How To Clean Toilet Bowl Stains

Toilet bowl stains are a common household problem that can make even the cleanest bathroom look unkempt. These unsightly marks are not only unpleasant to look at but can also harbour bacteria and odours. 

Fortunately, with the right approach and tools, you can easily remove stubborn toilet stains and keep your bathroom sparkling clean. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover different types of toilet bowl stains, essential cleaning tools and products, and how to clean toilet bowl stains to keep your toilet sparkling clean. 

Different types of toilet bowl stains

Before diving into how to clean a stained toilet bowl, it’s important to understand what kind of stains you’re dealing with. There are several common types of toilet bowl stains:

1. Hard water stains — These stains are caused by mineral deposits from hard water. They often appear as chalky white or rust-coloured rings around the bowl. The high mineral content in hard water, particularly calcium and magnesium, leaves behind these stubborn deposits.

2. Rust stains — Rust stains are caused by iron in the water supply or from rusty pipes. They appear as reddish-brown streaks or spots in the bowl. Rust stains can be particularly stubborn and often require specific products to remove.

3. Organic stains — These stains result from mould, mildew and bacteria. They typically appear as black, green or brown spots. Organic stains look bad, can cause unpleasant odours and pose health risks if not addressed promptly.

You can choose the most effective type of toilet stain remover by first identifying the type of stain.

Essential cleaning tools and products

Having the right tools and products is crucial for effectively removing toilet stains. Here’s a list of essentials that will help you tackle any toilet bowl stain:

• Toilet brush — A sturdy toilet brush with firm bristles is a must-have for scrubbing away stains.

• Pumice stone — A pumice stone can be very effective for removing tough stains without damaging the porcelain surface of your toilet.

• Gloves — Always wear gloves to protect your hands from harsh chemicals and germs while cleaning.

• Natural cleaners — Common household items like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are excellent for eco-friendly cleaning.

• Commercial cleaners — You may need stronger cleaning products such as bleach or specialised toilet bowl cleaners for more stubborn stains.

With these tools and products, you’ll be well-equipped to clean a stained toilet bowl.

Step-by-step guide for how to clean toilet bowl stains

Now that you have the right tools and products, let’s go through the step-by-step process of removing toilet stains.

Removing toilet stains with natural ingredients

Natural ingredients are a safe and effective toilet stain remover. Here’s how you can use them:

Vinegar and baking soda

1. Pour 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl.

2. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down the stains.

3. Add 1 cup of baking soda and another 1-2 cups of vinegar.

4. Allow the mixture to fizz and sit for about 10 minutes.

5. Scrub the bowl thoroughly with a toilet brush.

6. Flush to rinse away the cleaner and stains.

Lemon juice and borax

1. Mix lemon juice and borax to form a paste.

2. Apply the paste directly to the stained areas.

3. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to penetrate the stains.

4. Scrub with a toilet brush.

5. Flush to rinse away the paste and loosened stains.

These natural methods are effective and environmentally friendly, perfect for regular maintenance.

Using commercial cleaners to clean a stained toilet bowl

Commercial cleaners can be highly effective for tougher stains. Here’s a simple method:

1. Choose a cleaner — Select a toilet bowl cleaner that contains bleach or another powerful ingredient. Read and follow the instructions on the product label.

2. Apply the cleaner — Apply the cleaner under the rim and around the entire bowl.

Let it sit for the recommended time to break down the stains.

3. Scrub and flush — Use a toilet brush to scrub the entire bowl, focusing on stained areas. Flush to rinse away the cleaner and stains.

Commercial cleaners are powerful and can easily remove stubborn toilet stains.

Preventing future stains

Preventing stains from forming in the first place is key to maintaining a clean toilet bowl. Clean your toilet at least once a week to prevent the build-up of stains and bacteria. You can also place a toilet tablet in the tank to help prevent stains between cleanings. These tablets release cleaning agents every time you flush, keeping the bowl cleaner longer.

Jim’s Cleaning — the professional cleaners you can trust

Cleaning stained toilet bowls doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. With the right tools, you can easily tackle even the toughest stains and maintain a spotless bathroom. 

Whether you’re looking for a toilet cleaning solution for your home or business, our Bathroom & Toilet Cleaner is plant-derived and 100% chemical-free, but certainly doesn’t compromise on its cleaning capabilities. Its rapid penetrating action breaks down and cleans debris for sparkling results. 
To outsource your bathroom cleaning to the experts, request a free quote from our team — we’ll be happy to organise home and office cleaning solutions for you.