Many people believe that it is too shameful to ask how to get rid of a toilet ring. However, this is a common situation that is usually completely unrelated to you.
There are several factors in the ring’s appearance, and I will discuss them next. You will also find several trusted solutions for how to clean a toilet bowl ring. Don’t call the plumber just yet.
- To remove a toilet bowl ring, mix together one cup of distilled white vinegar, one cup of baking soda, and two more cups of vinegar.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
- Then use a toilet brush to spread it around the ring.
- Let the mixture sit for another 30 minutes before flushing the toilet.
Read my recommendations and try them one by one. Something will definitely help you. There are numerous chemical products on the market that show results in no time. To get rid of the ring for good, first, you have to understand what causes its appearance.
Guidance on Cleaning the Toilet
The ring around the toilet is something you don’t want to see. It may appear even if you clean the toilet with numerous chemicals once a week. It does not mean you are a bad housekeeper. However, you have to find out the reasons for its appearance.
How do these stains appear?
Basically, the toilet ring stain is caused by hard water and mineral deposits. Sometimes, it can be mold, but you may quickly recognize it by a different color.
The weekly cleaning may prevent the heavy stains, and you will quickly get rid of the thin layer that is already built on the porcelain. There are several major causes of toilet rings:
Bacteria and mold
Bacteria and mold quickly appear on the surface of the water, remaining almost invisible to you until they stick to the bowl. Layer by layer, they can create a new comfortable household for them.
It happens incredibly quickly, especially if you don’t use the toilet often and don’t flush the water. The mold has green, black, and even orange colors. Bacteria Serratia Marcescens is pink.
Hard water
The water usually contains minerals that are dissolved and mixed with other elements. You may find iron, calcium, and magnesium there. At the same time, the hard water contains an increased number of these elements, which may cause not only the toilet ring but even block the pipes after some time.
A thick layer of calcium may even cause the drain to clog. Once you find out you have hard water, you need to start using specific remedies to clean the toilet from minerals every week.
Regular cleaning is a working way to prevent the buildup of stains on the bowl and further complications. However, you have to use more than a brush and hot water to remove the toilet ring. There are several options I recommend against this problem.
Most Popular Toilet Ring Cleaning Solutions
Before we start, you should understand that you can’t try all these solutions at once. Don’t mix them, no matter how bad the stain is. You have to give time to one remedy, as toilet ring removal is not a one-second process.
Toilet Cleaners
There are numerous regular cleaners you may find in any store. Usually, there is a label on it stating that it is a No 1 toilet bowl ring cleaner.
I recommend choosing wisely, reading other users’ reviews, checking out the company developer, and finding out possible side effects. Cleaners kill bacteria and remove multiple types of stains. Besides, some of them can be thinner or completely get rid of minerals in the toilet.
Bleach
Bleach is a good old classic when it comes to toilet rings. It may cause allergies and skin irritation, so I recommend wearing protective glasses apart from the gloves you should wear with all the tools I advise. It kills mold and bacteria.
However, hard water rings may get even worse because of the bleach. You can always use bleach in a cleaner that fights a bigger number of stains, and even grease or dirt. You also may use safer alternative recipes that involve bleach.
Vinegar and baking soda
If you are looking for how to clean a toilet ring without harsh chemicals, you may use this simple method. They are considered to be environmentally-friendly cleaners.
Vinegar is an acid that gets rid of minerals. Baking soda reacts with the vinegar and creates a foam that spreads evenly around the bowl. Flush it, and this mixture will carry the minerals away.
CLR
CLR means Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover. It removes the stains from hard water. This is a non-toxic and safe tool to use. This remedy dissolves the stains.
All you need is to pour it into the toilet and wait for 20 minutes. After that, use the brush to scrub the ring. Flush the toilet afterward.
Preventive measures
Regular cleaning toilet ring procedures may significantly ease your work and extend the life of your toilet. You don’t have to scrub the bowl with numerous chemicals. You don’t need to overpay for it, just follow the next simple rules:
- Use a cup of borax in the toilet every night. Sprinkle this cup into the bowl and go to bed. It must be spread under the rim, on the sides of the bowl, and inside it;
- Scrub the toilet with the brush in the morning and simply flush. Borax gets rid of toilet rings, stains, and even odor. Even if you have a hard water problem, borax will ease your battle with the layers of minerals.
Popular Questions About Toilet Ring
Check out these most frequently asked questions on the Internet. I believe they may be useful for everyone. I hope my answers will help you improve the cleaning procedure.
Why does my toilet get a ring so fast?
There are several reasons for the rings’ appearance. You don’t even have to use the toilet at all for the ring to appear. Without the flush, bacteria can build up a thick layer on the bowl.
If you live in an area with hard water, no matter how often you clean the toilet, the ring with minerals may still appear on it. But don’t lose hope; with a proper tool, you can get rid of the ring in no time.
Why does my toilet have mold?
The mold is usually caused by stagnant water. If the toilet is rarely used, and you don’t flush it often, you may see black, orange, or green stains, which are mold. Toilets, which are frequently flushed, have fewer chances to get covered with mold.
Open the tank and make sure that there is no mold in it. If there is a mold, your tank may simply spread the spores in the bowl, and you have to clean the toilet.
Does WD 40 remove toilet rings?
WD 40 is a spray lubricant that is made to remove sediment stains and rust from the bowl. It softens the rust and lime deposits. And while it may not work against hard water, you will get rid of stains and bad odor in a few simple moves.
The Best Solution Against Toilet Rings
While I don’t recommend using all these tools against the toilet rings at the same time, you may change them to make sure they work.
Don’t forget to always wear protective gloves, even if you don’t use harsh chemicals. With regular cleaning and flushing of the tank, you may remove any disgusting stains and colorful toilet rings.
If you have other measures on your mind, share them in the comments. I wonder whether you have used the cleaners I recommend here. What tools do you use to get rid of toilet rings? How often do you clean the toilet? Do you have hard water?
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- How to Adjust Water Level in Toilet Bowl
Gerald Carpenter
My name is Gerald Carpenter and I am a professional plumber in the third generation. My father was a plumber, my grandfather was a plumber. I wish I had records on my other ancestors.
