Tips & Tricks

The Best Way to Remove Toilet Rust Stains

It can be a challenge to remove rust stains from toilets. However, if you choose the right techniques, you can get the toilet looking as good as the day you had it installed. Rust stains are often created due to iron in the water supply. When it’s exposed to water and air, it oxidizes and can lead to ugly brown or orange marks. A few ways to tackle this issue are outlined below.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This is a natural combo that is gentle on toilets and effective against rust. All you need to do is sprinkle the baking soda on the rust stains. Next, pour white vinegar over the baking soda until it fizzes. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes or longer if the stains are tough. After a waiting period, scrub things with a toilet brush and flush to rinse away the mixture and the loose rust.

Salt and Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is acidic and helps to dissolve rust, while salt is a gentle abrasive. Make a paste of equal parts of both ingredients and apply directly to the stains. Next, let it sit for a couple of hours or longer. Leaving it all night is the best option. Then scrub things down and flush.

Commercial Rust Removers

For stains that are hard to remove, commercial rust removers can be a good choice. Choose the ones that are designed for toilets since they take into account the ceramic material and are less likely to cause damage. Follow the instructions on the package if you decide to go this route. In most cases, you’ll apply the cleaner, leave it alone for a certain period, and scrub before flushing.

Pumice Stone

The next option is to use a pumice stone on the rust stains. Before you get started, make sure you soak the stone for around 15 minutes so it gets soft. Wear gloves and gently scrub the rust stains with the wet stone. The abrasiveness of the pumice will remove rust without leaving any scratches. Rinse frequently to see how things are progressing.

Using the tips above, you can quickly and easily prevent and remove rust stains in your toilet. Each technique has benefits and some may be better than others depending on how bad the stains are. You also want to take into account where you prefer chemical or natural solutions for the task. Contact us today to learn more!

Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing

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Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing

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