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But if you’ve already cleaned and there’s still a urine odour, there could be a problem!

Some reasons why the toilet smells like urine include:

• Unflushed toilet water
• Overlooked spaces (e.g. seat, rim, etc)
• Urine in other places (e.g. bathroom tiles)
• Inefficient toilet cleaner
• Leaking seal
• Dirty toilet tank
• Broken flange
• Mould or bacteria
• Rubbish bins

If your toilet always smells like wee, act quickly! And urine luck (ha!) since we’ve put together the most common causes for a pee smell in your bathroom and how to fix it.

Why The Toilet Smells of Urine Despite Cleaning

If you notice that your toilet smells even after cleaning, there could be a few reasons! 

Fortunately, the most common causes have straightforward fixes.

1. Lack of flushing

First things first, check the toilet! It’s possible your bathroom smells like urine because someone forgot to flush.

While it’s encouraged not to flush every time to conserve water, you shouldn’t leave the dunny unflushed too long either. Otherwise, the contents of the toilet bowl will create unpleasant odours and urine stains.

It’s important to note that even if a toilet is unused, you should still flush it! The wet, enclosed space is a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. Flushing will help prevent mould or insect larvae.

How to fix it:

Simple – flush the toilet! Then switch on the exhaust fan or open the windows to air out the bathroom and get rid of the urine smell.

2. Overlooked toilet cleaning

When cleaning the toilet, we often focus on the bowl and the exterior. Because of this, there are all sorts of nooks and crannies we might miss.

Urine can get trapped under the toilet seat, along the rim, in the hinges, or even on the bidet. That’ll eventually lead to an unpleasant urine smell.

How to fix it:

Make sure you clean thoroughly whenever you tackle the toilet. A good toilet brush makes a big difference.

Use a disinfectant spray or wipe on the seat, including the hinges, and on the bidet attachment as well.

Alternatively, a thorough house cleaner will cover all the problem areas in toilets.

3. Urine in other bathroom places

This is especially common in homes with kids who are still learning how to use the toilet, or adults with fine motor issues. 

Wee can spray or spill onto other things like:

• Bath mats or rugs
• Toilet paper
• Nearby cabinets
• Bathroom floor or walls

If it’s not cleaned right away, urine smells will eventually build up.

How to fix it:

Patience and persistence! Clean up any spills ASAP with a mop or some cloths and a disinfectant spray.

Be gentle and encourage your child as they learn. But if an adult is the problem and their motor skills are fine, you’re welcome to give a little stink-eye!

4. Inefficient toilet cleaner

Sometimes the problem isn’t the toilet itself, but the cleaning products you’re using!

It could be that your chosen cleaner isn’t breaking down the organic compounds in the toilet. That will eventually lead to unpleasant urine smells.

How to fix it:

It’s important to choose a toilet cleaner that’ll remove stains and disinfect the bowl. 

The cleaner will also remove urine odour at the same time.

5. Leaking seal

The wax ring or wax seal is the seal between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer pipe. It prevents leaks and odours from escaping.

Wax seals are built to last, but they can still degrade over time. If the seal breaks or peels off the floor, bad smells will start to emanate. Bacteria can also accumulate around the seals.

If you’ve checked absolutely everywhere and nothing seems to work, chances are the toilet wax ring is causing the urine smell.

How to fix it:

Unfortunately, the only way to fix this is to replace the wax ring. It’s located under the toilet base, so you’ll need to detach the toilet completely to access it.

While you’ve got the toilet out of the way, take the opportunity to clean underneath the toilet. These parts are usually inaccessible otherwise.

Use a mix of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, or a bleach-based cleaner.

If you don’t feel confident about removing your toilet, bring in a professional. The last thing you want to do is break your toilet!

6. Dirty toilet tank

This isn’t caused by urine, but the toilet tank can definitely emanate something similar to urine smells.

Bacteria or mould spores can grow in the feeder pipes, especially during hot and humid weather. The dark, moist, and enclosed environment allows them to thrive.

This will eventually lead to an unpleasant bathroom smell. It can also be a health hazard.

How to fix it:

Deep clean your toilet’s cistern twice a year – or once every 3 months if you have a hard water supply. 

