How to Clean a Stained Toilet Bowl
Check your manufacturers instructions., Pour in white vinegar and let it soak overnight., Scrub with a toilet brush and cleaner., Determine the cause of your stains.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Check your manufacturers instructions.
Before you begin cleaning your toilet, it is best to check your manufacturer's instructions.
Certain products can damage the inner-workings of your toilet--such as the flapper--while others may cause discoloration.Look for a brand name printed or engraved on your toilet.
Perform an Internet search for "+ safe cleaning products." You can also look for a phone number to the manufacturer and give them a call. -
Step 2: Pour in white vinegar and let it soak overnight.
Before you can work on removing stains from your toilet, it is best to perform a general cleaning.
If your toilet is very dirty, it may benefit from an overnight soak before scrubbing.
Pour 1/2 cup (118 ml) of white vinegar into your toilet bowl and close the lid.
Leave it to sit overnight., Once again, before you can tackle tough stains, you must perform a general cleaning of your toilet.
In order to do this, you will need some form of cleanser and a toilet brush.
Simply apply the cleanser of your choice to the inside of your toilet bowl and around the edges.
Then use the brush to remove debris, and flush.
You may want to wear disposable gloves while you do this.Some cleansers to choose from include:
Store-bought products, such as Comet, Soft Scrub, and other toilet cleansers.
DIY alternatives, such as baking soda, white vinegar, borax, or bleach. , Depending on the nature of your toilet stains, you may use a variety of products to eradicate them.
The most common sources of toilet stains are hard water. mold, and mildew.Look for the following symptoms to determine what type of stains are present for you.
Hard water
- These stains will appear as rings around your inner toilet bowl.
They may be pink, red, brown, or white.
Mold
- Mold stains can occur anywhere on your toilet.
Mold will be slightly fuzzy and can be blue, green, yellow, gray, black, or white.
Mildew
- Mildew can also occur anywhere on your toilet, but is common near the top of the toilet bowl or on the toilet tank.
Mildew usually starts out white, but may turn yellow or brown in time. -
Step 3: Scrub with a toilet brush and cleaner.
-
Step 4: Determine the cause of your stains.
Detailed Guide
Before you begin cleaning your toilet, it is best to check your manufacturer's instructions.
Certain products can damage the inner-workings of your toilet--such as the flapper--while others may cause discoloration.Look for a brand name printed or engraved on your toilet.
Perform an Internet search for "+ safe cleaning products." You can also look for a phone number to the manufacturer and give them a call.
Before you can work on removing stains from your toilet, it is best to perform a general cleaning.
If your toilet is very dirty, it may benefit from an overnight soak before scrubbing.
Pour 1/2 cup (118 ml) of white vinegar into your toilet bowl and close the lid.
Leave it to sit overnight., Once again, before you can tackle tough stains, you must perform a general cleaning of your toilet.
In order to do this, you will need some form of cleanser and a toilet brush.
Simply apply the cleanser of your choice to the inside of your toilet bowl and around the edges.
Then use the brush to remove debris, and flush.
You may want to wear disposable gloves while you do this.Some cleansers to choose from include:
Store-bought products, such as Comet, Soft Scrub, and other toilet cleansers.
DIY alternatives, such as baking soda, white vinegar, borax, or bleach. , Depending on the nature of your toilet stains, you may use a variety of products to eradicate them.
The most common sources of toilet stains are hard water. mold, and mildew.Look for the following symptoms to determine what type of stains are present for you.
Hard water
- These stains will appear as rings around your inner toilet bowl.
They may be pink, red, brown, or white.
Mold
- Mold stains can occur anywhere on your toilet.
Mold will be slightly fuzzy and can be blue, green, yellow, gray, black, or white.
Mildew
- Mildew can also occur anywhere on your toilet, but is common near the top of the toilet bowl or on the toilet tank.
Mildew usually starts out white, but may turn yellow or brown in time.
About the Author
Jesse Perry
A seasoned expert in education and learning, Jesse Perry combines 2 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Jesse's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: