How to Remove Hard Water Stains in a Toilet

Posted by Mary Deleon on October 10th, 2021

Hard water stains in the toilet happen over time and create unsightly marks on your bathroom fixtures. Settle of minerals such as calcium and magnesium make it harder for soap scum to do its job, which means that it will stick around longer than you\'d like. Because hard water contains mineral deposits, you\'ll often notice a ring or film around the waterline. With a little elbow grease and some household items, you can remove these stains easily and get your toilet sparkling again.

Before beginning, this project, empty the water from the bowl and let it dry out completely. If you\'re worried about residual moisture harming any valves or seals in your toilet tank, cover them with wax paper to keep them safe.

Pick up a commercial toilet bowl cleaner or mix your own to create a paste that you can apply to the stains. To do this, combine equal parts baking soda and powdered laundry detergent with just enough water to form a thick paste. If you choose to use liquid cleaners instead, pour two cups of dry bleach into one cup of water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and shake to mix.

Apply your paste or solution to the stained area of the toilet bowl. If you\'re using bleach, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from irritation. Allow the cleaner to set for approximately ten minutes before scrubbing it away with steel wool or an abrasive sponge that has been dipped in some white vinegar.

Rinse the area with cool water and carefully dry it with a towel. If your stains are gone but you feel residue on the porcelain, use some undiluted liquid laundry detergent to scrub it away. Dry this area completely before refilling your bowl with fresh water.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hard Water Stains in Toilet

What product removes hard water stains in the toilet?

There are some commercial products on the market that claim to remove hard water stains. However, you can get the same effect by using a paste made from baking soda and powdered laundry detergent mixed with vinegar or bleach.

What cleans hard water stains in a toilet bowl?

A simple paste made of baking soda, powdered laundry detergent, and either vinegar or bleach can remove stains caused by hard water. Some commercial cleaners are available, but these ingredients work just as well and you can control the concentration of each ingredient to suit your needs.

Will WD-40 remove hard water stains?

No. WD-40 is a lubricant, not a cleaner. It will not remove hard water stains from your toilet.

Toilet clogs are no laughing matter, but getting them to go down can be! By knowing where they come from you can prevent them yourself, saving both time and money.