But if you notice unpleasant toilet smells, clean the tank ASAP.

7. Broken toilet flange

The toilet wax ring isn’t the only fixture that can cause problems. You may also have a broken or cracked flange.

The flange is the pipe that secures your toilet to the floor and connects the closest to the drain pipe. That means the dirty water passes through this fixture as it drains out of the bowl.

When the flange breaks, it will begin leaking sewer gases, dirty water, and urine smells. You’ll also want to check if it has caused water damage to the floorboards.

Improper installation could also lead to leaks from the flange.

How to fix it:

Much like the wax ring, you’ll need to have the flange replaced. 

This will also involve removing your toilet from the base so you can access the broken fixture.

8. Mould or bacteria

Mineral deposits and urine stains in your toilet can create an environment where mould or bacteria will thrive.

The organisms can come through your pipes and settle under the toilet rim, around the seat, or at the bottom of the bowl. They’ll eventually produce foul smells that can be similar to urine.

You can identify mould issues if you have green or black toilet bowl stains. Meanwhile, pink stains will be a sign of Serratia marcescens bacteria.

How to fix it:

Your best bet to kill off any mould or bacteria is to use bleach! Opt for an oxygen-based bleach product as it’s less reactive than chlorine.

Dilute the bleach according to the packaging instructions. Then use a scrub brush to remove the mould or stains.

Always make sure you’re wearing protective equipment when cleaning with bleach. This includes rubber gloves, a face mask, and some eye protection.

9. Garbage cans

Sometimes the toilet itself isn’t the cause of the funky bathroom smell. 

Used toilet paper left in the rubbish bin will also eventually create an unpleasant odour.

How to fix it:

Empty the rubbish bin once it’s full – or earlier, if you detect any urine odours. 

There are also rubbish bin deodorisers you can use to prevent any stink!

How to Prevent a Urine Smell in the Toilet

Prevention is better than cure, as they say. 

Some things are out of your control – such as broken fixtures – but you can take steps to prevent the smell of urine from building in your bathroom.

Clean after use

Make sure family or roommates are mindful of wiping the toilet after use! You can even keep a disinfectant spray or pack of wipes handy.

For kids, encourage them to tell you right away if they’ve had a potty accident. If they’re old enough, you can also teach them basic cleaning skills so they can tidy up after themselves.

Thorough routine cleaning

Don’t scrub the toilet and call it a day! Be thorough every time you clean the dunny, from the toilet seat to the base.

HINT: You’ll also need to clean the toilet brush and holder after every use. You can’t clean with dirty tools!

Toilet or tank cleaners

There are products you can use to maintain toilet hygiene in between cleaning.

Try an in-tank toilet cleaner that acts on the water inside the cistern. Or you can use a product in the bowl, such as the Bref Blue Active or Duck Fresh Discs.

How to Remove Bathroom Smells

Besides the toilet, you can keep your bathroom smelling fresh in several ways. 

And that’s good not just for your nose, but for hygiene as well!

Install a deodoriser

There are lots of types available! Bathroom deodorisers can come as gel, plug-ins, sachets/pouches, or spray dispensers.

Simply choose your favourite type and scent, and place it inside the bathroom to cover up any unpleasant smells.

However, if you or someone living with you has hay fever or similar allergies, this might trigger a reaction.

Ventilation

Make sure your bathroom is properly ventilated! This will go a long way towards dissipating any bathroom smells – not just the ones from the toilet.

Proper ventilation will also prevent mould or mildew from developing.

Keep windows open as much as possible, or the door if it’s an interior space. And of course, switch on the exhaust any time you use the bathroom.

Clean the bathroom regularly

You should clean your bathroom at least once a week for proper maintenance and hygiene. That includes everything from the toilet to the shower stall.

Something people may not know about is that you can have your pipes cleaned! There are services that will clean your pipes and drains. It’s good for your plumbing – and also your peace of mind.

The post Why Does My Toilet Smell Of Urine Despite Cleaning It? appeared first on Maid2Match.

Where we don’t want them? Our toilets.

Toilet bowl rings are usually caused by hard water, although in more serious cases they’re caused by bacteria or mould.

