The unsightly ring in your toilet bowl isn’t just stubborn dirt, rather it’s a hard water stain. Hard water stains are pesky deposits that are commonplace in areas in which water has high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium.
As the water evaporates in the toilet bowl, it leaves behind these residue minerals, creating an unsightly buildup that’s often difficult to remove. The longer they stay, the more stubborn they get.
But don’t worry, we’ll help you understand how to prevent hard water stains from forming through effective and proven cleaning methods.
Use Zep Acidic Toilet Cleaner And Bar Keepers Friend To Remove Those Hard Water Stains
These are two favorite cleaning solutions among cleaning professionals because they’re specifically designed to dissolve even stubborn mineral deposits and rust stains.
It contains hydrochloric acid to dissolve calcium, lime and even rust buildup. The thick gel formulation sticks to the toilet bowl’s surface which allows a long contact time and optimal cleaning results.
On the other hand, Bar Keepers Friend contains oxalic acid, which is used to remove rust and other tough stains. It’s also widely used in laundry cleaning where it can remove stubborn dirt from fabric.
It’s also used for industrial applications, such as removing scale from automobile radiators.
Steps:
- Pour the cleaner into the toilet bowl making sure the gel is also applied to the actual hard water stain. Leave this to sit for an hour.
- Flush the toilet then clean with a brush and Bar Keepers Friend powder.
- Use a pumice stone for any remaining dirt, but be wary about using it daily. Don’t use it on the toilet too frequently as it can damage the porcelain material but it’s still effective for removing the initial hard water stain.
- Prevent hard water stains completely by cleaning the toilet every day or hiring professional cleaners to do so.
Clean With Citric Acid
Citric acid is naturally occurring in fruits like oranges and lemons. It’s a safe and eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals, odorless, cheap, and does not require too much scrubbing.
Here’s how to use citric acid to remove hard water stains from your toilet bowl:
- Mix about 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid powder into a cup of warm water. Dissolve until powder clumps disappear.
- Pour the solution directly onto the stains, ensuring every area you want cleaned is covered.
- Leave the solution to sit for about 30 minutes or even overnight. The acid will be able to dissolve the mineral deposits.
- Gently scrub with a toilet brush if any more stains are left.
- Flush the toilet bowl completely. Make it a habit to clean the toilet bowl to prevent further stains.
Drop A Few Denture Tablets Into The Toilet Bowl
Add a few denture-cleaning tablets into the bowl and allow them to work their magic overnight. The cleaning action helps loosen up and dissolve the mineral deposits.
After soaking them overnight, use a pumice stone to remove any remaining stains.
Frequently Asked Questions On Removing Hard Water Stains From Toilet Bowls
Will Magic Eraser work on hard stains?
It can be hit or miss, despite the cleaning power advertised. Additionally, Magic Erasers are abrasive and may damage the porcelain.
Is it possible to clean a toilet bowl without scrubbing with a pumice stone?
It’s possible, that pumice stones are not the only option to remove hard stains from toilet bowls. You can use other methods like cleaning with citric acid or vinegar solution. (Refer to the guide above for further cleaning instructions).
How to prevent hard water stains in toilet bowls?
Make it a habit to clean the toilet bowl at least once every week with any preferred cleaner. This helps prevent minerals and calcium deposits from building up, thus making it easier to remove any stains that might emerge.
Some toilet bowl cleaners are formulated for the prevention of hard water stains, especially those with citric acid or borax. Here are some examples:
- Lime-A-Way Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System with Bleach
- Seventh Generation Emerald Cypress & Fir Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- The Works Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- CLR Calcium, Lime, & Rust Remover
- Lemi Shine Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Iron OUT Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Can Coca-Cola remove limescale from a toilet bowl?
While Coca-Cola may seem to be an inexpensive solution to remove limescale, it’s not recommended. The sugar content in this carbonated drink can attract ants and other bacteria, not to mention it may leave behind a sticky film.
Stick to other proven cleaning solutions like vinegar, citric acid, or commercial toilet bowl cleaners to get the best results.