If you live in an area with hard water, it is no surprise that you will notice mineral build-up in your toilet. White scales, yellow stains, and even rust may be visible; these are hard water stains.
Hard water stains not only leave an ugly film on your glasses and shower doors, but the minerals that generate white spots can also cause showers and taps to slow down and eventually clog.
While various cleaning products may remove hard water stains in the toilet, several household remedies can be just as effective. They can remove the unpleasant ring without the use of harsh chemicals.
Knowing how to remove hard water stains fast will save your time and effort in removing those chalky streaks and avoid build-up in your showers and faucets.
What Is Hard Water?
You might be wondering what is in hard water and why it creates problems in your home. Water that contains a very high amount of dissolved minerals, especially calcium and magnesium, is referred to as hard water.
Hard water is formed when normal water percolates through calcium and magnesium deposits that contain minerals such as limestone, chalk, and dolomite.
When heated, these minerals encrust onto household items as scale or mineral deposits, affecting the equipment’s performance. It leaves behind ugly stains on sinks, tubs, toilet bowls, and clogs pipes, which reduces water flow.
How To Remove Hard Water Stains From Toilet
Ways you can Think of
The primary step to removing hard water stains from a toilet or bowl ring is to empty the bowl. This will help you achieve better results sooner. Then follow the below methods.
1. Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
Both white vinegar and baking soda are easily available cooking ingredients. Yet, if you combine them properly, you’ll have an excellent cleaner for stubborn hard water stains.
Flush your toilet first, then pour one cup of vinegar into the bowl, and mix it with the standing water with the toilet brush. Allow one to five minutes for the mixture to rest.
Then add one cup of baking soda to two cups of vinegar, and allow the mixture to fizz and bubble for 10 minutes. Swish the liquid around the toilet bowl and scrub the hard water stain with the toilet brush. Allow the mixture to settle for 20 to 30 minutes till the stain is gone.
2. Using Borax
Borax is another wonderful treatment for toilet bowl water stains. Borax is a versatile cleaning agent that can remove hard water stains from the toilet and other plumbing fixtures.
Make a borax paste with equal parts borax and water for minor, stubborn stains. Pour half a cup of borax paste into the toilet bowl, covering all the hard water stains.
Then start scrubbing with a toilet brush. If at all possible, leave it there overnight. To achieve the best results, scrub the bowl once more using a nylon brush. When you’re done, flush the toilet to clean it out.
3. Using Borax and Vinegar
Another combination you can look for is borax and vinegar, which is an effective solution for hard stains. First, flush the toilet and pour 1/4 cup of borax into the bowl. Swish it around using the toilet brush.
Next, add 1 to 2 cups of vinegar and let the mixture sit in the bowl for 20-30 minutes. Finally, scrub the stains away using the toilet brush. Flush the toilet to see the magic.
4. Using Vinegar
As you have read above how the combination of vinegar and baking soda proved effective, you can also apply vinegar solely to your toilet bowl if you don’t have baking soda.
Vinegar is effective against almost all types of hard water accumulation. This is due to the acetic acid present in vinegar, which serves as a solvent to dissolve the mineral deposits.
First, you need to dry out the bowl. You can use a plunger to do that. Then remove the excess water from the inside using an old towel or cloth. This is crucial since you don’t want to dilute the cleaning solution too much. Now sprinkle white vinegar all over the bowl.
Wait for 30 minutes to allow the acid to work. Wipe out the hard-to-reach areas with a cloth if necessary, especially regions under the rim of your toilet. You can also apply vinegar to the outer parts to create a sparkling effect.
5. Using Pumice Stone
The toilet brush may not be enough to solve the problem, and you should try another method. To get started, scrub the discoloration using a pumice stone, preferably one on a stick.
Then scrub the water streaks all around the bowl. Flushing at different intervals might aid in the removal of any debris. Swish the water with a toilet brush and flush it once more.
It’s a proven cleaning method that does not cause unnecessary damage to porcelain. If necessary, add vinegar while gently scrubbing the stains.
6. Using Chemicals
To fight against hard water stains, hydrochloric acid is the finest chemical to utilize. It can cut through thick accumulation due to its high acidic and abrasive properties.
First, spray the toilet bowl with cleaner and scrub it with a toilet brush. Then, immediately rinse the chemicals with water.
Flushing the toilet a few times may help you get rid of acid leftovers. Always use caution while mixing the hydrogen chloride-containing product with bleach.
Wear gloves as a precaution to protect your hands before applying. Acids found in bowl cleansers can quickly harm your skin. If you spill or spray chemicals on the tiles, wipe them up with a moist cloth. Do it immediately to protect your floor.
Conclusion
Not only on toilet areas, but you need to clean your faucets and other plumbing fixtures periodically. Whether you use vinegar, baking soda, borax, or any other product, you must be careful to use the appropriate amount and clean it properly.
It is often seen that even after cleaning, some new stains develop, which is another major issue. You need to take care of them, as money is another important criterion in cleaning, and everything has to be within budget.
Also, you can think of approaching professional cleaners who are experts in these. Thus you can get a long-time cleaning solution without worrying about stubborn stains.
Also Check
How To Remove Stains From Bathroom Tiles
How To Remove Stains From Marble Floors
How To Remove Stains From Stainless Steel Sinks
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