Have you ever tried cleaning toilet stains that refuse to disappear? Removing hard water stains, toilet rings, and limescale can seem like overwhelming tasks. You can face these cleaning challenges with the right knowledge and tools.
Table of Contents:
Removing Hard Water Stains from a Toilet
Removing hard water stains from the toilet is one of the most challenging aspects of cleaning a toilet. With the right approach and cleaning products, success is possible.
These tips will help you remove hard water stains from your toilet.
- Supplies: You need these supplies on hand—white vinegar, baking soda, a pumice stone, rubber gloves, and a toilet brush.
- Empty the bowl: Flush the toilet to reduce the water level. If there are stains above the waterline, turn the water supply off and flush to empty the bowl completely.
- Add vinegar: Pour enough white vinegar into the bowl to completely cover the stained areas.
- Give it a rest: Let the vinegar soak and do its work for 30 minutes to an hour. The vinegar will efficiently break down mineral deposits and stains.
- Give it a scrub: Use a toilet brush to give the stained areas a good scrubbing. When using vinegar and scrubbing while cleaning a toilet, the stains should start to disappear. You can also dip the brush in vinegar while scrubbing to produce better results.
- Add baking soda: If the vinegar doesn’t fully get rid of the stains, sprinkle baking soda on the ones that remain and let it sit for up to 10 minutes. Since baking soda is mildly abrasive, it helps remove the remaining stains.
- Give it another scrub: Scrub the bowl again with a wet toilet brush, paying attention to the baking soda areas.
- Rinse and repeat: Flush the toilet to rinse away the vinegar and baking soda. If this doesn’t completely remove the stains, repeat the process or consider using a pumice stone.
- Use a pumice stone: For particularly stubborn stains, you may need to use a pumice stone. Cleaning a toilet with a pumice stone is straightforward, but you need to be careful not to scratch the porcelain. Wet the stone and rub it against the stains lightly. Don’t scrub too hard, or you might scratch the porcelain.
- Regular Maintenance: To avoid hard water stains in the future, regularly use a toilet bowl cleaner designed to combat hard water deposits. This will help prevent hard water stains from forming.
How to Get Rid of Toilet Ring
The steps for how to get rid of a toilet ring are similar to removing hard water stains from a toilet. You can use vinegar and baking soda, as described above, to remove hard water stains.
Another option for cleaning a toilet with a toilet ring is to use lemon juice and Borax. Squeeze the juice from a lemon covering the toilet ring. Then sprinkle some Borax powder on the ring. Let the toilet sit for a few hours. Scrub the ring with your toilet brush. Flush to remove the mixture of lemon juice and Borax.
You can also use a pumice stone to get rid of a toilet ring. Wet the stone and rub it over the ring, being careful not to apply too much pressure, which could scratch the porcelain surface. Continue rubbing until the ring is gone. Flush to rinse away any residue.
How to Remove Limescale Stains from Your Toilet
While the tips for how to get rid of limescale in a toilet are similar to those for hard water stains and toilet rings, limescale buildup is also difficult to remove. The steps above for using vinegar and baking soda are a good starting point for limescale removal as well.
Instead of letting the vinegar sit for up to an hour, however, you will want to let it sit for several hours or even overnight for best results to help clean your toilet.
Another way to remove limescale in a toilet is by using citric acid. Citric acid can be found in powder or liquid forms. Follow the instructions on the product carefully to know how much citric acid to use. Dilute the acid with water and pour it into the bowl, making sure the limescale is completely covered. Let the acid sit for several hours or overnight. Scrub the bowl to watch the limescale disappear. Flush the toilet to rinse away the citric acid solution.
If vinegar and baking soda or citric acid don’t work, you can also rub away the limescale with a pumice stone. Be careful not to rub on the toilet too hard, or you risk scratching the porcelain.
How to Clean Other Common Toilet Stains
While hard water stains and toilet rings are common problems, other types of stains can appear in your toilet bowl. Here's how to tackle some of these less common toilet stains:
- Mineral Deposits (including limescale): Use vinegar, a pumice stone, or a commercial cleaner designed for mineral deposits to remove them.
- Dye Stains: Flush immediately and scrub with a toilet brush. For set-in stains, try a baking soda paste or diluted bleach.
- Rust Stains: Use a commercial rust remover or try lemon juice or a paste of borax and vinegar.
