Lower the water level in the toilet bowl by pouring a bucket of water into the bowl (this allows for flushing without filling).
Pour approximately 2 cups of white vinegar directly onto the stains.
Allow it to sit overnight.
In the morning, scrub the area and flush.
This is a gentle yet effective method to remove those pesky stains, including the ring stain that always seems to come back.
c) Borax Paste
Borax is a cleaner that has a strong abrasive quality without scratching surfaces.
Mix borax with enough water to create a paste.
Apply the paste directly to the stains using a sponge or old toothbrush.
Allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes.
Scrub and rinse.
I use this method when other products fail to remove the stains. It’s especially useful for removing rust and heavy mineral deposits.
Commercial Products That Will Whiten a Toilet Bowl
While there are many natural products that will whiten a toilet bowl, sometimes the most severe stains require commercial products to remove them. When purchasing a commercial product, ensure it is specifically designed to remove hard water deposits or limescale. Gel-type cleansers will usually provide better adhesion to the surface and longer scrubbing time. Rust removers will specifically target the rust stains while preserving the porcelain. However, if you plan to use bleach-based products, please use caution, they may whiten the bowl temporarily but they often do not remove the underlying mineral deposits. Excessive use of bleach-based products may damage the porcelain over time.
Whitening Stains in Hard to Reach Areas
Stains under the rim of the toilet are notorious for being difficult to remove. While the rest of the toilet bowl may appear to be clean, there may still be stains present under the rim. An angled toilet brush provides access to areas that are otherwise difficult to reach. I’ve found success using vinegar soaked paper towels, placing them under the rim and allowing them to sit for 20-30 minutes before scrubbing. It’s surprisingly rewarding to remove the debris that was previously hiding under the rim. Avoid using excessive force. The solution and time will take care of the staining.
whiten toilet bowl
source: Pexels
Tips to Maintain Your Shiny Toilet Bowl
After the toilet bowl has been cleaned, maintain it by cleaning it lightly each week. I personally add baking soda to my toilet bowl each night and scrub it in the morning. Perform a deep cleaning of the toilet bowl monthly, especially if you notice mineral deposits forming rings on the bowl. If you live in a region where hard water is a common issue, consider installing a water softener. Regularly rinsing the toilet bowl with white vinegar will help prevent mineral deposits from building up.
