Toilet Pan Stains: Effective Cleaning Strategies For A Sparkling Bowl

A stained toilet bowl is an unsightly image, and an even more unwelcoming sight for guests. Luckily, there are several ways to tackle this issue, and most of them can be done inexpensively with common household products.

White vinegar

Step 1: Initial Clean

Start by doing an initial clean of the toilet bowl. You can use a store-bought toilet cleaner, or a natural alternative such as lemon juice, to give the toilet bowl an initial clean. Use a clean brush to rub the cleaner around the bowl and leave it to sit for a while. Then, flush the toilet.

Step 2: Pour in the Vinegar

Grab some white vinegar and pour it into the toilet. The amount of vinegar you need will depend on the severity of the stains. For light stains, 130ml should be enough, but for tougher stains, you may need up to 3 cups. You can also soak some toilet paper in vinegar and place it directly on the stains.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Leave the vinegar to sit in the toilet bowl for several hours, or even overnight. The longer you leave it, the more effective it will be at removing the stains.

Step 4: Scrub

If you still have stains, try gently scrubbing them with a clean brush or pad. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can scratch the toilet bowl.

Tips:

• Vinegar has a strong smell, so it is recommended to open a window while cleaning.
• If you don't like the smell of vinegar, you can add a few drops of lemon juice to the toilet bowl to help neutralise the odour.
• Always wear gloves and a mask when cleaning your toilet to protect yourself from bacteria and potential irritants.
• Remember to never mix vinegar with bleach, as this creates a toxic gas.

Baking soda

Step 1: Initial Clean

Start by giving your toilet bowl a preliminary clean. Use a commercial toilet cleaner, preferably one that targets limescale. Follow the instructions on the packet, rub the cleaner around the bowl, and leave it to work its magic. After about 30 minutes, flush the toilet.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda

Now it's time to sprinkle in the baking soda. Pour around three tablespoons of baking soda into the toilet bowl, ensuring that it covers the stain. Close the lid and let the baking soda work its magic overnight.

Step 3: Scrub and Rinse

The next day, gently rub away any remaining baking soda and stains. Use a clean toilet brush or pad to scrub away any stubborn marks. Be careful not to scratch the toilet bowl. Finally, flush the toilet to rinse away any residue.

Extra Tips:

For a more intensive clean, you can combine baking soda with vinegar. The mild chemical reaction will boost the cleaning power. Simply pour in some vinegar, let it sit for a minute or two, and then sprinkle in the baking soda. The fizzing action will help loosen those stubborn stains.

Lemon juice

• Put on protective gear, including gloves, eye protection, and a mask.
• Remove as much water as possible from the toilet bowl.
• Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. You can also add 10-15 drops of essential oils like lemon, tea tree oil, or lavender, which work well against mould.
• Spray the mixture onto the affected areas, including under the rim of the toilet seat. Ensure that you cover all stained areas.
• Let the lemon juice mixture sit for around 20-30 minutes. For tougher stains, you may need to let it sit for longer or even overnight.
• Use a toilet brush to scrub the stains vigorously and loosen any remaining deposits.
• Turn the water back on and flush the toilet to rinse away the lemon juice.

If any stains remain, you can repeat the process or try another cleaning method. Lemon juice is an effective and natural way to clean a badly stained toilet pan, leaving it smelling fresh and clean.

Hydrogen peroxide

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Put on Protective Gear

Wear rubber gloves and, if desired, eye protection to avoid skin and eye irritation. You will also need a toilet brush and a scrubbing brush with stiff bristles for more stubborn stains.

Step 2: Empty the Toilet Bowl

Turn off the valve where the toilet connects to your water pipes, usually a knob near the bottom rear of the toilet. Flush the toilet to empty the bowl.

Step 3: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

Pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stains in the toilet bowl. Then, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on top. The combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will boost its cleaning power.

Step 4: Let the Mixture Sit

Allow the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixture to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the solution will start to break down the stains and disinfect the surface.

Step 5: Scrub and Flush

After the waiting period, use a toilet brush to scrub the stains vigorously. Make sure to scrub under the rims as well. Once you are satisfied, flush the toilet to rinse away the solution.

Additional Tips:

• For tough stains, add more hydrogen peroxide to the bowl, targeting the smears and splatters. Scrub with a brush, then let it sit for 30 minutes before flushing.
• You can also use hydrogen peroxide to clean the toilet seat, lid, and handles by soaking a rag with the liquid and gently wiping away spots and smudges.
• If you notice brown stains, limescale, or mineral deposit buildup, pour a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet tank. The bleaching properties will dissolve stains and sanitise the tank without damaging the flapper or flush valve.
• Hydrogen peroxide can be purchased in a spray bottle or transferred to a recyclable spray bottle for easier application and better distribution.
• Always ensure proper ventilation when using hydrogen peroxide, and avoid mixing it with other cleaning products, especially those containing ammonia or chlorine bleach.

Pumice stone

• Wear protective gear: Put on long cleaning gloves, goggles, and a mask before handling any cleaning products or starting the cleaning process.
• Wet the pumice stone: Soak the pumice stone in lukewarm water for a few minutes. This step is essential to soften the stone and prevent scratching.
• Clean the toilet: Use a toilet brush and a cleaning agent to remove any dirt or debris from the toilet. Flush the toilet and clean the brush.
• Wet the toilet bowl: Ensure that the entire surface of the toilet bowl is wet. If the surface is dry, pour lukewarm water over it to dampen it thoroughly.
• Scrub the stains: With the pumice stone and the toilet bowl still wet, start scrubbing the stained areas. Apply firm, even pressure in a circular or back-and-forth motion.
• Observe the greyish paste: As you scrub, you will notice a greyish paste forming on the toilet bowl's surface. This is the result of the pumice stone breaking down and mixing with the water. Continue scrubbing with the paste, as it provides additional abrasive action.
• Rinse and assess: After scrubbing for a few minutes, rinse the surface with clean water to check your progress. Alternate between scrubbing and rinsing until the stains are removed.
• Flush the toilet: Once the stains are gone, flush the toilet to rinse away any remaining residue from the bowl.

Some additional tips to keep in mind when using a pumice stone:

• Always keep the pumice stone and the toilet surface wet during the cleaning process.
• Do not press too hard on the surface, as it may scratch the porcelain.
• Test the pumice stone on a small, inconspicuous area of the toilet before proceeding with the entire surface.
• Pumice stones are not suitable for cleaning the external parts of the toilet, such as the seat, lid, or the outside of the cistern, as these are usually made of wood or plastic and can be scratched.

Frequently asked questions