How do I clean THICK stains from inside a toilet?

Question

I moved into a place that has some thick stain inside it. I've used CLR, bleach and a countless number of scrubbings with commet...HELP!

Answer 1

The first thing to do is to empty as much water from the bowl as possible - not only does this enable you to work directly on stains, it also means that there is less water to dilute the cleaning agents you are using. You can lower the water level by first turning off the water source and then either pouring a large bucket of water into the bowl as a sort of "manual flush" or just flushing the toilet, in both cases driving as much water down the pipes as possible.

Next, give the inside of the bowl a general clean, using liberal amounts of cleaning agent/disinfectant and a bowl brush. If the toilet is still stained after cleaning, you will need to use some stronger cleaning agents or stain removers to tackle the marks. Whatever chemicals you use, remember to respect the directions given and follow them exactly; in particular - never mix chemicals as this can be extremely hazardous. Make sure there is sufficient ventilation while you are working and ideally, wear eye and skin protection.

In addition, always use an all-plastic scrubbing brush - avoid the toilet brushes with metal wires as these can scratch and permanently damage a toilet. Pumice stones have sometimes been recommended for tackling hard water or mineral deposits and while they can be very effective (although physically hard work!), there is a risk they could scratch the porcelain so be careful if you decide to use this method. There are alternative methods, using chemicals, which run less risk of scratching the porcelain.

* Vinegar - a great all-purpose stain remover and cleaning agent, vinegar will work well on toilet stains, particularly hard water deposits or lime scale. Simply pour a large amount into the toilet bowl and leave it overnight, then clean again as usual in the morning, flushing thoroughly.

* Bleach - borrowed from your laundry cupboard, bleach is stronger than vinegar and so will work on tougher stains and rings. Again, simply add to the toilet bowl (half a cup should be sufficient) and then leave for as long as possible, before cleaning and flushing away.

* Borax - if stains still persist, you can tackle them with borax powder which can be found in hardware stores. Sprinkle it directly onto the stains and then scrub with your plastic brush. Then leave it for at least 30 minutes before flushing away. Most toilets will be gleaming white following this treatment.

* Hydrochloric Acid - only for very stubborn stains, this caustic chemical is very powerful and can tackle stains as old as 40 years but be very careful in its usage and do not leave for it for any longer than the directions say, as it can eat away at the porcelain itself, thereby causing surface roughness that will make the toilet stain even quicker in future.

Answer 2

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

A mixture of vinegar and lemon juice with a little bit of dish soap is perfect for cleaning toilets inside and out. For thick rings and stains inside the toilet bowl, add some baking soda and scrub with a toilet brush. This cleaner is good for anything you want to glimmer and shine including non-wood floors. Now stand back and admire your work—ooh, sparkly.

Answer 3

Purchase a pumice stone, like the type you would use to remove callouses from the feet. Use a pair of rubber gloves, and rub on the stains.

Answer 4

Most stain´s can be removed by using ammonia& oxalic acid. For hard water stain´s try using Harpic

Answer 5

Use the pumice stone as the other poster suggested. Just make sure you use plenty of water with it or you'll scratch your toilet. It works.

Answer 6

I HAD A SIMILAR SITUATION. BUT SOFT SCRUB DID THE TRICK FOR ME. I JUST LEFT IT INSIDE THE TOILET FOR SOME MINUTES AND THEN POOF IT WAS ALL GONE. SCRUBBING WITH A TOILET BRUSH OF COURSE.

Answer 7

a strong toilet cleaner will work , not the gel ones leave for one hour then brush clean . if that don't work remove it .

Answer 8

YUK

I would purchase a new toilet.

Answer 9

Sounds like you moved into my old college house...Oh what memories....