To clean the black bottom of a toilet, first lower the water level by turning off the supply and flushing, then apply a strong cleaner like vinegar/baking soda paste, a pumice stone (for porcelain only!), or a dedicated descaler, let it sit to break down stains, and scrub vigorously with a toilet brush or abrasive sponge before flushing clean. Repeat if necessary, as stubborn buildup takes time and effort to remove.
To remove black stains from a toilet bowl, start by soaking up the water at the bottom of the bowl using a cloth. Prepare a vinegar and borax or baking soda paste and apply it all over the stains. Wait for about 30 minutes and scrub off the stains using a toilet brush.
The 'fizzing' reaction of the baking soda combined with vinegar can also play a part. That fizzing may help to break down the clog into smaller particles, making them easier to flush!
To remove brown stains from a toilet bowl, use acidic cleaners like white vinegar, citric acid, or lemon juice, letting them soak for hours or overnight before scrubbing with a brush or pumice stone; adding baking soda creates a fizzing paste for tough spots, while commercial descalers or even strong acids (with extreme caution) can tackle severe hard water/rust buildup.
You should never flush wet wipes (even "flushable" ones) or sanitary products (tampons, pads), as they don't break down like toilet paper and cause major sewer blockages; other common culprits include paper towels, tissues, cotton balls, hair, dental floss, and cooking fats/oils, which all contribute to clogs and "fatbergs".
Plumbers recommend regular cleaning with a good toilet brush and a cleaner (like vinegar/baking soda or commercial products), using pumice stones for tough stains, disinfecting with antibacterial sprays on the exterior, and occasionally deep-cleaning the tank with vinegar, always letting cleaners sit to work, and avoiding mixing chemicals like bleach with other cleaners.
Limited Effectiveness for Serious Clogs
The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar can break up some minor debris, but it won't dislodge or dissolve the heavier blockages caused by grease, hair, soap scum, or mineral buildup.
Soaking the bowl with white vinegar or lemon juice, then scrubbing with baking soda or a pumice stone can help lift those stains.
One of the most common issues is the presence of mineral deposits, which can accumulate in the toilet tank and bowl, causing stubborn stains and restricting water flow. These deposits can also compromise the cleanliness of the water in the tank and bowl, turning clean water into a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you have a dishwasher, put two dishwasher tablets in the toilet bowl and leave them to work for a few hours. Then, scrub the toilet with a brush and rinse it with clear water.
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Sounds like mold or mildew. Probably with some bacteria mixed in for good measure. This. Pour some vinegar down the overflow tube in the tank and let it sit for half an hour.
The acid will eat away the lime or mineral deposits and leave the porcelain unaffected. Apply several widths of cellophane like a Saran Wrap kitchen plastic over the toilet bowl to fully cover the toilet bowl and hold the fumes in the toilet and to minimize the hazardous fumes in the bathroom.
Borax Paste
To remove hard water stains, use a combination of vinegar and baking soda. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda around the sides of the toilet bowl and under the rim. Add 1 cup of vinegar to the toilet bowl, let the reaction bubble, and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
However, this can occur when heavy rainfall meets blocked drains, and the drainpipes are unable to handle the volume of rainwater due to an outside drain blockage. That's why households are being encouraged to pour vinegar into their drains to help keep them clear.
Here's why: When baking soda (alkaline) and vinegar (acid) combine, they create carbon dioxide gas (fizz bubbles), but once the gas is released, the reaction is over and you're left with mostly water, salt, and residue.
It's important to recognize which chemicals and products should stay away from your toilet bowl. Products like drain cleaners and bleach should never come into contact with your toilet as they can corrode porcelain or loosen seals, causing damage that is difficult to repair.
House cleaners use a mix of odor elimination (like baking soda, vinegar, ventilation) and pleasant scent addition (essential oils, room/linen sprays, simmer pots, scented cleaners) to make homes smell good, often customizing based on client preference, focusing first on deep cleaning and odor removal, then adding subtle, fresh fragrances like citrus, lavender, or eucalyptus.
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In many Amish homes, rags are a common toilet paper alternative. These rags are typically old clothes that have been worn out. After simple processing, they become practical cleaning tools.
Letting pee sit makes it harder to clean your toilet. This is the best reason I can find for flushing every time you pee. Why? Because the combination of urine and hard water (i.e., water that contains a lot of minerals), if left to sit for a few hours, can create a crusty deposit on the side of the bowl over time.
Avoid blockages: Don't flush these items
View full size image of Graphic shows a toilet with a red line through it and photos of wipes, diaper, sanitary napkin, condom, paper towels, cotton balls, swabs, bandage, disposable gloves, facial tissue, dental pick and floss, face masks, cat litter, dog poop in bag.