The ways to get rid of a toilet bowl ring include:

• Pumice stone
• Dryer sheets
• Baking soda and vinegar
• Borax
• WD-40
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Bleach

You can also take steps to prevent toilet rings from forming, because who dislikes them? Put your hands up!

What Causes Toilet Bowl Rings?

The most common cause of toilet bowl rings is hard water!

Hard water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and iron. The water then leaves mineral deposits in pipes, sinks, tubs – and yes, toilet bowls.

Toilet stains caused by hard water will be yellow-orange, brown, or rust-coloured (due to iron oxidation).

Prolonged exposure to urine may cause a yellow staining in a ring form.

A pink ring in toilet is usually caused by Serratia marcescens, a type of bacteria. It thrives in moist environments, especially if you have a chlorine filter or low-chlorine water.

However, if you have a green or black ring in your toilet bowl, that’s a sign of mould. The spores will grow on the mineral deposits in the bowl.

Before Cleaning Toilet Rings

Always wear protective equipment when cleaning your toilet, including:

• Rubber gloves
• A face mask
• Eye protection (optional)

Empty the toilet bowl before you clean toilet bowl rings. 

You can either shut off the water valve then flush, or pour a bucket of water carefully to “flush” without triggering a refill.

How to Get Rid of a Ring in the Toilet

There are a few different options for a toilet bowl ring remover. Hard water stains are easily cleaned, while bacteria and mould stains may require stronger cleaning agents.

If you don’t like being up close and personal with the dunny, no worries – we understand completely.

Just sit back and let a professional cleaner tackle the toilet bowl, seat, and everything else.

Remove a toilet bowl ring with a pumice stone

If the toilet ring stains are mild, you can try scrubbing them off with a pumice stone. This works best for stains along the water line.

Pumice is a volcanic rock, consisting of textured volcanic glass with bubbles. Despite the rough feel, pumice stones will not scratch porcelain.

Still, dampen the pumice stone and the toilet bowl surface before scrubbing.

NOTE: You can also use super fine steel wool to remove a toilet bowl ring.

Remove a toilet bowl ring with old dryer sheets

You can use dryer sheets even outside the laundry room!

In the bathroom, you can recycle a used dryer sheet to remove a toilet bowl ring.

Simply take the sheet and use it to scrub the toilet clean. You can use it in combination with some baking soda for increased effectiveness.

Remove a toilet bowl ring with baking soda and vinegar

This is everyone’s go-to cleaning solution! And while it can be effective, you’ll need to deploy the combo properly.

Use vinegar and baking soda to remove toilet rings naturally.

Sprinkle baking soda all along the sides of the bowl. Make sure it covers the stained area.

You can use a toilet brush or sponge to scrub the toilet bowl and spread the baking soda.

Pour one cup of white vinegar along the sides of the bowl so it mixes with the baking soda. Alternatively, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spritz it into the bowl.

This will cause a fizzing reaction that’ll loosen the mineral deposits.

Take your brush and scrub to get the toilet bowl clean. Flush to rinse away any residue.

Remove a toilet bowl ring with borax

Be mindful when using borax and always double-check what you mix it with! Distilled white vinegar is safe, but never combine borax with bleach.

Sprinkle 1/4 cup of borax into the toilet bowl. Follow with a cup of vinegar, then use a toilet brush to mix the solution and spread it over the stubborn toilet ring.

Let the solution sit for 20 minutes, then scrub again to remove the toilet ring.

Remove a toilet bowl ring with WD-40

Yep – WD-40 Multi-Use Product can soften rust and limescale deposits in a toilet!

Spray a small amount of the product onto the toilet ring and let it sit for a few minutes.

Take a toilet brush and apply a little elbow grease as you begin scrubbing.

Do not flush WD-40, though! It’s not greywater or septic-safe, so simply wipe it off once you’re done cleaning.

Remove a toilet bowl ring with toilet bowl cleaner

One easy way to get rid of the toilet ring is by tackling it during your regular cleaning!

Your good old toilet cleaner can also remove a toilet bowl ring. Simply apply as instructed, then scrub with a toilet brush to clean.

Our recommended toilet cleaners include Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner and White King Toilet Gel.

Remove a toilet bowl ring with bleach

Oxygen bleach is the strongest weapon in any cleaning arsenal. It’ll tackle very stubborn toilet rings, pink stains from bacteria, and even a green or black ring from mould.

