How To Remove Hard Water Stains From A Toilet

Your toilet is probably the most important part of your home. It’s where you go to take a dump, and it also serves as a sink.

In addition to being functional, toilets come in various styles and colors. Some even have special features such as bidets or dual flush systems.

Your toilet has a number of parts that can cause problems.

The bowl itself can become dirty over time, and the tank can fill up with water.

When these things happen, they can cause serious issues. Fortunately, there are ways to fix them.

Hard water stains are some of the most common problems. Hard water stains are caused by minerals in the water.

These minerals deposit on surfaces like sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets. They can be removed using a few simple techniques.

Here are some of the most effective ways to remove hard water stains from your toilet. 

Removing Hard Water Stains From Your Toilet

Home Remedies

Use A Soft Scrubber Sponge

A soft scrubber sponge is one of the best tools for removing hard water stains. This type of sponge is made out of synthetic materials. You can use this tool to clean your toilet bowl.

To use a soft scrubber sponge, first wet it. Then apply it directly onto your toilet bowl. Gently rub the surface until all the hard water deposits are gone.

Use Vinegar

Vinegar is another great way to get rid of hard water stains. All you need to do is mix vinegar and baking soda together.

Add 1/4 cup of each to your toilet tank. Let the mixture sit overnight. After that, drain the mixture into your toilet bowl. Rinse the bowl thoroughly before flushing.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is an inexpensive solution for cleaning your toilet. Simply add 2 cups of baking soda to your toilet tank.

Wait at least 24 hours before draining the mixture into your toilet. Make sure to rinse the bowl thoroughly before flushing.

Use Salt

Salt is another option for removing hard water stains from your bathroom. Just pour salt down your toilet bowl.

Be careful not to let any of the salt touch the sides of the toilet bowl. Once the salt is done dissolving, flush the toilet.

Use Bleach

Bleach is another effective method for getting rid of hard water stains from your bathtub or toilet. Mix bleach with warm water. Apply the concoction to your toilet bowl and allow it to sit overnight.

Use Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a natural cleaner that works well for removing hard water stains on your toilet. Pour lemon juice into your toilet tank.

Allow the mixture to soak overnight. Drain the mixture into your toilet and flush away.

Use Citric Acid

Citric acid is another powerful alternative for removing hard water stains around your house. Dissolve the citric acid in hot water.

Spray the mixture onto your toilet bowl. Leave the mixture to sit overnight. Flush away the next day.

Use Toothpaste

Toothpaste is another easy way to get rid of stubborn hard water stains. Simply pour toothpaste into your toilet tank. Let it sit overnight. Drain the mixture and flush away.

Use Distilled White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is another popular choice for removing hard water stains in bathrooms. It’s also known as apple cider vinegar.

Simply pour distilled white vinegar into your toilet tank. Wait overnight. Drain the mixture once it’s finished soaking. Rinse the toilet bowl thoroughly before flushing away.

Use Borax

Borax is a natural product that can help remove hard water stains from both your toilet and shower. Simply dissolve borax in warm water.

Pour the mixture into your toilet tank. Set aside overnight. Drain the mixture the next morning. Rinse the toilet thoroughly before flushing away the rest.

Use Alum

Alum is another effective home remedy for removing hard water stains and soap scum. Combine alum with water to create a thick paste.

Apply the paste onto your toilet bowl. Allow it to sit overnight. The next day, drain the mixture into the toilet. Rinse the toilet completely before flushing away.

Use Epsom Salts

Epsom salts are a popular choice for removing hard water stains from toilets. Simply pour Epsom salts into your toilet tank.

Cover the top of the tank with plastic wrap. Let the mixture sit for one hour. Drain the mixture and rinse the toilet bowl thoroughly before using.

Use Cornstarch

Cornstarch is yet another simple household item that can be used to clean your toilet. Dissolve cornstarch in water.

Pour the mixture directly into your toilet tank. You can use this mixture every month to keep your toilet looking new.

