For some people, cleaning the toilet is one of the most overwhelming cleaning tasks in the house.
Because it is one of the most used seats in your home it can become visibility dirty faster.
So you want to be sure to keep up with those stains and help your bathroom look presentable especially if you have guests.
How to clean the bottom of the toilet bowl
The toilet is typically the last step of the cleaning process in the bathroom.
Cleaning the bottom of the toilet bowl can be the most challenging to complete because it is hard to reach and can have a build-up of stubborn stains.
The toilet bowl can also give off a foul odor and if you have hard water the mineral build-up is not pleasing to the eye and will become harder to remove over time.
With so many different ways to tackle this, we are going to break down two different methods that you can use to get rid of any pesky stains and foul odors.
One method will include a harsher chemical cleaner while the other method will include a more natural cleaning solution.
Gather your supplies and products and make your toilet bowl look sparkly and ready for guests.
If you want to read more cleaning tips, you can find our blog here on our website.
Method One:
This method will heavily rely on the strong chemicals that are in most toilet bowl cleaners.
Please be aware of proper handling techniques such as wearing gloves and a mask and making sure the bathroom is well-ventilated.
Keeping our safety precautions in mind and following them properly will ensure this method will not be harmful to you or your family and will effectively leave your toilet smelling fresh and clean and sparkling like new.
Products
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Supplies
Rubber Gloves
Toilet Brush
Pumice Stone
Face mask
- After putting on your face mask and rubber gloves, start by coating the bowl with the toilet bowl cleaner and letting it sit for as long as the directions say.
- After the cleaner has been sitting, grab your toilet brush and scrub all around the bowl, especially focusing on stained areas.
- Once the bowl is fully scrubbed, flush the toilet and scrub the bowl with the brush as the water flushes.
- If there are still visible stains you will want to grab your pumice stone
- Dip the pumice stone into the water (if the pumice stone is dry it will scratch the porcelain)
- Begin using the wet pumice stone to erase those stains caused by mineral buildup.
- Give the toilet a quick scrub with the toilet brush and flush the toilet once again.
- Repeat the scrubbing and flushing steps as many times as necessary.
Method Two:
This method is similar to method one but with a more natural cleaning solution.
For people who would like to avoid harsh chemicals, this method is a great option for you.
This method also uses two items most people already have in their homes so if you are out of toilet bowl cleaner then here is a perfect alternative.
Although the chemicals are not as strong be aware that these two items do cause a chemical reaction so proper safety protocols still apply: gloves, a mask, and a well-ventilated area.
Products
Vinegar
Baking soda
Supplies
Toilet bowl brush
Pumice stone
Rubber gloves
Face mask
- After putting your face mask and the rubber gloves on, add about one or two cups of vinegar directly to your toilet bowl
- Sprinkle your baking soda (it doesn’t need to be an exact amount, just coat the bowl) around the bowl and watch as that chemical reaction sizzles.
- Swish that solution around using the toilet brush and then let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- After allowing the solution to sit, scrub once again with your toilet brush
- Flush the toilet scrubbing with your brush as the water goes down
- If the stains are still visible use the wet pumice stone and flush.
- Repeat until the stains are gone
What causes those stains on the bottom of the toilet bowl?
You may be thinking that those brown stains on the bottom of the toilet bowl are feces but more often than not the brown stains are from water that has too many minerals (iron, magnesium, calcium, etc).
Otherwise known as hard water stains which are less gross than the alternative but still an ugly sight to see.
Pro Tip: A water softener will take those minerals out of the water and will help to prevent those brown/orange stains from occurring in your toilet, tub, or sinks.
How to remove limescale from the bottom of the toilet bowl?
To remove limescale from the bottom of your toilet you will want to pour vinegar into your toilet bowl and leave that on there for three to four hours.
After the vinegar sits, you can scrub those stains with either a toilet brush or a wet pumice stone and flush the toilet.
You will repeat those steps as many times as necessary.
How often should you clean the bottom of your toilet bowl?
Cleaning experts recommend cleaning your toilet bowl at least once or twice a week.
The toilet is one of the most germ-ridden areas in the house so to keep those germs at bay and keep your family as healthy and hygienic as possible, you will want to clean and disinfect the bathroom and (especially the toilet area) frequently.
For more information about a recommended cleaning schedule click here.
Can you leave the vinegar in the toilet bowl overnight?
If your toilet is extremely stained or has a foul odor in the tank as well as the bowl you can fill the toilet’s tank and bowl with vinegar and let it sit overnight.
Letting it sit will help the odor-causing bacteria to break down and give you a cleaner and better-smelling toilet bowl and tank.
Can you use bleach spray to clean the inside and outside of the toilet?
Although it is safe to use on occasion experts recommend avoiding it as much as possible because too much bleach can damage the gaskets or the glazing on the porcelain.
That being said, if you are in a pinch, you can use bleach spray to clean the outside and inside of your toilet.
For the outside, you can just spritz on the bleach and wipe it away with a paper towel.
For the inside of the toilet bowl, you will let that bleach spray sit for about five minutes then you can scrub the bowl with the brush and flush.
If the idea of cleaning your toilet or your bathroom, in general, is overwhelming you may consider outsourcing to a professional.
If you’re in the Denver area, you can count on us for not just your toilet bowl but also your entire house!