WD-40 is used on toilets primarily to remove tough hard water stains, rust, and mineral deposits by softening them so they can be scrubbed away, and can also help with lubricating sticky toilet mechanisms. You spray it on the stains, let it sit, scrub with a brush, and then wipe it clean (do not flush it).
Try this: Swish a cup of vinegar around in the toilet bowl using a toilet brush, then add a cup of baking soda, followed by an additional cup of vinegar. Let the fizzing solution sit for 10 minutes. Use a toilet brush to scrub stains. Let mixture sit for a few more minutes and then flush.
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.
WD-40 can be readily used for removing stains from your toilet seat. Hard water stains are fairly similar to rust stains and the product works extremely well when it comes to dealing with rust.
It's also a great way to clean the grout between your bathroom tiles, remove stubborn stains from your toilet bowl, and rust stains on porcelain caused from aerosol cans. With a can of WD-40 on hand, cleaning the bathroom won't be such a big chore. It's also a great everyday cleaning product for the rest of the house.
Soaking the bowl with white vinegar or lemon juice, then scrubbing with baking soda or a pumice stone can help lift those stains.
Pro Tip: When working with rusted and stuck components on plumbing parts, use WD-40® Specialist® Penetrant to bust rust and free up parts and hardware to move as they should. Our penetrant formula leaves behind a light lubricant and protective coating to ensure the rust stays away when you're done.
You should not use WD-40 on electronics, bike/drive chains, rubber/plastic parts, locks, car paint/belts, and anything in contact with food or that requires a true long-term lubricant like gears, as it's primarily a solvent and water displacer, not a heavy-duty lubricant, and can damage these materials or attract dirt, leading to future problems. It's a great degreaser and rust preventative for metal, but often the wrong choice for sensitive components or heavy lubrication needs.
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.
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".
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.
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Over time, hard water leads to mineral buildup, also known as limescale, which is a sort of off-white color. But when it's combined with dirt and bacteria, it can turn brown and lead to stubborn stains.
The 20-minute cleaning rule (also known as the 20/10 rule) is a simple, time-boxed method to tackle household chores by cleaning with focused intensity for 20 minutes and then taking a 10-minute break, repeating as needed to prevent burnout and keep messes from piling up. It breaks large tasks into manageable sprints, making cleaning less overwhelming by focusing on progress over perfection through short, frequent sessions rather than marathon cleaning days, often tied to the FlyLady system or similar organizing principles.
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.
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.
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.
Harsh cleaning agents: The use of harsh chemicals to clean toilet bowls can cause damage to the surface. Chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners can scratch or etch the surface, making it more susceptible to further damage.
Most people don't know that WD-40 can solve many of their household cleaning needs quickly and easily. 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.
WD-40 can damage plastic, rubber, wood, and painted surfaces. Avoid using WD-40 anywhere that may be at risk of fire, like gas appliances or electrical components.
Just spray WD-40 around the door, along the bricks, and even around the windows, and you'll dramatically reduce the number of ants, spiders, and other small insects making their way inside. It's amazing how a household product can solve such a common problem!
Unclogging Slow Drains
Clogged drains can be a major headache. While WD-40 won't serve as a long-term solution for severe clogs, it can help with minor blockages caused by hair, soap scum, or grease build up.
So does WD-40 remove limescale? Maybe, but whilst WD-40 is excellent for many things we don't rate it as a limescale remover and you should reach for the white vinegar instead.
You may use WD-40 Multi-Use Product on PVC or UPVC doors and windows. However, if the surface is painted, we recommend that you patch test on an inconspicuous area first.