Is It a Good Idea to Put Fabuloso In the Toilet?

If you spend time browsing TikTok, chances are you've stumbled across the viral Fabuloso toilet hack.

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This trend could help eliminate unpleasant smells in your bathroom, but is it safe? Let's explore whether putting Fabuloso in your toilet tank is safe and effective.

The Fabuloso toilet hack involves cutting small holes in the lower front of a bottle of Fabuloso (or another scented cleaning product) and placing the bottle upright in the corner of the toilet tank. The tiny holes allow the Fabuloso to leak slowly into the tank water. Therefore, you'll get a wave of scent every time you flush the toilet, and the cleaner will also help kill any germs in the toilet bowl without the need to scrub.

Putting a bottle of Fabuloso in the toilet could also help you save water on each flush. The bottle takes up space, reducing the amount of water in the tank when it refills. However, it could also make your flush less powerful, which could be an issue when flushing solid waste.

Is It Safe to Put Fabuloso in the Toilet Tank?

This viral hack is unlikely to be dangerous, but the jury's out on whether it's a good idea. While Fabuloso is an all-purpose cleaner, it could cause the rubber gaskets inside your toilet tank to degrade over time. It may also damage plastic elements, such as the flapper. You'll need to replace these parts if they develop a fault.

For example, HomeGuide says replacing a toilet flapper and chain costs around $130 (CAD 172) if you hire a professional plumber. Overall, most homeowners spend between $130 and $300 (CAD 172 and CAD 396) on toilet repairs, so trying the Fabuloso toilet hack could prove a costly mistake.

Another factor to consider is that Fabuloso in the toilet water could pose a hazard to curious pets. If your dog or cat enjoys the occasional sneaky sip from the toilet bowl, it's safest to give the Fabuloso a pass.

Fabuloso isn't the only scented cleaner out there, and you should be cautious when using an alternative product for this hack. Depending on the product, your cleaner may corrode the inside of your toilet and increase the risk of a leak. Always check the packaging before putting cleaners inside your toilet bowl, and only use them for the purpose recommended by the manufacturer.

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Is Fabuloso Septic Safe?

If you have a septic system, you should avoid putting Fabuloso in the toilet tank. Septic systems rely on bacteria to separate solid waste from water. Flushing antibacterial products, such as Fabuloso, down the toilet, particularly on every flush, can kill the bacteria in your septic system and prevent it from working effectively.

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Fabuloso Toilet Hack: What's the Alternative?

You don't have to rely on strong cleaning products, such as Fabuloso, to get your toilet smelling fresh. You can get rid of stubborn odors in your toilet tank by pouring a cup of cleaning vinegar into the tank and leaving it for several hours before flushing. Alternatively, a cup of baking soda does the same job. Don't be tempted to use baking soda and vinegar together — these ingredients react and fizz up when mixed. While a baking soda and vinegar solution can be an effective cleaner in some situations, you don't want them potentially bubbling over inside the tank.

Vinegar and baking soda are septic-safe cleaners, making them a great option if you have a septic system. If you want the fresh scent of the Fabuloso hack, try adding a few drops of essential oil to your toilet as a gentler alternative.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.