Hard water stains are caused by minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water supply. These minerals deposit over time and form a chalky white or gray residue that can harden and become difficult to remove. They often appear just under the water line and around the upper rim of the bowl.
The white or grey buildup is not just a cleaning challenge but a sign that your water might be too mineral-rich. Iron and manganese are minerals that, while naturally occurring, can cause significant staining in your toilet bowl when present in your water supply.
Vinegar and baking soda
Pour about one cup of white vinegar into the toilet bowl, followed by about one cup of baking soda, then let it rest for around 10 minutes. It's a good idea to wear gloves when using this as a toilet cleaner and to have eye protection.
Just use vinegar, let it soak, scrub and flush. Or you can use pumice to scrub the stains off, which is 100% chemical free.
Mold growth in toilets is caused by moisture buildup. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including high humidity levels in the bathroom, poor ventilation, and leaks or cracks in the toilet or plumbing. Other factors, such as infrequent use or cleaning, can also contribute to mold growth in the toilet.
Always wear gloves when cleaning with vinegar to protect your skin from the acid. A special tip: Coca Cola – this fizzy drink contains phosphoric acid which also removes limescale and urine scale.
When it comes to being good for the environment, CLR has a slight advantage. It's biodegradable and part of the EPA's Safer Choice Program, which recognizes products with safer ingredients. Lime Away works well, but it doesn't have the same environmental certifications.
White vinegar
All you need to do is pour a generous amount of white vinegar down your toilet bowl, let it soak in overnight, then scrub with a brush. Then flush to rinse, and voilà, your toilet is back to its former whiteness!
The two main causes are: Mold or Bacteria – Stagnant water in your toilet, pipes, or water heater can cause the growth of mold or bacteria, which then discolor the water. Sewage Backup – A more alarming cause is a sewage backup, where sewage water is being pushed back into your home's plumbing.
When removing mild staining from mineral buildup, distilled white vinegar will break down hard water deposits without requiring harsh chemical agents or a lot of scrubbing. To remove deeper, more persistent stains, use a mild abrasive paste to gently break down and scour away mineral buildup.
Mold or mildew is common where there is moisture. Bathrooms are especially susceptible which include toilet bowls, showerheads, shower doors or curtains, sink drains, bathtubs, tiles and grout. Most mold or mildew can appear when any water sits for a period of time in the open air.
A mild, natural acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, can be very effective at nipping calcium deposits in the bud. Depending on the severity of the stain, the liquid might have to be reapplied and scrubbed vigorously several times with sandpaper or a rag.
To prevent mold from growing in your toilet bowl or other fixtures, clean them regularly using baking soda and vinegar.
If CLR Grease & Oil Remover is left on a surface for too long it begins to dry and can be very difficult to remove.
The main difference between CLR and vinegar is that CLR is stronger and better at removing mineral build ups like limescale. Vinegar is better at cleaning rust. It's also cheaper, versatile and safer than CLR.
Customers say the Zep Calcium, Lime, and Rust Stain Remover is an effective and cost-efficient alternative to more expensive brands like CLR. Many users appreciate its ability to tackle tough stains, particularly in toilets and on various surfaces affected by hard water.
He said: “Making a vigorous acidic solution is best done by using white vinegar. Pour a half cup of bicarbonate of soda into and around the bowl and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. “After about 10 minutes, scrub the toilet bowl thoroughly with a scouring pad – you may need to use some elbow grease!”
In conclusion, leaving vinegar in the toilet overnight is not recommended as it can cause damage to the porcelain surface. The best way to clean a toilet is with a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar, followed by regular cleaning with bleach or other cleaning products for tougher stains or odors.
Mineral Deposits (including limescale): Use vinegar, a pumice stone, or a commercial cleaner designed for mineral deposits to remove them. Dye Stains: Flush immediately and scrub with a toilet brush. For set-in stains, try a baking soda paste or diluted bleach.
Gray toilet stains can indicate two major issues: mold or mineral deposits. It's not always easy to tell which is which, either. Gray limescale will look like a chalky, almost powdery buildup, and is the result of minerals in the water. Gray stains can also be due to bacteria and may appear as a film.
The fungus grows best in areas that are dark, warm and moist. Mold releases spores that continue to grow and multiply. The mold may appear black, green or even orange in color and form a ring in the toilet bowl.