I put some Dynamo in the cystern and it keeps it very clean--it is surprising just how dirty the inside of the cystern gets

Be aware that over-using chemicals - especially "anti-bacterials" such as bleach (contained in many commercial products), can disrupt the proper working of septic systems.



A green way of cleaning a toilet is as follows:-



Pour 1 cup of baking soda or bi-carb mixed with 1/4 cup salt into the toilet and then “chase” it with 1 1/2 cups of plain white vinegar. If you pour the vinegar in too quickly after or are too generous, the resulting foam might achieve epic proportions - but I have never had a problem. I definitely get foam but it never rises more than 1/2 inch from the surface of the water. I let the mixture sit for 10 minutes and then scrub away with my brush. The result is a squeaky clean toilet requiring no more effort than commercial cleaners. There is no vinegar smell - and you have avoided nasty chemicals. (which can disrupt the proper working of septic systems). You have also saved a lot of money.



For really grotty toilets - make a paste of bi-carb, salt and white vinegar. Spread this around the bowl and leave for 10 to 30 minutes. Some scrubbing with the brush may be required, but often the stains and grot will flush away.



To clear a blocked drain - put a couple tablespoons of bi-carb down the drain - followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Slam the plug in quick - as you want the resulting foam to clear the drain - not the room.



To get lovely soft towels - pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar into the rinse water. It will remove the build-up of commercial "softeners" and lime-scale.

All the above posts are great suggestions, so thank you. I would like to know how to clean the underside of the toilet seat itself. I have tried bleach to no avail. It is just slightly stained on the underside edge at the front, so any suggestions would be gratefully received.

CLR is very good for tough stains

Hi Pommy. Is the seat made of plastic - or ceramic? Do you know what has caused the stain?



With plastics, avoid using harsh abrasives or scourers. Also avoid using products which are coloured.



Try making up the bi-carb paste (mentioned previously). Place it onto a wad of tissue or a cloth. Fasten the cloth over the stain on the plastic and leave it in close contact for 10 to 20 minutes. You may have to repeat if it is really bad.



If it is ceramic, avoid anything which will destroy the glazed surface.



Depending on what has caused the stain on the ceramic, you may be able to gradually remove or lessen the stain with repeated gentle treatments.If the stain has penetrated through the glazed surface, try using the bicarb - but don't make it too wet. Do not leave anything wet on the damaged surface for too long (as the moisture may carry the stain further into the ceramic).



As someone mentioned, liquid CLR (available at supermarkets and hardware stores) is good for removing stains due to Calcium, Lime, or Rust (iron). Don't overuse it if you have septics. read the instructions fully.