How to Clean Toilet Bowl Stains in 5 Effective Ways

Is your toilet stained with dark marks that just won't go away, no matter what you do? If you've noticed these stubborn stains, it's time to do something about it and get your toilet bowl looking clean and shiny again.

In this blog, we'll show you exactly how to clean toilet bowl stains, providing step-by-step instructions and tips to make the process simple and effective. Whether you're dealing with stubborn mineral buildup or mould and mildew, we've got you covered with proven methods that will leave your toilet bowl sparkling clean.

Types of Toilet Bowl Stains

Each toilet stain is different, which is why some are hard to remove no matter what you do. Let's take a closer look at the common types of stains you might encounter.

Copper Stains

Blue Stains

Blue stains often occur in areas where the water is highly acidic and contains elevated levels of copper. Unfortunately, cleaning the toilet bowl once won't stop the stains from coming back since the water keeps flowing. However, through frequent cleaning and using water filters, you can reduce the recurrence of these stubborn stains. Discussing water treatment options with a professional can also help address this issue.

Mineral Stains

Mineral stains in toilets are discolourations or mineral deposits present in the water supply. These minerals can include calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese. When water evaporates from the toilet bowl, these minerals are left behind, leading to the formation of stains or crusty deposits. They can appear as white, yellow, brown, or reddish-brown stains, depending on the specific minerals present. These stains are often difficult to remove with regular cleaning agents and may require specialised cleaners or professional help from regular cleaning services to effectively eliminate them.

Mould Stains

Mould stains are discoloured patches or black spots that develop on surfaces within the toilet bowl or around the toilet area as a result of mould growth. When there is high humidity and moisture, or if the toilet surface is inadequately cleaned, mould spores can accumulate and grow. These stains can vary in colour from green and black to brown, and they often appear in areas that are consistently damp or where there is poor ventilation.

Tools and Materials Needed

To clean toilet bowl stains, you'll need the following bathroom cleaning tools:

• Rubber gloves
• Toilet brush
• Pumice stone
• Vinegar or baking soda
• Old towel or sponge
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Coca-cola (optional)
• Bleach

How to Get Rid of Toilet Bowl Stains

Different types of stains may require different approaches for removal. Here are a few bathroom cleaning hacks to try for various types of toilet stains:

1. Vinegar and Soda Solution

Distilled white vinegar is a natural acidic solution that is effective in breaking down grime and mineral deposits, while baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive for scrubbing away stubborn stains and odours.

1. To use this dynamic duo, pour about a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl with little water and scrub gently until it forms a paste-like consistency.
2. Allow it to sit for at least 20 minutes before pouring 2 cups of vinegar around the bowl.
3. Let the solution fizz and work its magic before scrubbing again using a toilet brush.
4. Flush the toilet to rinse away the mixture.

This solution is perfect for general disinfection and removing hard water, mineral, rust, copper, mould and blue stains. 

2. Bleach

Bleach has strong disinfectant properties that kill bacteria and remove stains, including those caused by mould, mildew, and mineral deposits. However, if you choose to use bleach to remove stubborn stains, you must wear proper protective gear to avoid contact.

1. Before starting, wear rubber gloves and eye protection, and have proper ventilation inside the bathroom.
2. Pour about a cup of bleach into the toilet bowl and let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes.
3. Scrub with a toilet brush until stains disappear. You can use a pumice stone for extra scrubbing power.

Bleach is perfect for killing bacteria and germs as well as removing hard water stains, mould stains, and organic stains. 

3. Pumice Stone

The pumice stone is another effective tool for removing tough toilet stains, particularly those caused by hard water, mineral deposits, and stubborn grime. Due to its abrasive nature, it allows you to gently scrub away stains without damaging the porcelain surface of the toilet bowl.

1. To use it for cleaning, simply wet the pumice stone and gently rub it against the stained areas until the deposits start to loosen and disappear.
2. You can also apply vinegar and baking soda mixture to help break down the stains and loosen them from the surface.

This tool is perfect for cleaning and removing rust and copper stains.

4. Coca-Cola

While you may think that Coca-Cola is just a drink, it can actually serve as a surprisingly effective cleaner for toilet stains. With a pH level of 2.6 to 2.7, the acidity in Coca-Cola is what helps break down stains and eliminate buildup in the toilet bowl.

1. To use it as a cleaner, pour some Coke into the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few hours. You can also apply this to the toilet seat.
2. After letting the soda sit for a while, use a toilet brush to scrub the stains from the bowl thoroughly.
3. Turn the water back on and flush the toilet to remove the Coke from the bowl.

This is perfect for cleaning and removing hard water and mineral stains.

5. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

If the cleaners above did not work, opting for toilet cleaners specifically formulated to tackle tough stains and bacteria can be the best solution. To use this:

1. Read the instructions on the cleaner's label carefully for effective application.
2. Apply generously under the toilet rim and along the edges of the toilet seat as well as other areas where stains may accumulate.
3. Scrub vigorously and make sure to remove the stains before you flush.

Depending on the formulation, these cleaners can be effective in removing various types of stains.

Takeaway

Cleaning toilet bowl stains often requires a combination of powerful cleaners and plenty of elbow grease to ensure a sparkling finish. However, for those who prefer to leave the dirty work to professionals, worry not, because Elleisha's Property Services offers a solution. With friendly and reliable cleaners who specialise in a wide range of house cleaning services, you can trust us to leave your bathroom clean and your toilet stain-free. Get in touch with us to get a free quote today.