The automatic toilet bowl cleaner was the result of changing cleaning techniques of the early 1990's. Prior to that time, the most popular way to make the toilet cleaner involved hanging a cleaning device that released chemicals with each flush. Since then, there have been several different forms of the automatic toilet bowl cleaner.

In addition to several store brands that are currently available, Lysol and Clorox both produce an automatic toilet bowl cleaner. The Lysol choice is placed directly into the tank, behind the toilet. Clorox makes their automatic toilet bowl cleaner accessible through the rim of the toilet.

This type of item is unique, in that it has caused the reformation of certain aspects of the toilet. After it was discovered that the OEM flush valve was degrading due to the chemicals that were left for prolonged periods of time in the toilet, new protocols were put in place. At the same time, the phenomenon of a "lazy flush" was noted.

The lazy flush is the term associated with having to flush the toilet numerous times in order to clear the toilet of residue. As the result of these problems, more rigid standards were required for the flapper. By 2000, it was noted that despite the best efforts of researchers, no flapper was able to stand up entirely to the chemicals present.

An automatic toilet bowl cleaner is, undoubtedly, an amazing tool to save both time and energy while cleaning this particularly unpleasant area. If used correctly, no particular danger is noted. Many of the aforementioned problems were noted after an extended period of time without flushing the toilet. Indeed, this was so common, that it was named as well. This was coined as the vacation syndrome.

Many professional plumbers believe that any toilet that uses this device should be flushed at least once in any 24 hour period. This is impossible to do while on vacation, and frequently not done in a guest bathroom.

Additionally, while purchasing the automatic toilet bowl cleaner of your choice, one should always check the chemicals that are present, as well as the current associated warnings for that product.