Cleaning a toilet ring is one of the most unpleasant and procrastinated tasks when it comes to house chores. Skipping this important part when cleaning your bathroom can result in the build-up of odors, bacteria, and nasty signs of grime — including the disgusting and stubborn ring that appears in the toilet bowl.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the easiest yet super effective ways to get rid of the toilet ring so your next bathroom trip can be an incredible (read relaxing) experience!
What Is A Toilet Ring?
A toilet ring is a discoloration and residue that appears inside the toilet bowl due to hard water deposits, or it can even be bacteria or mold. You can recognize the reason by the color; pink rings show a bacteria build-up; orange and black rings indicate mineral deposits and hard water; yellow rings suggest the formation of mildew and mold.
Such build-ups may damage the porcelain and result in a dull surface. In some cases, it can also eat away the porcelain and cause holes and cracks. As such, learning (and implementing) how to clean the ring around the toilet is important for aesthetics and the health of your toilet.
Methods To Clean The Ring Around The Toilet
Although regular weekly cleaning can prevent heavy build-ups to some extent, there are times when you need to go the extra mile to maintain the white and pristine look of your toilet. Wear your gloves and grab your toilet brush as we decode the simple ways to help remove the rigid bowl rings efficiently.
Method #01
Supplies:
- Pumie or pumice stone
- Gloves
Process:
A pumice stone is typically used for removing dead skin from your feet. For cleaning your toilet, look for a pumie: a plastic stick attached to the pumice stone, which is a more convenient option for cleaning the bowl.
Submerge the stone in water for 15 minutes to soften it. Then, start scrubbing the toilet ring. If you’ve softened the pumice enough, it will work as a pencil eraser. Just make sure to scrub all traces before flushing the toilet.
Pro Tip: A grey or black stone used on your feet may be too harsh for scrubbing. Pick an option that won’t scratch the inside of the surface.
Alternatively, you can use a sponge drenched in a chemical cleaner and scour the stains.
Method #02
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
Process:
Pour a cup of distilled vinegar into the toilet bowl. Follow this with one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar again. Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes. Then, use your toilet brush to spread this over the entire ring. Allow this to sit for another 30 minutes, after which you can start scrubbing with the brush and flush the toilet.
If this hack doesn’t fully work, try replacing baking soda with borax. Start by sprinkling ¼ cup of borax and dissolve it into the water with a toilet brush. Add a cup of vinegar, dissolve it, and let the solution stay for 20 minutes. Follow this with a good scrub and flush the toilet.
Method #03
Supplies:
- Liquid chlorine bleach
- Toilet brush
Process:
Evenly spread a small cup of bleach throughout the toilet bowl. Let it stay there for 30 minutes. After that, firmly scrub the toilet ring area. For a deeper clean, go all the way up to the spot beneath the rim where jet holes hide black mold and debris.
Pro Tip: Avoid using too much bleach, as it can create clogs and blockage the plumbing system. Also, be careful not to mix it with other cleaners to avoid any hazardous gases.
Method #04
Supplies:
- Magic Eraser
- Any hooked object or a long-handled net
Process:
Cut out a small piece from the magic eraser and allow it to float in the bowl overnight. Don’t use the toilet till the morning. By then, the ring will disappear.
Since the Magic Eraser floats, you can’t flush it. Use a long-handled net for fishing it out or any hooked object to latch the product onto it.
Alternatively, you can place a denture cleaning tablet in the toilet and let the acid clean the stains.
Method #05
Supplies:
- Degreaser
- Baking soda
Process:
Spray the interior of the bowl with a strong household degreaser. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the toilet brush by sprinkling the bristles with a few pinches of baking soda. Then, start scouring the stains. Remember, it’ll require a bit of elbow grease. Once you’re done, wash it off with a bucket of water, flush it, and you’ll have a fresh and clean toilet bowl!
Method #06
Supplies:
- Steel wool
- Rubber gloves
Process:
If the toilet ring is extremely stubborn, you will need a more drastic solution. Use steel wool to remove the ring while also protecting the surface.
Steel wool is usually enough to remove hard stains, but to make the scouring easier and to get a better result, you can pair it with a natural cleaner such as vinegar.
Method #07
Supplies:
- Coca-Cola
Process:
Pour the Coke into the bowl and let the acid in the drink remove stains from the toilet for an hour. The best part is that you won’t have to do any scrubbing. Just flush the toilet, and you’re good to go.
Method #08
Supplies:
- Dryer sheets
- Rubber gloves
Process:
Dryer sheets can do more than make your clothes feel nice and soft. It’s also an environmentally friendly option since you can carry out this process with used dryer sheets.
Wear gloves to protect your nails and skin and scrub the toilet ring with the dryer sheets until the stain disappears. Be careful to dispose of the dryer sheets in your black cart instead of flushing them into the toilet.
Pro Tip: This method works even better when followed after method #02.
Method #09
Supplies:
- Barkeepers Friend
- 1-2 square pieces from a drywall sanding screen
Process:
Start by sprinkling the Barkeepers Friend inside the bowl. Then, gently yet firmly, start scrubbing in circular motions at the hard water stains with the drywall sanding screen. Continue to do so until all the stains have been removed.
Pro Tip: Don’t press too hard. The aim is to remove the hard water, not the porcelain surface.
FAQs
How often should you clean your toilet?
Clean your toilet at least once a week at a minimum. The frequency can increase depending on the traffic in your bathroom.
Does WD40 get rid of toilet rings?
Yes, it does. Spray the WD40, and wait for the lime and rust to soften, scrub the interior, and flush the solution — it’s that easy!
Conclusion
Though many formulated cleaning products guarantee to remove hard water stains in the toilet, common household cleaning items you already own can be just as efficient — and much more affordable — to free your toilet of the unsightly toilet ring without strong chemicals.
Now that you’re familiar with how to clean the ring around the toilet pick any of the methods listed above and give your toilet a fresh, clean, and hygienic look!