However, it’s very important that you wear protective equipment and work in a well-ventilated room. Take precautions any time you clean with bleach!

Start by diluting the product according to the package instructions.

Pour the bleach solution along the sides of the toilet bowl, so it flows over the stains and down to the bottom. Let the solution sit for up to 20 minutes.

If the toilet bowl stains remain, lightly scrub the bowl, then flush the toilet to rinse.

How to Remove Toilet Bowl Rings Without Scrubbing

If you want to try a handy trick or two before giving in and grabbing the toilet brush, here are a few!

Get rid of toilet rings with magic erasers

Cut off a quarter of a magic eraser and drop it into the toilet water.

Let the piece sit in your toilet overnight to work its… well, magic!

Do not flush the magic eraser down the toilet! Remove it in the morning, then flush to rinse away any residue.

Get rid of toilet rings with white vinegar

Cleaning vinegar can tackle even stubborn stains in your toilet bowl. It’s also septic and greywater safe so long as it’s diluted.

However, vinegar is less effective in killing mould, so keep this in mind.

Pour a few cups of cleaning vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let the solution sit in the toilet overnight.

Flush the toilet in the morning to rinse.

You may need to repeat this a few times to completely remove toilet rings.

TIP: This trick will also work with hydrogen peroxide.

Get rid of toilet rings with denture tablets

This isn’t the most cost-effective solution, but denture tablets have quite a few uses!

They’re formulated to clean porcelain and acrylic resin dentures, and we’ll give you one guess what your toilet is made of.

The ingredients are also common to household cleaners: sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, and sodium perborate.

In a pinch, you can toss a denture tablet or two into the toilet water. Leave for at least half an hour (ideally overnight) and let it fizzle.

Once time is up, flush the toilet to rinse.

How to Prevent Rings in Toilet Bowls

If you have hard water stains, you can prevent mineral buildup by installing a water softener in your plumbing system or even directly in the toilet tank.

It’s also essential to regularly clean the toilet alongside the rest of your bathroom. And of course, wash the toilet brush afterwards so it’s disinfected!

This will prevent minerals and organic matter from accumulating, which decreases the risk of mould.

Funnily enough, regular flushing will also help prevent a toilet ring from forming. The flow of water carries away any residue and deposits.

Knowing how to get rid of a toilet ring will always come in handy when cleaning your home. After all, when it comes to toilets – if you like it, then you shouldn’t want a ring on it!

The post How To Get Rid Of A Toilet Ring appeared first on Maid2Match.

But because they’re exposed to so much dirt and moisture, toilets tend to accumulate a lot of stains as well.

How to clean a toilet bowl stain will depend on the cause. Once you’ve identified that, you can choose an effective cleaning solution.

Tackle toilet bowl stains ASAP, and don’t forget to clean the seat, brush, and plunger too!

Hard Water Stains | Rust Stains | Urine Stains | Mould Stains | Blue or Copper Stains | Pink Stains | Other Stains

What Causes Toilet Bowl Stains?

The colour of the toilet bowl stain can tell you a lot about the cause! 

Then when you know what’s creating the stain, you can choose the best cleaning solution.

Hard water

If your home’s water supply uses hard water, that means it has a high mineral content. These minerals are deposited in sinks, shower stalls, and yes, toilet bowls!

Yellow stains in your toilet bowl are caused by mineral buildup (such as calcium) or limescale deposits. Hard water stains can also appear chalky white or rust-coloured.

If you suspect the toilet discolouration is due to limescale and mineral stains, you can have your water tested.

Rust

If you notice dark brown or rust-coloured stains, then you may have a rust problem.

This can be due to one of two things: pipe corrosion or iron in the water. Corroding pipes leak rust into the water running through them, which then gets deposited in the toilet bowl.

On the other hand, high levels of iron will react with oxygen and create iron oxide. This will create rust stains in your toilet.

Urine

While we do flush our wee away, it still causes yellow-brown stains over time. 

Common spots for a urine stain in toilet include around the rim and on the U-bend.

Mould and mildew

Dark green or brown stains in your toilet are often caused by mould. These stains are usually accompanied by an unpleasant odour in your bathroom.

