It is not you. It’s not you. It’s not because of your cleaning habits or family routines. You are literally fighting the elements. If you want to know how to eliminate a toilet ring, then you need to prepare your weapons and be ready to use them.
How to Get Rid of Toilet Ring
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to clean your toilet ring with every product you have, only to be disappointed each time. This frustrating cycle often leads to a messy closet and a persistent toilet ring.
To get rid of a toilet ring, first, determine the cause. Otherwise, you may just be throwing solutions at a problem that you might not have.
What causes a toilet bowl ring?
Two reasons can cause a ring to form in a toilet bowl.
- Bacteria, mould.Organisms, mould and fungus can stick to the porcelain in the toilet bowl’s water surface. This is especially common in toilets that aren’t used frequently. It takes only one bacteria to cause a problem, and they multiply rapidly.
- Water hard.Water contains dissolved minerals like calcium, magnesium and iron. However, hard water has a lot more that what is in the water.
Toilet Bowl: Pink Ring
Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa bacteria grow in pink-ish colonies. These colonies can quickly form a pink ring around the toilet bowl’s surface. These bacteria love water and will settle in the bowl, where there is water most of the day. It is relatively simple to remove this ring. Normal toilet cleaners can clean and sanitize your toilet bowl.
How to get rid of toilet bowl rings? An automated toilet bowl cleaner, such as these Clorox tablets, can help keep bacteria and mold at bay by flushing bleach into the toilet bowl with every flush. These tablets are great for regular cleaning and can keep the toilet bowl clean and fresh.
Toilet Bowl: Black Ring
Who knew that toilet rings can come from hard water? We grew tired of scrubbing and set out searching for how to get rid of toilet ring easily. We’ve tried lots of commercial products out there, but we had to spend a decent amount of time scrubbing.
Hard water is the culprit here. All elements found in high concentrations in hard water include calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese. They can cause hard water to taste metallic, leave soap un-latherable, and dry skin. They can easily precipitate and form deposits in faucets, showerheads, and coffee pots.
Black toilet rings will not be removed by regular toilet cleaners. This is work that requires chemistry and manual labor. You will need to find solutions that break down the mineral barrier, and then use good old-fashioned scrubbers to get rid of it.
How to Clean a Toilet bowl Ring
First, let’s get to the point. Mixing cleaning products can lead to dangerous and caustic gases that can quickly overwhelm you. If you are unable to use one product and want to try another, rinse thoroughly and ventilate the space before switching. Safety first.
Regular toilet cleaner
- KILLS 99.9% OF BATHROOM VIRUSES AND BACTERIA: Lysol Power Toilet Cleaner is tested and proven to kill 99.9% of bathroom viruses and bacteria (when used as directed); EPA Reg no.777-81.
- POWERFUL STAIN REMOVAL: This cleaner powers through tough stains and toilet bowl rings in seconds to leave your toilet bowl sparkling clean.
- GERM KILLING FORMULA: The thick clinging gel coats the entire bowl and rim; powering through the toughest toilet stains and bowl ring to leave you toilet clean and sanitized.
- FAST ACTION GEL LIQUID CLEANER: Easy to use angled bottle makes it easier than ever to clean and reach tough stains in tricky to reach areas; Powerful formula means no scrubbing needed.
- LEADERS IN DISINFECTION: Looking for some of our other best disinfectant products? Try our Lysol Disinfecting Wipes; Lysol Disinfectant Sprays and Lysol All Purpose Cleaners.
Use a regular toilet bowl cleaner such as Lysol Clean & Fresh Toilet Bowl Cleaner, If you have a pink or orange ring in your toilet, this product will work. This product contains bleach and cleaners that will kill bacteria and remove stains.
Bleach
Bleach won’t work if your problem is caused by bacteria or mold. It won’t fight hard water rings and could make them worse. It is not recommended to use bleach alone. Instead, it is better to use cleaners that contain bleach and other cleaning agents. They’ll be sudsier and can fight dirt, grease, and bacteria.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is the scientific way to go. Vinegar, which is an acid, dissolves minerals precipitated from the water onto the toilet bowl’s surface. Baking soda can react with vinegar, causing it to foam and bubble. This fizzy reaction dissolves the minerals and transports them away. It is also very environmentally friendly. The baking soda and vinegar mixture becomes saltwater and carbon dioxide. There are no harmful chemicals left behind.
Material
- 1 cup baking soda
- 2 to 3 cups white vinegar
- Toilet brush
- Spray bottle
Instructions
Use a spray bottle to pour white vinegar into the bowl. Then, use a toilet brush and wipe the surface of your toilet. After about a minute, add baking soda to your toilet bowl.
To prevent any sprinkling from a fizzing action, you might close the lid and seat. After 10 minutes, spread the solution using the toilet brush all over the toilet bowl. Pay attention to any stains that are above the waterline.
Allow the mixture to sit for at most one hour before it begins to break down any stains. To prevent the vinegar from causing damage to the porcelain, flush your toilet twice to three times.
