Using garlic in your bathroom might sound quirky, but this eco-friendly hack offers a natural way to freshen your space and tackle stubborn toilet issues. By harnessing allicin, a powerful antimicrobial compound found in garlic, you can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause unpleasant bathroom odors.

For an easy overnight refresh, simply crush a single garlic clove and drop it into your toilet bowl before bed. While you sleep, the released sulfur compounds work against bad smells and bacteria, allowing you to simply flush away the freshness in the morning.

If your toilet suffers from stubborn yellow stains caused by mineral-clinging bacterial biofilms, you can upgrade the method by making “garlic tea”. Simply peel and chop a few cloves, steep them in hot water for about 15 minutes, pour the warm mixture over the stains, scrub gently, and flush.

While this natural method provides a biodegradable and chemical-free alternative to heavy-duty cleaners, it is important to keep safety in mind if you have pets. Because garlic is toxic to dogs if ingested, you should skip the floating clove trick and opt for the flushed garlic tea method instead.