Use Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are a great way to get rid of hard water stains around the house. Place coffee grounds inside your toilet tank.

This will absorb all the excess moisture in your toilet tank. In addition, the strong smell of coffee grounds can keep unwanted odors masked — bonus!

Removing Hard Water Stains From Your Toilet

Cleaners

Natural remedies are great but they can only go so far. That’s where chemicals come in. 

Iron Out

This is one of the best cleaners for hard water stains. It’s an automatic toilet cleaner. It’s formulated to counteract rust and hard water stain build-up every single time you flush your toilet.

Iron out is safe for all toilets and is easy to use. Just drop one of the tablets into the toilet tank and it’ll do all the work for you.

Made in the USA, this cleaner is designed to prevent rust and stain build-up for 45 days from use. 

It also comes in a handy liquid form as well as tablets, so it takes into account your preference. 

Zep Acidic Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Made from a gel, Zep is an incredibly strong toilet cleaner. It has acidic in the name for a reason. It’s made to neutralize any buildup of soap scum or other residues on your toilet.

It works by dissolving the deposits on your toilet bowl. The gel helps prevent further stains by clinging to the inside of the bowl. 

The bottle contains enough cleaning solution for up to 1,000 gallons of water. It’s perfect for homes with multiple bathrooms or large families. It comes in a fresh lemon and pine scent to cover any bad odors. 

Zep is the first choice for industrial cleaners. 

Bioclean Hard Water Stain Remover

Bioclean is a hard water stain remover of professional standards. It’s formulated to remove tough stains like rust, limescale, mineral deposits, and more. 

It’s completely non-toxic and biodegradable. It does not contain harsh chemicals. Instead, it uses natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and citric acid.

These ingredients have been proven effective at removing stubborn stains. 

Once used, Bioclean leaves behind a protective sealant that helps to prevent stains and rust for up to 3 months after use. 

It’s also very affordable. 

Pumie Toilet Bowl Ring Remover

Pumie is a little different from our other suggestions. Instead of a liquid or tablet, Pumie is actually a pumice stone but for your toilet.

The theory behind this is that the hard water stains can actually be scrubbed down.

The way to use Pumie is to place it into direct contact with the stain, and then scrub like your life depends on it. So while this option does take a lot more effort than other ones, it’s still a great choice.

That’s because Pumie doesn’t use any chemicals that could harm your toilet, nor does it have any added odors that you might not like. 

Ring King Toilet Ring Remover

Back to our traditional liquid cleaners, we’ve got Ring King. This one has a unique formula that works by using a combination of baking soda and citric acid and other ingredients.

It doesn’t use phosphates and is industrial strength.

This mixture breaks down the minerals and grime left over from hard water, leaving behind a clear bowl. 

Because there are no harsh chemicals involved, Ring King is safe for all types of toilets. And since it won’t leave any nasty residue behind either. 

You’ll just need to make sure that you’re using a soft brush when cleaning. You don’t want to scratch the porcelain. And always make sure to wear gloves.

So if you’re looking for an easy way to get rid of those annoying rings around your toilet, Ring King is a great choice. 

Final Thoughts

The debate around home cleaning remedies vs chemical cleaning products has been around since the first cleaner hit the shelves.

But in recent years, many people have started to realize how dangerous some of these products really are.

And so they’ve turned their attention towards safer alternatives. Like the ones listed above. Because they know that they’re better for themselves and the environment.

But even though these options aren’t as powerful as the chemical ones, they’re still pretty good. Especially considering the fact that they’re much cheaper too.

On the other hand, manufacturers have adjusted their products to not be as harsh as they once used to be. We have more bio cleaners than ever.

So whether you choose a home remedy or a product to clean the hard water stains on your toilet bowl, they should both work just as well.

And you don’t have to worry about the cleaners being too harsh as we’ve only recommended safe to use options.

The most important thing to do is try the home remedies first, then turn to the cleaners if they don’t work. At least that’s our suggestion. Happy cleaning, from us!