Despite your best efforts, your toilet might be sporting stubborn white, or brown stains caused by hard water. A hard water supply is one of the main causes of an unsightly toilet bowl. If this is the case, you need some help getting rid of these nuisance marks.
To remove hard water stains from the toilet bowl, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Easily found in the kitchen, start by pouring two cups of vinegar onto the stains, followed by one cup of baking soda. Leave the mixture for 15 minutes, and then give it a scrub. Let the mixture work its magic for another 30 minutes before washing.
Despite its popularity, however, you might find that this natural method doesn’t leave you with the desired results. If that’s the case, then you want to get your hands on some other products to help you do the job. In this article, we’ll break down the best ways to clean hard water stains and return your toilet to its former glory.
If you’re tired of mineral buildup and stains, it’s time to learn about water with high mineral content and how to combat it.
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Table of Contents
Best Cleaners to Remove Hard Water Stains from Toilet Bowl
When considered ‘hard’, water contains high quantities of minerals including magnesium, calcium, and iron. Often, mineral deposits build up on the surface of the toilet bowl as water droplets dry. If your water contains higher levels of calcium, you may see chalky white stains inside your toilet. Similarly, a surplus of magnesium and iron will cause unsightly rust-colored stains.
Over time, these deposits can become persistent and difficult to get rid of with brushing alone. If this is the case, you may need to turn to alternative methods for some help. Luckily, there are a variety of household remedies and products ready for the task.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly, easy-to-implement ideas, check out these homemade hard water solutions.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Found in most kitchens around the world, these ingredients have proven to be more than just cooking aids. Vinegar and baking soda are commonly used to clean stains and are a great alternative to harsher chemicals. Found on opposite ends of the pH scale, they work by dissolving organic compounds and minerals. The acidity of vinegar dissolves baking soda to release carbon dioxide which helps get rid of dirt.
It is important to combine the two in unequal parts so that the mixture remains either acidic or alkaline. Try one part baking soda to two parts vinegar, leaving them inside your toilet bowl for 15 minutes to activate their properties. Mix the two with a toilet brush, before waiting a further 30 minutes until washing.
Vinegar and Borax (or Salt)
Borax is a colorless salt made from the element boron. Like vinegar, it is a powerful cleaning agent and can be used to eliminate persistent stains on everything from porcelain to clothes. When cleaning your toilet bowl, it is best to mix 1/2 cup of borax and ¼ cup of vinegar. The two will combine to make a paste which should be applied with a brush and left to activate for at least an hour.
Borax is a particularly harsh chemical and should be saved for the toughest of stains. Remember to always use gloves, avoid contact with skin and eyes, and follow the safety precautions outlined on the box.
Citric Acid
Citric acid can be found in acidic fruits like lemons. It breaks down the dirt in stains making them easier to clean and is often hailed as a magical cleaning aid. Many bleaches and surface cleaners will contain citric acid for its anti-bacterial qualities.
Without many notable negative effects, it is one of the safest cleaning agents available and can be extremely economical. However, it has been known to cause some mild eye and throat irritation so make sure to use it in a well-ventilated environment.
Start by mixing one tablespoon of citric acid powder with one cup of hot water. Shake the mixture thoroughly and decant it into a labelled spray bottle. Apply to your toilet bowl, leave for 10 minutes, and scrub with a toilet brush to remove stains.
Bleach
If these natural solutions don’t get the job done, it’s time to use something stronger. Bleach is a great product when used safely. For troublesome stains, it can be a fast and painless solution. Make sure to dilute before use, follow the instructions closely, and avoid contact with skin and eyes.
There are many commercial toilet cleaner brands so test out a few to see what gives you the best results. Remember to leave the product sitting in the bowl before scrubbing. It’ll make cleaning much easier and may also help to prevent future mineral build-ups.
How to Prevent Hard Water Stains
One of the side effects of mineral-enriched water is a build-up of lime-scale in your plumbing system. With time, this will begin to block your pipes and obstruct good water flow. But it can be troublesome even before reaching this point. If you have hard water in your home, then you’re no stranger to nuisance stains. Taking steps to prevent mineral deposits from collecting will save you time and energy in the future.
The best way to avoid hard water stains is to be vigilant. Cleaning your toilet thoroughly and regularly will make a huge difference and it needn’t be difficult. Spraying and brushing your toilet bowl once a week is enough to combat hard water stains. You can also use a stronger solution like bleach or borax once a month for a deeper clean.
Another solution to consider is installing a water-softening system. It works by filtering out the minerals in your water before it reaches your pipes. The resin beads inside the tank attract and hold the minerals and the softened water flows into your plumbing. Installing a water softener is an investment that will reap rewards immediately. You can say goodbye to tough scrubbing and in the long term, save money on cleaning products and avoid costly plumbing issues.
Are you noticing odd stains or residue in your home? It could be due to hard water—learn how to identify the symptoms of hard water and what to do about it.
Related article: How to Prevent Hard Water Stains in the Toilet: 3 Hacks
Conclusion
Hard water flows through the pipes of homes across the globe. Its mineral density means that it can leave behind deposits on the surface of your toilet bowl, causing unsightly stains. There are several ways to combat this pesky problem, leaving your toilet ready for any guest.
You can avoid the costs and the chemicals by making your own toilet bowl cleaner from simple kitchen ingredients. The easiest to start with is a vinegar and baking soda solution. Remember to leave your toilet cleaner in the bowl. Give it time to get to work before you start scrubbing. With a bit of chemistry and elbow grease, your toilet will be shining in no time!