It’s crucial that you deal with mould or mildew immediately, or the fungus will spread. Mould is a health hazard and can cause respiratory issues.

Acidic water

For blue stains in your toilet bowl, the usual suspect is highly acidic water that contains copper. Check your local water supplier to see if they’ve issued any notices about the mineral content.

If the tap water tastes metallic, this is likely the cause.

Bacteria

Pink stains in your toilet (or tub and shower) are caused by the bacteria Serratia marcescens. It’s an airborne bacteria that thrives in moist surfaces.

Serratia marcescens occurs naturally in the environment, especially in soil. If you have filters that remove chlorine from water, these increase the possibility of the bacteria appearing.

The bacteria is mostly harmless, but can be pathogenic to some people.

Other products

Sometimes, the stains in your dunny are caused by something closer to home – or even right inside it!

Maybe you spilled some fake tanner while applying it in your bathroom. Or maybe you accidentally splattered some hair dye while recolouring your hair.

Many other home products can cause a stain in your toilet, sink, and other areas.

How Often to Clean a Toilet Bowl

It’s important to clean your toilet at least once a week. This maintains good bathroom hygiene and prevents stains from forming.

However, if you notice stains in your toilet, it’s better to tackle them immediately!

Of course, if you’d rather not get cosy with the dunny, a good house cleaning service in your area will take care of it for you.

Before Cleaning Toilet Stains

When prepping to tackle the toilet bowl, you’ll need to gather all your tools, including:

• Rubber gloves
• Toilet brush
• Clean cloths and sponges
• Chosen cleaning solution
• Face mask and eye protection if necessary

You’ll also need some elbow grease – stubborn stains will require more scrubbing.

Once you’re ready, shut off the water valve and flush your toilet to drain it. 

Alternatively, you can slowly pour in a bucket of water to drain the bowl without triggering the refill.

How to Remove Stains from the Toilet Bowl

Again, remember to wear rubber gloves and other protective equipment while cleaning! 

Also, ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated with open windows or exhaust systems.

How to remove hard water stains from toilet bowl

There are several ways to remove hard water stains from your toilet.

For milder stains or ones along the water line, you can simply scrub the bowl with a pumice stone or fine-grade steel wool.

Another method to remove stains from mineral deposits uses borax and white vinegar. (Do not add anything else or you could create a harmful chemical reaction!)

Mix half a cup of borax with 1/4 cup of vinegar. Use a sponge or gloved hands to apply the paste directly to the stained toilet bowl.

Let the paste sit for 20–30 minutes, then scrub the stains away with your toilet brush.

Flush to rinse.

TIP: Consider installing a water softener to prevent mineral buildup! It won’t get rid of hard water stains entirely, but it’ll definitely minimise the problem.

How to remove rust stains from toilet bowl

Citric acid is excellent for removing rust stains from your toilet. You can either use fresh citrus (such as lemon juice) or citric acid powder from the chemist.

For a typical rust stain, make a paste from citric acid and water. Apply it directly to the affected area then let it sit for a few minutes.

Following that, start scrubbing with a brush.

If you have more stubborn toilet bowl stains, mix some baking soda with water to make a paste. Spread the paste onto the rusty stain, then add the lemon juice.

Let the paste sit for at least an hour (you can cover it with cling wrap to retain moisture). After that, scrub and watch the stains disappear.

For a badly-stained toilet, you may have to repeat the process.

How to remove urine stains from toilet bowl

If you can leave the toilet alone overnight, carefully pour around 4 cups of vinegar into the bowl and let it sit.

Use a scrub brush the next morning to remove any urine stains.

Alternatively, toss in two dishwasher tablets and leave them to fizz for a few hours. Scrub to clean afterwards.

How to clean mould stains in toilet bowl

If there is mould developing in your toilet bowl, you need to act fast and hit hard.

Bleach is one of the strongest cleaning products you can use to kill off the mould. Opt for oxygen-based bleach, which is less reactive than its chlorine counterpart.

Always make sure to wear protective equipment and keep the room well-ventilated. Open all windows and doors, and switch on the exhaust.

Dilute the bleach according to the packaging instructions. Apply it to the green or brown stains in your toilet.

