How to Clean a Really Dirty Toilet Bowl 2
Whether you have a particularly stubborn stain or just a toilet that needs a good cleaning, there are several easy ways to get your porcelain back into tip-top shape. The key is to use a combination of common household products that can be found in the corner of your bathroom and can work together to make your toilet bowl sparkle again.
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Vinegar
Vinegar is super acidic and can charge mineral scale particles, dissolving them so they wash away easily. Add 2-3 cups of distilled white vinegar to your toilet and pour directly on any stains. Let sit for an hour to break down stains, then scrub with your toilet brush and flush.
Baking Soda
Another natural cleaner, baking soda is also high in acids, and it can help remove stains without scratching the porcelain. Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar for a quick, effective scrubbing solution. Pour into the toilet and let it sit for about 15 minutes before scrubbing with your brush. You can also use this solution with a pumice stone or steel wool, but be sure to wear rubber gloves.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide isn’t just for sterilizing cuts, it can also break down hard brown stains caused by manganese and kill germs. Just be sure to use only 3% solution. Hydrogen peroxide can be used alone or mixed with equal parts of water. Be sure to use the diluted version, not full-strength hydrogen peroxide, which is corrosive and can damage your pipes.
Bleach
Although many people use bleach to clean their bathrooms, it can actually be more damaging than helpful, as it eats away at the surface of the porcelain and leaves behind toxic fumes. It can also be very dangerous if it is combined with ammonia, which creates a toxic gas that can irritate respiratory passages.
If you have a particularly nasty-looking toilet that is in need of a good cleaning, turn off the water to the toilet (you may have to find a valve somewhere near where it connects to your home’s water lines). Empty out the bowl and, while still emptying, close the lid. Then, squirt your cleaner of choice (be sure to read the labels carefully; some cleaners can damage the workings of your toilet tank). Apply the cleaner with a scrub brush or pumice stone and scrub. If needed, continue scrubbing until the bowl is free of stains and looks like new again. Afterwards, spray or wipe down the seat and lid, as well as the base of the toilet and the tank to ensure that everything is disinfected. Keeping your toilet in the best possible condition will keep it looking great, smelling fresh and, most importantly, safe for family members and guests to use. In between thorough cleanings, use disinfecting wipes to clean the bowl, seat and flush handle and periodically squirt some baking soda into the tank to freshen up. You’ll be surprised at the difference a few simple steps can make!
