Hard water stains can make your toilet look dirtier than it is, and you may feel embarrassed if anyone visiting needs to use the bathroom. Luckily, you can easily say goodbye to those pesky stains. You’ll just need white vinegar and some elbow grease. Read more to find out how!
Why choose vinegar over other cleaning products?
Let’s dig a little to answer this question. The cause of chalky white or yellowish spots in your toilet bowl is the accumulation of minerals found in tap water. The best way to remove mineral buildup is using an acidic solution like vinegar.
This product is strong enough to dissolve mineral buildup with ease. Plus, it is cheaper and safer to use than most store-bought cleaners—no harmful chemicals to handle or inhale and no damage to your toilet!
Here’s how to use vinegar on your toilet in three easy steps.
Step #1. Flush and close the valve
First of all, close the water valve and flush the toilet. This will drain the tank completely and ensure the best results, as the vinegar will act directly on the minerals instead of being diluted in water, thus lowering the acidity.
Step #2. Spray the vinegar on your toilet
Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and generously spray the toilet bowl interior. While doing so, use a toilet brush to thoroughly spread the vinegar.
Even if you can’t see them yet, minerals can build up already at the bottom of your toilet. Address this issue by pouring some vinegar until it pools. Once done, leave the vinegar work for at least one hour before jumping to the next step.
Pro-tip. Although one hour is enough to soften mineral buildup, you can leave vinegar sitting overnight for easier cleaning.
Step #3. Scrub and rinse off the stains
Once you’re done waiting, it’s time to grab a toilet brush and scrub away the hard water stains. During this step, you must keep the bowl wet for better cleaning. So, pour a 50/50 vinegar and water mixture into the bowl’s inner surface as you scrub—don’t forget the bottom!
Hard water stains rarely get difficult to remove. However, if you happen to find a tough spot, you can use a pumice stone. Just remember that when using it, you’ll also need to keep the area wet (with the same 50/50 combo) to avoid damaging the bowl’s surface.
Lastly, open the water valve again and flush away the dirty water. Now you can see your toilet in all its sparkling glory!
Can you use CLR or WD40 to clean your toilet instead?
While CLR works to remove minerals and rust, it is a very strong product that could damage your toilet if not used properly. If you opt for this choice, keep the area ventilated, wear gloves, and don’t let it sit in your toilet for more than two minutes.
In the case of WD40, this product might not help you much because it works better as a lubricant. Therefore, sticking to white vinegar is best because it has the right acidity to dissolve mineral buildup!
BlueSpring Cleaning can help you keep your toilet pristine!
The best way to prevent hard water stains from building up inside your toilet is by cleaning it regularly, and BlueSpring Cleaning can help you with that! We’ll leave your toilet in the best condition and the rest of your house squeaky clean. Avoid the hassle and book with us now!