Borax And Vinegar
Material
- 1/4 cups borax
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Toilet brush
Instructions
Borax can be used to remove the toilet bowl ring, but it should not be used for small stains or too often. Borax can be used if the hard water ring is stubborn and is difficult to remove.
Use a bowl to pour the prepared borax and then spread it on the surface using a toilet brush. Let it sit for around 20-30 minutes before adding white vinegar. Before flushing the toilet, scrub the ring with a brush if needed.
Borax Paste
- Two mule team borax
- Removes soap scum, hard water deposits, and dirt
- Wipe on counters and appliances to remove grease and grime and make dishes sparkling clean
- Add to laundry to help remove tough stains, deodorize and freshen
Material
- 1/2 cups borax
- White vinegar
- Rubber gloves
- Old cloth
- Stiff-bristle nylon brush
Instructions
The borax paste is a great solution if you have a hard water toilet ring. To prevent water from soaking the bowl, the best solution is to turn off the valve.
To prevent liquid stains from covering the toilet during flushing, dry it with an old cloth. Protect your hands with rubber gloves
Combine borax and as much vinegar as necessary to make the paste. Spread the paste on top of the hard water toilet bowl ring. Cover it completely.
Borax can harden quickly so make sure to prepare everything properly. Let the paste sit for about 15 to 20 minutes before you begin to scrub.
Use a nylon brush to remove the paste and any stains. To remove all traces, flush the toilet.
Alka seltzer
This is the easiest bathroom cleaning tip on the list.
You just need to drop two Alka Seltzer tabs into your toilet bowl or toilet tank and then let them dissolve.
Your tank will stay fresh thanks to the effervescence of citric acid.
You might start by placing the tabs in the bowl next to the rings and then let the Alka Seltzer do its magic.
You might need to scrub some rings, just like with cola.
After the stain has been removed, you can put the tabs into the toilet tank. This will allow the Alka Seltzer to work for you when you flush
Pumice Stone
Material
- Pumice stone or Pumie
- Rubber gloves
Instructions
You shouldn’t use a regular pumice stone to clean your toilet ring. You should consider the following: Pumice stone. This is soft pumice that can be used to remove hard water stains, even if chemical methods fail.
- Toilet Pumice Stone Brush - Got toilet stains that won't go? Our pumice stone toilet cleaner takes on tough stains and watermarks with ease! It's your go-to when ordinary cleaners and brushes won't do the job
- Not Just for Toilets - Our long-handled scouring stick is more than just a toilet ring cleaner. The 8-inch handle lets you comfortably reach and clean BBQ grills, tiles, grout lines, and swimming pools. One tool, countless applications - for tough-to-clean areas
- Easy to Use - Dampen the odorless pumice stone and gently apply pressure to the brush in straight motions - the pumice stone will even naturally shape itself to whatever surface it's cleaning
- Natural Cleaning Power - Harness the natural abrasive power of pumice stone for toilet cleaning - ideal for removing the most stubborn build-ups of limescale, hard water stains, and calcium deposits
- Comes With - Our value pack comes with 2 pumice stone toilet cleaner sticks , keep one for the toilet and the other for different chores around your house
Wear rubber gloves and take on a piece of the traditional pumice stone. Submerge it into the water for approximately 15 minutes to soften it before beginning with scrubbing.
Then start rubbing a toilet ring in the bowl. If you soften it enough, the pumice stone will act similar to a pencil eraser. Be sure that you have cleaned all traces of the ring before flushing the toilet.
It can be used in combination with baking soda and vinegar solution.
The pumice is soft enough to not scratch the porcelain in your toilet bowl.
Abrasive Sponge
Material
- Abrasive sponge
- Household cleaners
- Rubber gloves
Instructions
The abrasive sponge can be used to remove the toilet rings if it isn’t too old or neglected. Use rubber gloves and any household cleaners to the sponge before you start rubbing. Flush the toilet after you have removed all stains.
Magic Eraser
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable scrubber is 4x stronger with DURAFOAM cleaning performance vs. the leading all-purpose bleach Spray
- This cleaning scrubber is tough on dirt, all around the house. Surface cleaner, wall cleaner, bathtub cleaner, bathroom cleaner, oven door cleaner, erases marks on light switches, doors & much more.
- Great for sneaker shoe cleaning. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers tackle tough marks, stuck-on dirt and scuffs to get your shoes looking like new.
- The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser provides a powerful clean with water alone. No harsh chemicals added. Store in a cool place.
- Magic Erasers are also available in Kitchen, Original, and Bathroom forms
Material
- Magic Eraser
Instructions
Very unusual use of a Magic Eraser, It can be used to fight toilet bowl ring. Drop a quarter of a Magic Eraser in the toilet bowl, and let it sit for a night. For rings that aren’t too big or stubborn, this should work. Make sure to fish it out in the morning. It shouldn’t be flushed You can!
Your Magic Eraser is a floating object so you cannot flush it. Before flushing the toilet, you should remove it. You can place a small amount of the Magic Eraser in the tank to prevent new toilet rings. This will ensure that your bowl is clean every time you flush.
Attach it to the tank’s side. You will experience a permanent water runoff if it is caught under the flapper.
