Remove Pesky Water Stains From A Toilet

Mineral buildup from hard water can be very difficult to remove, especially when it’s staining your toilet bowl. That’s why there are so many tutorials online that discuss the removal of hard water stains. There are a variety of cleaners on the market that can help you get rid of those stains, but you may be pleased to learn that one of the most effective cleaners is also one of the cheapest and most natural. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to clean your toilet properly and also talk to you about the best methods of prevention.

Tools

To remove hard water stains from your toilet, you’ll need a plastic scrub brush with a plastic base and a jug of cleaning vinegar. Depending on the severity and location of your hard water stains, you may also need a few other items, like a plunger and toilet paper.

Process

Hard water stains in a toilet can be broken down by vinegar. The easiest way to clean your toilet and remove the hard water stains is to soak the stains in vinegar overnight. You may have to get creative in order to keep the stains continuously wet.

• If the stain is in the bottom of the toilet: Use a plunger to plunge the water down into the pipes of the toilet. Once the water has been cleared out of the toilet bowl, pour cleaning vinegar into the bottom of the bowl until the stains are covered. Allow the vinegar to sit in the bottom of the toilet overnight, then scrub the stains down with a scrub brush. Repeat the process as necessary until the hard water stains have been removed.
• If the stain is near the top of the toilet: Soak toilet paper in vinegar, then drape the toilet paper to the portion of the bowl that has been stained. The vinegar will help the toilet paper stick to the bowl. Leave the toilet paper to soak on the bowl overnight. When you’re ready, peel the toilet paper away from the inside of the bowl and use the plastic scrub brush to remove the stains. Repeat this process as necessary.

Prevention

There are many ways that you can prevent hard water stains from building up on the inside of your toilet bowl.

• Clean frequently. The more time passes between cleanings, the more mineral stains will build up in the toilet. The more severe the stains become, the more difficult they will be to remove. Cleaning the toilet frequently will remove mineral buildup early, which will make the cleaning job easier.
• Soften your water. Installing a water softener will prevent mineral buildup from ever becoming a problem. If you struggle with hard water, talk to your plumber about getting a water softener installed.

If you live in the Pittsburgh area and find yourself shopping for a water softener, call Terry’s Plumbing. We perform installations and maintenance of water softeners. Once your water softener is installed, we can also give you a little tutorial to show you how to use it.

If you’re in the market for a water softener, contact us today at (412) 364-9114.