From carrying reusable shopping bags and buying recycled art to composting and upcycling building material, it is easy to see the trendy nature of going green. Fortunately, going green has become a part of home construction. Considering toilets are an imperative part of your home, installing eco-friendly versions can be a great investment. Of course, you may not understand the concept behind these green plumbing fixtures. Using this guide, you will understand the beneficial lowdown on low flow toilets and learn the best techniques to clean and maintain your new bathroom fixture.

Low Flow Lowdown

If you have any interest in protecting the environment, you should understand the importance of water conservation. Fortunately, low flow toilets are excellent options for reducing water waste, which ensure they are worth the investment.

Traditional toilets use 1.6 gallons of water with each flush while low flow models use an estimated 1.28 gallons per flush. While this may not seem like a significant difference, your family can save up to 13,000 gallons of water each year. This is not only beneficial to the environment, but the savings will also reduce your monthly water bills.

Understanding the saving is easy, but you may find the concept behind low flow toilets a bit confusing. Depending on the make and model, your new toilet will look pretty similar to your standard toilet. However, the interior design is very different.

The flapper valves are wider inside your eco-friendly toilet, creating an easier path for waste to move through. In addition, gravity pulls the waste out instead of the hard flush of water inside your standard toilet.

Cleaning Low Flow Toilets

Your low flow toilet uses less water with each flush, which may prevent the bowl from a thorough rinsing. While you are conserving water, you may be increasing the time necessary for cleaning. To ensure you continue protecting the environment, consider natural solutions to cleaning your low flow toilet.

Baking Soda

Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is a great option to have in your natural cleaning arsenal. When this powdery ingredient comes in contact with moisture, it creates carbonation. This bubbling, fizzing sensation removes residue and eats through surface stains. Baking soda also is an effective deodorizer, so you will also reduce foul smells in the bathroom.

Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda directly into your toilet bowl. Use a soft-bristled brush to swirl the baking soda into the toilet water.  Scrub under the toilet bowl rim and seat. Allow the baking soda to sit and soak for a few minutes. Then, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the exterior surfaces of your toilet. Flush when complete to rinse the bowl.

Vinegar

While surprising to hear, bacteria can divide every 20 seconds, increasing your risk of illness. Unfortunately, bacteria can grow and spread quickly on you toilet. Of course, bleach is an effective way to rid your bathroom of harmful germs and bacteria, but it has its own health risks. Not only does bleach irritate your skin and eyes, but it can also cause respiratory problems when cleaning in enclosed spaces.

To rid your low flow toilet of harmful bacteria in a safer manner, consider vinegar. Add 2 cups of white vinegar with ½ cup of warm water. Shake the bottle to mix and spray inside your toilet bowl and on the exterior surfaces of your toilet. Allow the vinegar solution to sit for 10 minutes to allow enough sanitation time. Wipe the exterior surface with a damp cloth and use your toilet brush to clean inside the bowl and rim.

Installing low flow toilets in your home is a great investment. Using this lowdown on low flow toilets, you will understand the benefits of these eco-friendly toilets and learn how to naturally clean them. Have a peek at this website for more information on plumbers.

Share