Green or brown stains are a sign of lime buildup. It happens because of the evaporation of hard water that leaves behind mineral deposits.
Rust stains in the toilet bowl typically indicate that there are higher levels of iron in the water supply. This may not pose a health risk, but the iron particles can oxidize and turn to a distinct red-brown color.
However, you may also find rust stains near sink, shower, and toilet bowl drains, caused by water containing high levels of iron particulates or iron bacteria. Iron plumbing pipes, rusty water heaters, or untreated metal components in toilet tanks can also cause rust formation.
Rusty pipes can be a major cause of discolored toilet water. When water flows through the rusted areas of the pipe, it can pick up and carry tiny metal particles into the toilet. These metal particles can then settle into the water and cause it to turn brown or yellowish in color.
Bleach is great for removing many stains, but not this one. In fact, bleach (or any product that contains sodium hypochlorite) is an oxidizer formulated at an alkaline pH, which provides the perfect conditions to oxidize iron and make a rust stain even worse.
Multi-purpose bathroom cleaners will not eliminate rust stains effectively, and cleaning with chlorine bleach can even cause rust stains to become permanent. The good news is there are ways to clean the stains, both environmentally friendly and chemically.
When considering how to remove those rust stains, avoid using cleaners containing bleach. This particular chemical can make those rust stains even worse. Oxidizing iron causes rust, including in your toilet. The main ingredient in common bleach is sodium hypochlorite, which is an oxidizing agent.
All-purpose bathroom cleaners usually will not remove rust stains effectively, and chlorine bleach can cause rust stains to become permanent. Learn more about easy home remedies and helpful tips for cleaning rust stains.
Iron OUT®, the #1 brand rust stain remover, offers Iron OUT® Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner, specifically designed to repel rust and hard water stains with every flush of your toilet.
Hydrogen peroxide is another natural option for cleaning toilet rust stains. It is a safer alternative to bleach for cleaning and sanitizing toilets, sinks, and spaces affected by minerals and molds.
If you've noticed a brown ring around the base of your toilet, you're probably wondering what it is and how to get rid of it. The good news is that it's most likely just mineral deposits from hard water. While these deposits won't necessarily harm your toilet, they can be unsightly and difficult to clean.
To clean calcium buildup out of your toilet, use vinegar or another acidic cleaner. The acid will break down the mineral deposits so you can brush them away. Be sure to take the necessary safety precautions when working with cleaners. Wear gloves and eyewear and open windows for ventilation.
White Vinegar and Water
The result, though, is that vinegar is highly effective in removing stubborn rust. Though there is a specific type of vinegar for cleaning purposes, many homeowners turn to the food-grade vinegar they already have stocked in their pantry.
Frequently asked questions. Can you put bleach in a toilet bowl? Yes, Clorox® Bleach is safe to add to the water in the toilet bowl. Always flush the toilet first before scrubbing, and then again when toilet cleaning is finished.
The corrosive properties of the bleach can wear away at the internal parts of your toilet, such as rubber seals, and cause leaks or other potentially permanent damage.
When cleaning a toilet bowl, WD-40 works by softening the rust and lime deposits, so they can be easily wiped away. You don't need to use much of it. Simply spray on the affected area, wait a minute or two and brush it away with a regular toilet brush.
While hydrogen peroxide can speed the rusting process, it can also remove rust. In a bowl, place equal parts cream of tartar (a mild powdery acid used in baking and available at grocery stores) and baking soda. Add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, just enough to form a paste.
Hydrogen peroxide with tarter is a great iron stain remover
Now, apply this paste on the stain and rub it gently with a soft cloth. Rinse them off, and you will see the iron stain, will be gone magically. Try these natural ways to get rid off iron stains from your clothes permanently.
Pour a small amount of white vinegar (one of nature's top rust stain removers) onto the stain and spread it evenly. Let it sit for a few minutes. Blot the spot with a clean white towel. Lay the garment in the sun until it dries and the stain begins to fade.