Ultimate Guide: How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Your Toilet
A frustrating problem that many of our clients encounter is hard water stains in their bathrooms and toilets. No matter how clean their bathroom may be, these stains can make the space feel dingy and unkempt. Luckily, with the right techniques and a little bit of elbow grease, these stains can be easily removed. In this article, I'll walk you through some effective methods and recommend products that will make your bathroom sparkle and look as good as new!
Essential Tools and Products
Gloves: To protect your hands.
Toilet brush: A good quality toilet brush with stiff bristles.
Pumice stone: Specifically designed for toilets, such as the Pumie Toilet Bowl Ring Remover.
Vinegar: White distilled vinegar.
Baking soda: Regular baking soda.
Toilet bowl cleaner: A cleaner specifically for removing hard water stains, such as Lime-A-Way or CLR.
Spray bottle: For applying vinegar.
Old towels or rags: To clean up any spills.
Our Seven Step Process
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Put on your gloves to protect your hands from any harsh chemicals and the grime in the toilet.
Flush the toilet so that the water level is as low as possible.
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Pour about 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl, making sure to cover the stained areas.
Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
Add another 1-2 cups of vinegar into the bowl. The mixture will fizz and start breaking down the stains.
Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes.
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Use the toilet brush to scrub the stains. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, while the vinegar helps dissolve the mineral deposits.
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Wet the pumice stone to prevent scratching the porcelain.
Gently rub the pumice stone on the stubborn stains. Focus on areas with the most buildup.
Continue until the stains are gone. The pumice stone will wear away as you use it.
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If a stain is still giving you trouble, we recommend using a strong chemical cleaner such as Lime-A-Way or CLR. Remember to always follow the instructions on the products, as strong cleaning agents such as these can damage the toilet bowl if used improperly.
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Clean the toilet one last time using your favorite toilet bowl cleaner. Focus on the areas with remaining stains.
Flush the toilet to rinse away the cleaner and any remaining residue.
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Wipe down any areas around the toilet that might have gotten splashed during the cleaning process.
Dispose of or wash the gloves and any used rags.
Product Recommendations
Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Lysol offers effective toilet bowl cleaners that can help remove stains and kill germs.
Pumie Toilet Bowl Ring Remover: Ideal for scrubbing off tough stains.
Lime-A-Way Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Effective for removing hard water stains.
CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover: Works well on hard water deposits.
Hard-bristled Toilet Brush: Opt for a brush with stiff bristles to effectively scrub away stains and buildup.
