Overpowering toilet blocks: DIY paste tackles buildup without harsh chemicalsMany homeowners rely on store-bought gel blocks to keep the toilet fresh, but these often carry an overpowering industrial scent. A practical alternative is a homemade cleaning paste that allows you to control fragrance intensity and ingredient expenditure while addressing daily buildup. While aggressive chemicals can strip or damage porcelain enamel over time, household ingredients like baking soda and vinegar offer a gentler approach for maintenance, provided they are used consistently. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of salt. Furthermore, plumbing expert Aleksey Frol warns that excessive use of vinegar solutions can degrade rubber gaskets and seals if the mixture penetrates the internal system.