Everybody has seen nasty hard water stains on the toilet as they walked into the bathroom. You clean, yet they still exist. No matter how much you scrub, they won’t go away. Does it feel like you’re battling with these stubborn stains?
Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Luckily, removing them is easier than you think! This guide will cover a few simple and quick techniques to get those stains out and leave your toilet looking perfect.
What Are Hard Water Stains?
Let’s first discuss hard water spots. Hard water contains plenty of minerals, including magnesium and calcium. As this water remains in your toilet for some time, it deposits mineral layers, staining the bowl white, chalky, or sometimes brown. You should routinely clean these areas as they become more difficult to stop with time.
Why Are Hard Water Stains So Stubborn?
Unlike regular dirt, hard water stains—mineral deposits adhering to surfaces—are difficult to remove. Regular toilet cleaners can not be sufficient to remove mineral accumulation as organic filth and bacteria are more difficult to remove. However, various cleaning techniques and chemicals can help you eliminate these mineral deposits.
Materials You’ll Need
These everyday house items are needed to remove hard water stains:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Pumice stone
- Borax
- Rubber gloves
- Toilet brush
- Old toothbrush (optional)
Method 1: Vinegar and Baking Soda
This natural cleaning process is not only safe but also relatively efficient.
- Pour Vinegar: First, pour two glasses of white vinegar directly into the toilet bowl. Let it rest for ten to fifteen minutes, which helps mineral deposits relax.
- Add Baking Soda: After the vinegar has rested, pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. There will be some fizzing movement, suggesting the chemicals are working.
- Scrub: Give the vinegar and baking soda mixture fifteen more minutes to settle. Then, clean the discolored spots with a toilet brush. Look very closely at the waterline, where most stains gather.
- Flush: After cleaning, flush the toilet. You should see a substantial improvement. If the stains still show, repeat the process.
Method 2: Lemon Juice and Borax
Mixed combined borax and lemon juice are excellent natural cleansers.
- Mix Lemon Juice and Borax: Mix borax with lemon juice to paste. This combination is powerful enough to remove mineral stains as borax is harsh and lemon juice is acidic.
- Apply the Paste: Apply the paste with an old toothbrush or cloth on damaged sections of the toilet bowl.
- Let It Sit: Allow the paste to work for around fifteen to twenty minutes.
- Scrub and Flush: Clean it with a toilet brush or toothbrush, then flush. This will eliminate the spots much more quickly.
Method 3: Pumice Stone Scrub
With a pumice stone, you can remove tough stains that won’t budge, no matter how much vinegar or lemon juice you attempt. Pumice stones are mild enough not to break porcelain, even if abrasive.
- Soak the Stone: To soften a pumice stone before you use it, soak it in water for a few minutes.
- Scrub the Stains: Gently circularly work the stains with the pumice stone, allowing the stone to work without too much force.
- Rinse and Repeat: Clean and flush the toilet. You can move back and forth as needed, but be careful not to break the porcelain.
Preventing Hard Water Stains in the Future
Eliminating the hard water stains comes first; you want to stop their comeback next. Think about the following to prevent such future build-up:
- Regular Cleaning: Cleaning your toilet once a week with vinegar and baking soda can help keep mineral deposits clear.
- Use a Water Softener: If hard water is a regular problem where you live, consider purchasing a water softener. This reduces the minerals in your water, making stains less likely to develop.
- Flush Regularly: Flushing an infrequently used toilet every two days will help prevent mineral deposits from developing by removing water that has stayed too long.
Conclusion
Dealing with hard water stains in your toilet doesn’t have to be challenging or trying. Common household materials you can quickly eliminate these stains and restore the shine of your toilet include vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and borax.
If you want to save time or need help in those problematic areas, do not hesitate to contact AmeriStar Maids. Our expert cleaning services will give you peace of mind, knowing your bathroom is in good hands.
To schedule your cleaning now, call (570)-310-1057, visit our website at https://ameristarmaids.com, or contact us at info@ameristarmaids.com.