How to Clean Toilet Stains and Keep Your Bowl Sparkling

The joys of a clean toilet. I know, I know, it’s not the most glamorous topic to discuss in the realm of interior decor, but bear with me. A clean bathroom is the starting point for a pleasant room, and the toilet is often the most neglected item. Whether it’s a rust ring, hard water stains, or a discolouration you can’t explain that suddenly appeared overnight, learning how to clean toilet stains is a skill that can save you money and a lot of aggravation.

Title: How to Clean Toilet Bowl Stains With Baking Soda & Vinegar Upload Date: 13 Dec, 2020 Description: A quick demonstration of how to remove hard water stains and discolouration from a toilet bowl using baking soda and white vinegar, two common household ingredients. Video Credit: Natural Health Remedies

Why toilet stains happen and what causes them

Before we break out the rubber gloves, it’s helpful to know what you’re up against. Most toilet stains are either hard water deposits (that chalky yellow ring you see at the water line), rust stains (that ugly orange or reddish-brown streak you see), or organic stains (mould and mildew that grows in the dark, moist environment of the bowl). If your toilet smells like sewage even after you’ve scrubbed it clean, the problem may not be stains at all. It may be a faulty seal at the bottom of the toilet or water in the trap that has evaporated, allowing sewer gases to seep in.

The best natural methods to clean toilet bowl stains

If you prefer to avoid using harsh chemicals (and I don’t blame you), there are some natural methods that work surprisingly well. Baking soda and white vinegar is a classic cleaning combination. Pour about a half a cup of baking soda into the bowl, followed by a cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz for about 20 minutes before using your toilet brush to scrub the bowl clean. For tougher stains, you can make a paste out of baking soda and a bit of water and apply it directly to the stain. Allow it to sit for a few hours before scrubbing. Learning how to clean toilet stains with natural ingredients means you aren’t exposing yourself or your family to harsh chemical agents, and these methods can be quite effective.

Close-up of dirty hard water stains and mineral deposits on a white toilet bowl

Tackling hard water and rust stains like a professional

Hard water stains are perhaps the most pesky of all because they creep up on you. They form gradually, and by the time you notice them, they’ve already been present for weeks. A pumice stone specifically designed for cleaning toilets is one of the best investments you can make. Simply wet the stone and the surface of the bowl and rub the stain in a circular motion until it disappears. The stone won’t scratch your porcelain toilet, as long as you keep both the stone and the toilet surface wet. For rust stains, a product that contains oxalic acid (these can be purchased at most hardware stores) is one of the best methods for removing rust. Apply the product to the stain, allow it to sit for the amount of time indicated on the packaging instructions, then simply flush the toilet. This is how to clean toilet stains that have been building up for months.

Inside view of a toilet cistern showing the flush mechanism, float valve and water tank components

How to clean toilet cistern — the part everyone forgets

The toilet cistern is like the engine room of a toilet. Most of us never lift the lid, but over time the mineral deposits, mould and sediment all start to build up in there. Cleaning is easy but vital. Start by turning off the water supply and then flushing the toilet to empty the cistern. Pour white vinegar into the cistern and leave it for at least an hour, or even overnight. Use a brush to scrub the sides and the components inside, including the inlet valve and flush valve. Then turn the water back on and give it a couple of flushes to rinse the system. Cleaning the cistern regularly ensures your lavatory cisterns continue to function properly, and prevents sediment from being flushed down into the bowl and causing stains in the first place. If you are looking for advice on how to clean toilet cistern parts, the above method covers it.

Keeping your bowl sparkling between deep cleans

The secret to a consistently clean toilet really is just about maintenance. Use the brush every few flushes to stop stains from taking hold. Once a week pour a cup of vinegar into the bowl and leave it overnight, the difference this will make will astonish you. It’s also important to check the rim jets that sit under the lip of the bowl, these can become blocked over time by mineral deposits, which will not only affect the efficiency of your flush, but also create breeding grounds for bacteria. Make sure you have a good quality toilet seat and cover that can be removed for cleaning, this will make the job quicker too. And don’t forget the outside, give the base, hinges, and area behind the bowl a good wipe down, as these are hot spots for dust and dirt to collect. If you have a flush toilet with a rimless design you are already one step ahead, these really are much easier to keep clean than traditional rimmed toilets.

gloved hand removing toilet tank lid to inspect fill valve during toilet replacement

FAQs

How often should I deep clean my toilet to prevent stains?

A deep clean every one to two weeks is ideal for most households. If you have hard water, you may need to do this weekly to stop mineral deposits from forming. In between deep cleans, a quick daily brush and weekly vinegar soak should keep things in order. Knowing how to clean toilet bowl stains on a regular basis will make the deep cleans much easier when they do come around.

What is the best way to remove old, set-in toilet stains?

For older stains, try using a pumice stone on the porcelain, this is the most effective manual method. If this doesn’t work, you might need to resort to using a commercial product containing hydrochloric acid, wearing gloves and ensuring the bathroom is well ventilated is a must. Leave the product to sit for the recommended amount of time, then scrub with a stiff brush. For really stubborn rings you might need to repeat this process two or three times.

Can a smelly toilet indicate a bigger plumbing problem?

Yes, if your toilet smells like sewage even when it’s clean, this could be a sign that the wax seal at the base of your toilet needs replacing, or that your P-trap has dried out. In some cases, it could even be a sign of a cracked pipe or venting issue. If the smell continues after cleaning, it might be worth calling a licensed plumber to check for the source.