
Try making your own toilet bombs today your bathroom will thank you!
toilet bombs -diy -homemade Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)

Toilet Bombs Recipe
Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda (cleans & deodorizes)
- 1/4 cup citric acid (creates the fizz)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (binds ingredients)
- 30–40 drops essential oils (lavender, lemon, peppermint, tea tree)
- Water in a spray bottle (use sparingly)
- Silicone mold or ice cube tray
Recipe Instructions: 1/ In a large bowl, combine the baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch. 2/ Add essential oils and stir until evenly distributed. 3/ Lightly spritz the mixture with water and mix. Repeat slowly until the mixture holds together like wet sand. 4/ Press the mixture firmly into silicone molds or an ice cube tray. 5/ Let sit at room temperature for 4–6 hours (or overnight) to dry and harden. 6/ Gently pop out and store in an airtight glass jar.