Steel Wool
- All-purpose steel wool assortment includes 16 pads of no. 0000 - finest grade, high-quality metal strands, gentle abrasiveness, handy size, flexible to reach around corners, used by professionals and do-it-yourselfers, high-value 16pads.
- For rubbing down the final finishing coats of shellac stain or varnish, the steel wool will remove dust particles and give you a smooth surface for your final coat of shellac.
- Ideal for cleaning and polishing furniture, antiques, woodwork, cabinets, doors, paneling, accessories wood surfaces, to be used for most household chores, hobbies and projects antique dealers, refinishers, and homemakers.
- Steel wool is graded differently in terms of abrasiveness. The grading scale goes from #0000 at the finest to #4 for the most aggressive. This steel wool is rated at #0000.
Material
- Steel wool
- Rubber gloves
Instructions
You may need to use a more severe solution if the toilet bowl rings are stubborn. Try to remove these hard water stains with the finest, 0000-grade steel wool. To avoid scratching porcelain, you should not use coarser steel wool.
Steel wool is able to remove most stains. However, you can also use white vinegar, baking soda, or other household cleaners to make it even more effective. Rubber gloves are a good idea to protect your skin, nails, and skin.
Coca-Cola
Material
- Coca-Cola can
Instructions
It will suffice to buy one can of Coca-Cola for this purpose, but other Cola sodas are also effective. Let the soda sit in the bowl for at least an hour before pouring it into the bowl. Next, flush the toilet.
This solution has the advantage that you don’t have to clean the toilet bowl ring.
Barkeepers are friends
- New look, same formula. Cleans and polish. As a bleach-free product, This cleanser is an ideal stainless steel cleaner and can easily remove rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and tough stains from most surfaces.
- Surfaces: stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic, copper alloys, fiberglass, Corian, brass, Bronze, chrome, aluminum.
- Kitchen: sinks, cookware, stove cooktops and exteriors, countertops (non-stone), backsplash, porcelain or ceramic dishes, drained floors.
- Bathroom: sinks, bathtubs, and showers, faucets, toilets, tile, and grout.
- Outdoors: rust stains, plant and pollution grime, vehicles and boats (test first), siding, grills, tools, sporting equipment.
Material
- Barkeepers Are Friends
Instructions
This Multi-purpose cleaner. You can remove tough water stains from most household surfaces, including the toilet bowl ring. It is best to drain the toilet bowl and then sprinkle the powder on the toilet ring. Finally, scrub the toilet bowl with a clean rag. For stubborn stains, you can leave them for up to 10 minutes. After rinsing, flush the toilet thoroughly.
CLR
- Removes calcium, lime and rust
- Powerful and works instantly
- Cleans glassware, tile, pots, stucco, brick, porcelain, chrome and much more
- Septic safe
- Part of EPA's DfE (Design for the Environment) designation for safer chemistry
Material
- CLR
Instructions
The big guns. CLR stands for Calcium, Lime, and Rust RemoverIt is a hard water enemy that can withstand heavy use. This product instantly dissolves hard water staining but is safe and non-toxic. This is the most popular product for treating hard water staining and buildup. Just pour it into your toilet bowl and let it sit for 20 mins. Then scrub the ring with a little bit of soap, then rinse. It’s that simple.
Is WD40 able to get rid of toilet bowl rings?
- DRIVES OUT MOISTURE: Drives out moisture and quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits
- CORROSION INHIBITOR: Acts as a corrosion inhibitor to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements to prevent rust
- FREES AND LOOSENS STICKY PARTS: Frees sticky mechanisms, loosens rust-to-metal bonds and helps release stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts
- Gets under grease, grime, gunk, gum, tar, sap, super glue, sticker residue, and other sticky stuff from multiple surfaces
- LUBRICATES: Lubricates moving parts such as hinges, wheels, pulleys, rollers, chains, and gears
According to the manufacturer, WD40 can be used to remove toilet bowl rings. Spray WD40 on the ring to soften lime and rust deposits and make it easy to scrub them off. Spray. Give it a few minutes. Now scrub. It’s as easy as that!
Make sure you only use a very small amount of WD-40. It is not recommended to flush down the toilet.
Cleaning Routine
Nobody likes to clean the bathroom. Well, not in my house anyway.
Sticking to a routine cleaning schedule is the best way to avoid clutter, toothpaste splatter and messiness, hair in-the-drain, and stubborn toilet staining.
Keep a cleaning bag under the bathroom sink to do quick and easy touch-ups. You can clean your bathroom between deep cleanings by giving it a quick spray, swish, and wipe.
Conclusion
These steps will remove the toilet bowl rings permanently. To prevent it from building up, you should clean the toilet bowl regularly.
We have tons of options to choose from, whether you are looking for a natural or store-bought product. If you are looking for something non-toxic and natural, vinegar and baking soda are great options.
The Magic Eraser method is a great option if you don’t want to scrub. Make sure you get it out the next day!
Reusing dryer sheets can help reduce waste and eliminate the ringing in your toilet bowl.