Let the solution sit for at least 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

If you prefer not to use harsh chemicals, vinegar is also an effective solution. Look for cleaning vinegar with at least 6% acetic acid.

Apply the vinegar directly to the green or brown stains and let it sit for at least an hour. Scrub then rinse.

How to clean blue toilet bowl stains from acidic water

You can clean copper stains in your toilet by using the one-two punch of vinegar and baking soda.

Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Use a sponge or toilet brush to apply the paste onto the stains and lightly scrub the surface.

Follow this by spraying or pouring vinegar into the bowl. Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes, then either scrub to remove remaining stains or flush to rinse.

Unfortunately, there’s no permanent solution to removing blue toilet stains except to replace your pipes.

How to remove pink stains in toilet

For pink stains caused by Serratia marcescens, bleach is the most effective solution.

Spray diluted bleach onto the bowl’s surfaces and under the rim. Oxygen bleach will work, but chlorine bleach is better.

Let the bleach sit for 15–20 minutes, then flush to rinse.

You can also add 1/4 cup of bleach to the toilet tank, then let it sit for at most 20 minutes. Drain the tank and refill.

How to clean other toilet bowl stains

A baking soda paste or some white vinegar will work for most other stains in your toilet.

The most important factor when cleaning stains is time. The sooner you tackle them, the easier they are to remove.

How to Clean Toilet Bowl Stains Without Scrubbing

Most stains in the toilet bowl will require some amount of scrubbing to remove – there’s no getting around it.

But for milder stains – especially around the water line and U-bend – there are no-scrub options!

One product that really works is Scalex, a descaler.

Pour 1–2 tablespoons into the toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. Flush the toilet in the morning.

Note that you may need to repeat this process 2–3 times for particularly stubborn stains.

Can You Clean Toilet Stains with Coca-Cola?

This hack has been all over the internet for years – how to clean toilet bowl stains with Coke. But does it actually work, and is it worth doing?

The answer is yes… but it’s not worth changing out your usual cleaning products for soft drinks.

Coca-Cola has a reported acid level or pH of 2.3 to 2.6, mainly due to phosphoric acid. The acidity and carbonation can help remove some stains (such as mineral deposits) if poured into the bowl and left to sit overnight.

However, Coke also contains 39g of sugar per 12oz can, alongside other compounds. So you’ll have to clean your toilet all over again after the Coke or else you’ll have other problems.

Moreover, Coca-Cola isn’t a disinfectant, so you’ll have to use a separate product for that, too.

All in all, while Coke can clean your toilet, you’re better off using plain vinegar – or try one of our recommended toilet cleaners in Australia.

Can You Clean a Toilet Bowl with WD-40?

Once again, we ask – what can’t you use WD-40 for?

Add “cleaning the toilet” to the list of WD-40 applications, since yes, you can use the WD-40 Multi-Use Product to remove hard water stains.

The product softens rust and limescale deposits, which you can then scrub away with a regular toilet brush.

However, you can’t flush it as WD-40 is not greywater or septic-safe. Instead, wipe it off once you’re done cleaning.

General Toilet Maintenance

While getting up close and personal with the porcelain throne isn’t appealing, we should all clean our toilet regularly.

Besides the bowl, you’ll need to wash or wipe the toilet seat, brush, and even the plunger.

You can keep a disinfectant spray or pack of wipes on hand in your bathroom to help keep the space hygienic.

And of course, remember to keep your bathroom well-ventilated. That, alongside routine bathroom cleaning, will help you stay on top of any stains in your toilet – as well as the shower, sink, floor… and anywhere else in your home as well!

The post How To Clean Toilet Bowl Stains appeared first on Maid2Match.

If your house has a water source with high mineral content, you may see some white, brown, or rusty stains in the bowl!

How to remove hard water stains from toilet? With a bit of elbow grease and some things from your home! 

Here are some effective cleaning combos:

• White vinegar and baking soda
• Pumice stone or steel wool
• Borax and vinegar
• Baking soda and citric acid

We’ve also listed some of our favourite commercial cleaners that are great at removing hard water stains from your toilet.

So if you’ve got hard water issues, you’ve come to the right place!

What Causes Hard Water Stains in Toilets?

