When most people think about toilet cleaner, they probably don't imagine months of testing, tweaking ingredients and cleaning far more toilets than anyone should.
But that's exactly what happened.
At Arborfill, creating our own range of everyday cleaning products has never been about making products just for the sake of it. Every formula has to earn its place in busy family homes by being gentle, effective and simple to use.
Our toilet cleaner was no exception.
Why develop our own toilet cleaner?
Many conventional toilet cleaners rely on harsh chemicals, strong synthetic fragrances and ingredients that can feel overwhelming, particularly in homes with children, pets or people with sensitivities.
Our aim wasn't to create the strongest-smelling toilet cleaner on the market.
It was to create one that genuinely works while avoiding unnecessary ingredients.
That meant finding the balance between effective limescale removal, good cleaning performance and a formula that people would feel happy using regularly.
Toilet cleaner is surprisingly difficult to formulate
At first glance, toilet cleaner seems simple.
In reality, it's one of the trickier products to get right.
If it's too thin, it runs straight into the water before it has a chance to work.
If it's too thick, it's difficult to squeeze from the bottle and doesn't spread well around the bowl.
Getting the consistency right took several rounds of testing. Small changes to one ingredient often affected something else entirely, so every adjustment meant making another batch and testing it again.
It's a process that takes time in between fulfilling orders and family life.
Why we chose each ingredient
Every ingredient in our toilet cleaner has a purpose.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is the main ingredient responsible for tackling limescale.
Rather than using stronger mineral acids, we chose citric acid because it's highly effective at dissolving mineral deposits while fitting with our goal of creating a gentler everyday cleaning product.
Plant-Based Surfactants
Cleaning isn't just about removing limescale.
Plant-based surfactants help lift away dirt so surfaces are left feeling clean rather than simply descaled.
Natural Thickener
One of the biggest challenges was getting the product to cling to the sides of the toilet bowl.
A carefully chosen thickener helps the cleaner stay where you apply it for longer, giving the citric acid more time to work before it reaches the water.
Eco Preservative
Because our toilet cleaner is water based, a preservative is essential.
Its job is simply to keep the product safe and stable throughout its shelf life.
Essential Oils (where included)
Rather than using synthetic perfumes, we use carefully selected essential oils in our scented versions to provide a fresh, natural fragrance without being overpowering.
We also offer a fragrance-free option for households that prefer no added scent at all.
What surprised me during development
One thing I've learnt while developing products is that changing one ingredient can changes three other things, so it’s a huge learning curve.
Something as simple as making the cleaner slightly thicker can affect how easily it pours, how it spreads around the bowl or even how the finished product looks after sitting on the shelf.
There were batches that were too runny. Others that were thicker than we wanted.
Some looked perfect initially but changed after standing for a few days.
Every version taught us something, and each small improvement brought us closer to the formula we settled on.
That's one of the things I enjoy most about developing products. It's a combination of science, patience and plenty of real-life testing in family homes.
The citric acid trick for stubborn toilet limescale
If your toilet has years of built-up limescale, even the best toilet cleaner may not remove it all in one application.
For stubborn deposits, there's a simple trick.
Sprinkle citric acid directly into the bowl.
Leave it for several hours, or ideally overnight.
Then scrub with a toilet brush and flush.
You may need to repeat this a couple of times if the build-up is particularly heavy, but it's often a simple and effective way to restore the bowl without reaching for harsher chemicals.
Once the limescale has been removed, using a citric acid-based toilet cleaner regularly can help prevent it building up again.
Why not bleach?
Bleach has long been associated with a "clean" toilet, but cleaning and disinfecting aren't always the same thing.
For most day-to-day household cleaning, the main challenge isn't harmful bacteria—it's limescale, staining and everyday build-up. That's where ingredients like citric acid can be incredibly effective.
Bleach isn't good at removing limescale. In fact, it can sometimes make the problem look better temporarily by whitening stains while leaving the mineral deposits underneath. Over time, limescale can continue to build up, particularly in hard water areas.
Another reason we chose not to formulate with bleach is that it comes with additional precautions. Bleach should never be mixed with acidic products, including citric acid, as this can release dangerous chlorine gas. It can also discolour fabrics if splashed and has a strong odour that many people prefer to avoid.
For everyday toilet cleaning, we wanted to focus on ingredients that target the build-up most households actually experience. Citric acid helps dissolve limescale, while plant-based surfactants lift away everyday dirt, leaving the bowl clean and fresh without relying on bleach.
If your toilet has significant limescale, a separate treatment with citric acid can help restore the surface before regular cleaning keeps it under control.
Why we believe less is more
At Arborfill, we don't believe cleaning products need long lists of unnecessary ingredients or overpowering fragrances to be effective.
We believe in carefully chosen ingredients that each have a clear purpose.
It's an approach we're taking across our entire product range as we continue developing everyday cleaning products for busy homes.
Our goal isn't just to make products that clean well.
It's to help families feel confident about what's in the bottles they use every day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does natural toilet cleaner actually work?
Yes. A well-formulated natural toilet cleaner can effectively remove everyday grime and help tackle limescale. Very heavy limescale may require additional treatment with citric acid first.
Is a natural toilet cleaner safe for septic tanks?
Our formula is designed with biodegradable, plant-based ingredients that are suitable for normal household use. If you have a specialist treatment system, always check the manufacturer's guidance.
Can I mix toilet cleaner with bleach?
No. Acidic cleaners, including those containing citric acid, should never be mixed with bleach, as this can release dangerous gases.
Why do you offer a fragrance-free version?
Some households prefer to avoid fragrance completely due to sensitivities, allergies or simply personal preference. That's why we develop fragrance-free options wherever possible.