Using fake tan products can give us that sun-kissed, golden glow on our skin that we adore.
However, since fake tan stains things, it also leaves that “golden glow” smudged on other surfaces. And if you’re applying the product inside your bathroom, that likely includes toilet seats.
So – how to get fake tan off a toilet seat? For a relatively fresh stain, you can use one of these solutions:
- Baking soda and vinegar
- Magic eraser
- Bleach
- Alcohol
An alternative to vinegar is lemon juice. You can also get rid of dried fake tan stains on a toilet seat! With some elbow grease, even stubborn stains will come off.
Stained your toilet seat with self-tanner? No problem. Pick your solution and get to work… although make sure you don’t rub more fake tan onto the seat in the process!
How Fake Tan Works
Self-tanning products work through a colouring agent called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This agent reacts with our skin to cause “browning” which darkens our skin colour.
However, once the product is on our skin, it can then transfer to other surfaces if it hasn’t fully dried and absorbed.
Sweat can also lift self-tanner off skin, causing it to rub off on other things. (So it’s handy to know how to get fake tan off carpet and clothing!)
How to Get Fake Tan Off a Toilet Seat
There are several strategies for getting self-tanner off your toilet seat.
Make sure you act ASAP so the stain doesn’t set into the surface – that’ll make it harder to get off.
Remove fake tan using baking soda and vinegar
This solution uses a combination of baking soda and vinegar — two of the handiest items in your kitchen.
Simply mix a paste of baking soda and warm water, then use a toothbrush or sponge to apply it to the stain on the toilet seat.
Then spray vinegar onto the seat and let the reaction work its magic. Scrub the stain off, repeating applications if necessary until the self-tanner has fully lifted. You can also leave the paste on the seat to do its thing.
Rinse the seat and wipe it dry.
NOTE: You can substitute the vinegar with lemon juice if you don’t like the scent! (Also, this method works on hair dye too, in case you needed the tip.)
Remove fake tan using magic eraser
Magic erasers are available in many home improvement stores and online shops. They’re very easy to use and can remove even stubborn stains from various surfaces.
Simply dampen the magic eraser sponge and rub the stain until it’s removed. Repeat until the self-tanner has lifted. Rinse the affected area and dry.
Remove fake tan using bleach
Make sure to use protective equipment (gloves and goggles) if you’re going for this method. Bleach is a very strong product and should be handled safely.
Fill a bucket with warm water, then mix in half a cup of bleach. Dip a clean sponge or cloth into the mixture and apply it to the stain. Rub until the stain has lifted, then rinse thoroughly to ensure there is no bleach remaining.
This method works particularly well on a white toilet seat.
Remove fake tan using alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is also a potent product and can clean many messes. Soak a cloth or sponge in alcohol, then use it to wipe the stain off.
How to Remove a Dried Fake Tan Stain
If the fake tan stain has dried, don’t panic – it’s not permanent! You can use any of the above methods to remove fake tan from the toilet seat. It’ll just take some extra effort to scrub off the stain from the surface.
(Of course, you can just leave it to a house cleaner too!)
Keep Your Toilet and Bathroom Clean
Be mindful when applying self-tanning products, especially if it’s hot out! Sweat and water can lift the product off your body, causing it to transfer to other surfaces.
When that happens, knowing how to get fake tan off a toilet seat and acting fast are key to ensuring your toilet seat stays clean.