- Mildew: Scrub with a bleach-based cleaner or a vinegar and baking soda solution.
How to Clean Toilet Stains: Additional Tips
- Clean the Whole Toilet: Don't just focus on the bowl. Regularly clean all exterior parts of the toilet, including the tank, seat, lid, and handle with disinfectant cleaner. This keeps your toilet hygienic and looking its best.
- Clean Frequently: Clean your toilet at least once a week to prevent bacteria buildup and make stain removal easier.
- Skip In-Tank Cleaners: Those in-tank cleaners can damage your toilet and might even void your warranty. Clean the tank manually with vinegar or a specialized tank cleaner.
- Clean Under the Rim: Use a toilet brush or rim cleaner to scrub under the rim. This prevents clogs and ensures a better flush.
- Clean Your Cleaning Tools: Don't forget to clean your toilet brush and other cleaning tools regularly. Rinse them thoroughly after each use and disinfect them periodically. Consider using disposable cleaning wipes or tools for a more hygienic option.
Don't Stop There!
Once you have scrubbed away limescale, eliminated toilet rings, and removed hard water stains from your toilet, head to our Bathroom Cleaning page to learn how to clean the showerhead, bathtub, and more.
Let Us Help
Life is hectic, and sometimes there just isn’t enough time to clean your bathroom. Molly Maid® is here to help with our residential cleaning services. As a Neighborly company, we offer our Neighborly Done Right Promise™, so if the job’s not done right, we’ll make it right. For a clean you can count on, get a free estimate today!
FAQ About Removing Stains From A Toilet
How do I remove tough stains from a toilet?
Removing tough stains from a toilet can be challenging, but with the right approach and supplies, it is possible. Here's how you can do it:
- Flush the toilet to reduce the water level.
- Pour white vinegar into the bowl to cover the stained areas.
- Let the vinegar soak for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Scrub the stained areas with a toilet brush.
- If the stains persist, sprinkle baking soda on the remaining stains and let it sit for up to 10 minutes, then scrub again with the toilet brush
- Rinse the toilet by flushing. If stains still remain, consider using a pumice stone with caution to avoid scratching the porcelain.
How can I get rid of a toilet ring?
To get rid of a toilet ring, you can try the following methods:
- Lemon juice and Borax: Pour lemon juice on the toilet ring and sprinkle some Borax powder. Let it sit for a few hours, then scrub with a toilet brush and flush.
- Use a pumice stone: Wet the pumice stone and gently rub it over the ring, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Continue rubbing until the ring is gone, then flush to rinse away any residue.
What is the best way to remove limescale in a toilet?
Limescale buildup in a toilet can be challenging to remove. Here are a few methods that may help:
- Vinegar and baking soda: Follow the steps mentioned earlier for removing tough stains, but let the vinegar sit for several hours or overnight for better results.
- Citric acid: Dilute citric acid in water according to the instructions on the product. Pour the solution into the bowl, making sure the limescale is covered. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then scrub the bowl and flush.
- Pumice stone: If other methods don't work, you can try using a pumice stone to gently rub away the limescale. Be cautious not to scratch the porcelain surface.
What can I do to prevent hard water stains and limescale in my toilet?
Regular maintenance is key to preventing hard water stains and limescale buildup in your toilet. Consider these preventive measures:
- Use a toilet bowl cleaner designed to combat hard water deposits regularly.
- Wipe down the toilet bowl regularly with a toilet brush to remove any mineral deposits or stains.
- Consider installing a water softener or using a water conditioner to reduce the effects of hard water.
What is the best way to clean a toilet?
The best way to clean a toilet involves a few key steps:
- Apply toilet bowl cleaner: Squirt cleaner around the bowl, focusing on the rim.
- Let it sit: Allow the cleaner to work for a few minutes to break down grime.
- Scrub thoroughly: Use a toilet brush to scrub the entire bowl, including under the rim.
- Clean the exterior: Wipe down the seat, lid, and base with disinfectant.
- Flush and rinse: Flush the toilet to rinse away the cleaner, leaving your toilet sparkling clean.
How do you get brown stains out of a toilet bowl?
Brown stains in a toilet bowl are often caused by hard water or rust. Soaking the bowl with white vinegar or lemon juice, then scrubbing with baking soda or a pumice stone can help lift those stains.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Molly Maid is not responsible for any damages that may occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact a professional at Molly Maid for a custom assessment.
