What Causes Toilet Rust Stains?Toilet tank parts made of untreated metal, iron germs, rusted water heaters, iron plumbing lines, or iron particles in the water cause rust stains in toilet bowls. They are typically seen in homes that utilize well water in hard-water locations. Rust particles may stick to bathroom fixtures’ enamel or porcelain surfaces due to a combination of minerals in the water and iron bacteria. Even after cleaning, stains will resurface if the water is not filtered or treated with a water-softening system.
How to Remove a Rust Stain from a Toilet Bowl
If you discover rust in your toilet bowl, you will need the following:
Tools/Equipment
- Microfiber cloth
- Old toothbrush
- Spray bottle
- Toilet bowl brush
- Scrub brush
Materials
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Cream of tartar
- Baking soda
- Plastic food wrap
- Cleaning vinegar
- Pumice stick or powder
- Distilled white vinegar
- Commercial rust remover
Instructions
Use Citric AcidCitric acid may be used to effectively remove rust stains from toilet bowls. It may be made from fresh grapefruits, limes, lemons, or powdered citric acid purchased at medicine or supermarket shops. Dip the edge of fresh citrus fruit in baking soda or salt to offer a soft abrasive for washing rust spots. Use baking soda and lemon juice paste in areas with thick stains. Cover the paste with plastic wrap to keep it wet, and let it aside or longer to aid in the breakdown of rust particles. If you’re using citric acid powder, prepare a mixture of a paste and a few drops of water and apply it straight to the discolored area. Remove the discoloration with elbow grease and an old toothbrush or scrub brush.
Distilled White VinegarDistilled white vinegar is another excellent toilet bowl rust remover. It includes acetic acid, which may help prevent rust stains from becoming permanent if applied every week. Cleaning vinegar, rather than food-grade vinegar, has a more excellent acidity that is more effective for tough rust stains. Scrub the colors with a toilet brush after adding one or two cups of vinegar to the toilet bowl. For older stains, drain the toilet bowl and pour in undiluted vinegar, letting it soak overnight (or at least two hours). Scrub it well and rinse it with clean water.
Cream of TartarCream of tartar, a powdered version of tartaric acid often used in baked products, is an excellent rust remover. Apply a paste with a few drops of water to toilet bowl stains. Let it take some time to work, then cover the area with plastic wrap to keep the paste wet.
Add Gentle AbrasivesMild abrasives such as table salt, pumice powder, or baking soda may be used with acid cleansers or alone. They are soft enough not to harm the porcelain finishes of toilets. To get the greatest results, use cleaner or water to moisten the stained surface and keep the area wet while applying the abrasive. Pumice is a naturally occurring volcanic rock that may be found in powder or solid form. Limescale, hard water, and rust stains may be removed using pumice stones or sticks.
Use Commercial Rust RemoversOn the market, several commercial rust removers efficiently remove stains. While some are harsher than others, take the time to read the labels thoroughly, follow the advice, and store and dispose of goods properly.
How to Clean a Toilet Tank of Rust
You’ll need the following items to remove rust spots from the toilet tank:
Tools/Equipment
- Sponge
- Long handle scrub brush
- Rubber gloves (optional)
Materials
- Disinfectant cleaner
- Distilled white vinegar
Instructions
Find the Water Valve
First, you must empty the water tank. If you need to halt the water flow, look for the control valve on the wall behind the tank or at the toilet’s base. To stop the flow of water, turn it counterclockwise.
Empty the TankRemove the tank cover and place it someplace out of the way. Flush the toilet many times until the tank is empty. Depending on the reservoir size, you may need to flush it twice or thrice.
Assess the TankIf you have a fresh tank or reside in a water-rich location, you may need to scrub the tank well with a disinfecting cleaner. If there is rusty staining on the tank’s bottom or a hard ring of minerals towards the top, you must thoroughly clean the tank with vinegar.
Use a Disinfectant CleanerSpray a disinfecting cleanser inside the tank’s walls and floor and let it for 10 minutes or longer before cleaning it away. Wash away any filth using a long-handled scrub brush, delving into the tank’s bottom and corners. Finally, using a moistened sponge and disinfecting cleaner, clean the “functioning components” of the toilet. Wipe down the flapper, handlebar or handle chain, ball float, and refill tube components. Spray cleaner on the sponge to avoid using too much cleaning and rusting metal components. Reopen the water valve and allow the tank to refill. Then, flush several times to remove the dislodged dirt and cleaner.
Utilize Distilled White VinegarRemove the top of the tank and fill it with distilled white vinegar until it reaches the level of the overflow valve. It might take up to three gallons of vinegar, depending on the side of the tank. Let it rest for 12 hours before flushing the vinegar away to empty the tank. Afterward, proceed in the same manner as with the disinfecting cleaner.
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