Commode. John. Thundermug. These are just some of the common -- and less common -- names of the porcelain god, the good ol' toilet. Nothing is quite as nice as a clean, white, and sparkly toilet, as anyone who has ever used a public restroom can attest to.
But what happens when that gleaming white porcelain gets stained, or worse, has an unsightly ring? Let’s face it, everyone has had a toilet that was embarrassing because it was stained, scratched or unsightly. Save yourself the embarrassment and the frustration of a stained toilet by using some simple techniques to keep your toilet clean, attractive, and stain-free.
Whatever chemicals you use, please be sure to follow directions thoroughly before using any strong chemicals and follow them exactly. Most importantly, NEVER EVER mix chemicals together or you could unwittingly create a bomb in your toilet – and hurt yourself. Lastly, make sure you have adequate ventilation, eye protection, and skin protection.
The tips below will help to get your commode in tip-top toilet shape!
Keep it clean
The first step is avoidance of stains. You can do this by simply keeping the toilet clean. Cleaning it on a weekly basis is usually enough to keep stains from building up. I like a mild abrasive like Comet to clean my toilet. But, if the product you’re using now does the job, stick with it. Just keep to a regular cleaning schedule.
Determine if the toilet is stained – or scratched
Some toilets are stained. That’s the easy fix. Others are scratched. That is, abrasive metal objects were used to clean the toilet and they have scratched the porcelain surface. If this describes your toilet, it's a lost cause and it should be replaced. I hate to tell you this, but someone has to. That’s why you should always use pure plastic brushes to clean your toilet and nothing else.
Stain fighters
If you find that your toilet is stained even after you’ve cleaned it, then you might need to enlist a stronger cleaning agent. If you decide to get rough, be sure to flush the toilet and turn off the water, getting out as much water from the bowl as possible. Having less water in the bowl means less dilution of the cleaning agents.
Use these cleaners, and again, use them with an all-plastic scrub brush. Don’t EVER use those toilet brushes with metal wires and plastic bristles poking out of them. The metal can scratch and permanently damage a toilet.
Here are some of the most popular cleaning agents – from mild to wild
Vinegar
This old fashioned product is great for hard water deposits. Pour two to three cups in the toilet and let it sit over night. Your toilet will love you in the morning.
Bleach
A little tougher, bleach is a good choice for a pretty potty. Sometimes the same chemical you use on your laundry is all you need to make the bowl turn snowy white. Add about ½ cup and let it sit in the bowl as long as possible, making sure to remove the fuzzy lid cover first which could be damaged by the bleach.
Borax
This powder found in the laundry section at the grocery story is an old fashioned workhorse. Sprinkle it in and work that powder with your plastic brush. Let it sit in the bowl for half an hour. Flush, and it will be snowy white again.
Calcium cleaners
Some areas have hard water and if this is your case, this water can leave scale or lime desposits and it requires a cleaner made for lime. These special cleaners, under the names of “CLR” and “Limeaway” are indispensable for hard water stains. Empty as much water from the bowl as possible and saturate it with the cleaner. Scrub and let it sit. You may need to do repeat applications to “eat” away all the lime deposits.
Iron cleaners
Many areas have water with iron. This can leave a reddish ring around the bowl or stain the bowl with a reddish orange tint. If this describes your toilet, products made for iron include “Iron Out” and “Rit Rust Remover.” Again, remove as much water from the bowl as possible and use the cleaner. You may need repeat applications. Make sure you have adequate ventilation as well as eye (goggles) and skin protection (gloves).
Scrubbers, etc.
Some items are sold for “scouring” out toilet stains, such as small pieces of “screening” and pumice stones. I would never recommend you use these products because you could scratch the porcelain surface and once this is done, you will never be able to get the toilet clean again. Avoid these at all costs.
Hydrochloric acid
Buy this at hardware stores. Follow the directions exactly. This will eat away stains from the past 40 years. Don’t let it sit longer than the directions indicate or you will “etch” the surface of the porcelain, and the toilet will stain faster than ever.
And there you have it – everything you needed to know for a tidy toilet, a comely commode, or a beautiful bidet.
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Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Everydayclean.com Calender -- the calendar that helps you end the power struggle with your house. Keeping a clean home is about knowing what to clean when. Virtually everything that needs to be cleaned is on this calendar in a year-round cleaning schedule that helps you keep your house clean easier and faster. Click here for more information.
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