Most households keep a bottle of toilet bowl cleaner among the cleaning supplies, but few use it to clean anything other than a toilet. However, this product can be a handy household cleaner on the right surfaces since its ingredients will cut through grimy buildup and bacteria. 

“Toilet bowl cleaner is highly effective because it contains powerful ingredients like hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, which break down tough stains, mineral deposits, and bacteria,” says Val Oliveira, CEO and founder of Val’s Services Cleaning. 

Read on to learn what other items can be cleaned with toilet bowl cleaner, with tips from cleaning pros.

Tubs and Sinks

Because of their powerful ingredients to sanitize and break down grime, toilet bowl cleaners can be useful in cleaning other areas in the bathroom, according to Oliveira.

“It’s great for tackling tough stains in sinks, tubs, and showers, especially for removing hard water deposits and soap scum,” she says. 

Mix a solution of equal parts toilet bowl cleaner and water in a spray bottle and apply it to the surface. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water. 

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Tile Grout

Tile grout often accumulates stains, as well as mold and mildew, and Avery says it’s a perfect spot to use toilet bowl cleaner for a deep clean. The powerful chemicals in the cleaner will remove stains and break down mold and mildew buildup.

“My suggestion would be to apply the toilet bowl cleaner gel to the grout, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub with a cleaning brush,” Axel Avery, professional cleaner at Oakville Maids, says. After scrubbing, rinse the area thoroughly with water. 

​​Plastic Trash Cans

Plastic trash cans can hold onto odors and stains, making them difficult to clean. Wipe down the trash cans with a cloth and a 50/50 solution of toilet bowl cleaner and water. Then, rinse the can with water.

For stubborn stains, apply a small drop of toilet bowl cleaner to the stained area. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then wipe away with a cloth. Rinse and dry the can.  

Car Tires

Car tires looking worse for wear? Toilet bowl cleaner can help cut through the mud and gunk that accumulates on tires.

To clean, give the tires an initial rinse with water. Then, mix a 50/50 solution of the cleaner and water in a bucket. Dip a cloth or sponge in the solution and scrub the tires. Rinse the tires with water and repeat as needed. 

Tile Floors

Try using toilet bowl cleaner to clean and sanitize your tile floors, especially bathroom floors.

“When diluted, it works well on tile floors, helping to remove stubborn stains and odors,” Oliveira says. 

Simply add a couple of drops of toilet bowl cleaner to a bucket of water and use a mop to clean your tile floors. If you notice your floors look streaky, go over the floors with a mop again using only water. 

What Shouldn’t Be Cleaned with Toilet Bowl Cleaner?

Toilet bowl cleaner is a powerful agent, and Avery says it should only be used for particularly grimy surfaces that can withstand abrasive chemicals. Avoid using toilet cleaner on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble countertops, wood furniture, or hardwood floors.

You should also avoid cleaning food containers, utensils, or anything that comes into contact with food with toilet bowl cleaner since the cleaner contains strong chemicals that can be toxic when consumed.

Instead, opt for solutions specifically designed for these surfaces or use a combination of dish soap and water.

“Most surfaces in your house can be cleaned with multi-purpose cleaners or just soapy water,” Avery says. “There’s no need to go overboard.”