Toilets are among the most frequently used fixtures in any home. Choosing the wrong one or using it improperly can lead to bacterial growth, unpleasant odors, and stubborn stains.

Many people struggle to choose the right toilet. Experts recommend a simple trick: using dark soy sauce.

Pour a small amount of soy sauce onto the inner sides of the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then flush, using both the full and half-flush options.

If the soy sauce clings to the surface and doesn't flush away easily, the toilet is likely of poor quality with a subpar glaze. This means that urine and other residues will also stick, making cleaning difficult. A good quality toilet will allow the soy sauce to rinse away quickly, indicating a surface that resists stains and is easy to clean, reducing the risk of clogs.

Soy sauce is effective in cleaning and deodorizing toilets. It can also be used to test toilet quality. Photo: Sohu

Soy sauce is effective in cleaning and deodorizing toilets. It can also be used to test toilet quality. Photo: Sohu

Even high-quality toilets require regular cleaning, at least once a week. Experts advise against mixing bleach and other disinfectants, as this combination can create toxic, potentially fatal fumes. Instead, consider these natural and safe cleaning methods:

Soy sauce: Many people have shared this tip for cleaning toilets. A few drops can loosen dirt and grime, making scrubbing easier. It also neutralizes odors more effectively than air fresheners and is both economical and safe.

To soften stubborn residue at the bottom of the bowl: Pour in white vinegar and let it sit for 30 minutes. The acid in the vinegar neutralizes alkaline deposits, making them easier to remove.

To tackle tough yellow stains: Sprinkle table salt and baking soda into the bowl. Salt increases friction, while baking soda provides powerful cleaning action.

To clean hard-to-reach areas: Use white vinegar and baking soda. Pour 200 ml of vinegar into the bowl and let it soak for an hour. Then, add 50 g of baking soda. The resulting foam will clean even those spots a toilet brush can't reach.

For emergency cleaning with Coca-Cola: Pour half a bottle of leftover Coca-Cola into the bowl and let it soak overnight. A light scrubbing in the morning will reveal significantly reduced residue.

Bao Nhien (Sohu)