Residential water lines carry either hard or soft water. Water that contains high levels of minerals (such as magnesium and iron) is “hard water.”

This water then deposits minerals when it evaporates or flows through pipes and water fixtures. In your toilet bowl, since it holds standing water, the hard water stains happen due to mineral buildup.

What colour are hard water stains? They’re generally chalky white, but some minerals such as iron will cause brown or rust-coloured stains.

How Often To Clean a Toilet with a Hard Water Line

You should clean your toilet every week, regardless of hard or soft water. This will maintain a sanitary bathroom and prevent a pesky hard water stain from forming.

However, if your water source has particularly high mineral content or if rust and scale stains are starting to show, clean right away!

How to Clean Hard Water Stains in Toilets Naturally

If you want to use cleaners that are friendlier to the environment and your wallet, there are some already in your home! 

Combine some handy household items to make natural toilet bowl cleaners for hard water stains.

Before you remove hard water stains from your toilet

Start by draining your toilet bowl. This will make it easier for you to clean. 

You can either:

• Switch off the water supply and repeatedly flush, or
• Pour water into the bowl until it drains without triggering the flush

When cleaning, use rubber gloves to protect your skin. Or if you’d rather not get up close and personal with the dunny, a reliable house cleaning service will do that for you!

TIP: Don’t forget to clean the toilet brush as well, or you’ll be putting more dirt into your dunny.

Clean toilet hard water stains with white vinegar and baking soda

Most cleaning sites will tell you to combine the two substances to remove hard water stains. However, there’s a more effective method for cleaning with these two popular home items!

Wet the toilet bowl surface and sprinkle in a cup of baking soda. Use a scrub brush or sponge to work the baking soda into the stains.

Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar or simply pour a cup into the bowl. (Mind the fizzing!) Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes (or 30 minutes for stubborn stains), then take a toilet brush and start scrubbing.

Add more baking soda and vinegar as necessary. Keep scrubbing until the toilet bowl is clean.

Flush to rinse.

Clean toilet hard water stains with pumice stone

This method is especially effective for removing hard water stains in toilets along the water line. A pumice stone can scrub off stains without scratching porcelain toilets.

Lightly wet the toilet bowl surface. Take your pumice cleaning stone and gently scrub to remove hard water stains.

Repeat the steps until the bowl is clean. Flush away any debris.

TIP: This method also works with fine-grade steel wool!

Clean toilet hard water stains with borax

Borax is another household staple you can use to remove hard water stains. 

Be mindful of how you mix it, though – in combination with some substances (like bleach), it can create dangerous chemical reactions.

Mix half a cup of borax with a quarter cup of white vinegar. Use gloves while spreading the paste onto the hard water stains in toilet bowls.

Let the solution sit for 20–30 minutes, then use your toilet brush to scrub away the stains.

Flush to rinse.

Clean toilet hard water stains with baking soda and citric acid

For a quick and easy clean, simply mix together:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup citric acid
• 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide

Apply this to the damp surfaces of the bowl and scrub the stains with a toilet brush. Flush to rinse.

You can also use these ingredients to make homemade toilet bombs! Mix the baking soda and citric acid, then slowly add in a half teaspoon of vinegar and 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide. Work carefully or it’ll bubble up!

Finish with a few drops of your essential oil of choice. Fill silicone moulds with the paste and freeze overnight so they harden.

When needed, toss one toilet bomb into the bowl and get scrubbing!

Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners for Hard Water Stains

If you’re looking for commercial products to eliminate hard water stains from your toilet, here’s a handy round-up of our favourites!

But these aren’t the be-all, end-all of effective toilet cleaners available in Australia.

Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush Toilet and Bathroom Cleaner

Get everything you need for toilet cleaning in one package with the Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet and Bathroom Cleaner Multipack! It contains the starter kit (handle, pads, stand), gel cleaning stamps, and flushable antibacterial wipes.

The best part? No need to wash anything after cleaning – just flush the pad after use.

For more stubborn hard water stains, you can opt for their Heavy Duty pads. They’re not flushable, but they do contain a cleaning foam that activates when immersed in water.

CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover

Does CLR remove hard water stains from toilet? Yes! Your best bet is the Calcium, Line & Rust Remover since it’s specifically for mineral build-up, but the Brilliant Bath cleaner works too.

Mix equal parts CLR and warm water in a bucket or similar container. Apply the mixture directly on the stains with a sponge or brush.

Let the solution sit for 2 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

WD-40

Does WD-40 remove hard water stains in toilet? The company themselves say that yes, the Multi-Use Product can!

(What can’t this product do?)

WD-40 softens rust and mineral deposits brought by hard water. Simply drain your toilet, then spray the Multi-Use Product on the affected areas.

Let the substance sit for around 5 minutes, then use a toilet brush to scrub the stains off.

Do not flush WD-40, as it’s not a greywater-safe cleaning product! Instead, use a wet cloth to wipe away the residue until the bowl is clean.

How to Prevent Hard Water Stains in Toilet Bowl

Hard water stains can become permanent if you leave them too long. The mineral deposits will create rusty stains that will be almost impossible to clean off.

Besides removing hard water stains, it’s possible to prevent them!

• Install a water-softening system in your house
• Check your pipes for rust
• Try toilet tank cleaners

And of course, clean your toilet weekly! (Plus the rest of your bathroom, too.) If you stay on top of routinely cleaning your home, you won’t have a hard time with hard water (ha!) – in the toilet and anywhere else.

The post How To Remove Hard Water Stains From Toilet appeared first on Maid2Match.

Still, given how much use the “porcelain throne” gets daily, it’s imperative to keep it pristine.

How to clean a toilet? Here’s a step-by-step rundown:

• Clean the bowl and exterior once a week, the tank once a month
• Empty the bowl by shutting off the valve then flushing, or pouring in a bucket of water
• Apply a good quality toilet cleaner under the rim of the bowl
• Use a scrub brush to clean down to the bottom of the bowl
• All-purpose cleaner takes care of the exterior
• Disinfecting spray or wipes will clean the seat
• Fill the cistern with vinegar overnight then flush

Don’t bet your bottom on a dirty toilet. Grab that scrub brush and get to work!

Why Clean a Toilet?

It’s a toilet – need we say more?

Toilets are exposed to plenty of dirt, bacteria, and grime, both from day-to-day use and from being in the bathroom. Letting that build up can pose a hazard to your health.

The wet, semi-enclosed nature of a toilet makes it a perfect place for germs to thrive.

Make cleaning inside and around the toilet an essential part of your bathroom cleaning routine. 

Or if you’d rather not get cosy with your bathroom porcelain, an experienced home cleaning service can get it done for you!

How Often to Clean a Toilet

Thankfully, we don’t need to buddy up with our toilets every day. You’ll need to clean the different parts of your toilet at different intervals.

HOW OFTEN TO CLEAN A TOILET BOWL: Clean your toilet bowl and exterior once a week, no buts!

You can make the task easier for yourself by regularly disinfecting the seat.

HOW OFTEN TO CLEAN A TOILET TANK: Clean the toilet tank every 3–6 months.

A dirty toilet tank can lead to unpleasant odours in your bathroom. It can also cause damage to the inner mechanisms.

Toilet Cleaning Supplies

Before you tackle your toilet, build your cleaning arsenal! Each part of the toilet will need its own cleaning solution.

What you need to clean the toilet:

• Toilet cleaner of choice
• Toilet brush
• Microfiber cloths or paper towels
• Bathroom-specific disinfectant or all-purpose cleaner
• Protective equipment

Also, you might want to keep a mop handy in case any toilet water spills onto the floor.

How to Clean a Toilet Bowl

To deep clean your toilet, you’ll need to scrub and disinfect every surface: bowl, seat, rim, handle, and exterior. This will eliminate most bacteria and deter mould or mildew.

Start by emptying the bowl, either by:

• Pouring a bucket of water in to flush the toilet without a refill
• Switching off the valve and flushing

Don’t forget your rubber gloves and goggles! All-purpose cleaners and bathroom cleaning products tend to contain bleach, which can be harsh on your skin.

How to clean the toilet with vinegar

This is an easy one. Start by sprinkling a cup of baking soda into the toilet to scour the dirty surfaces. You can use an old toothbrush to spread it around, especially on stubborn stains.

Follow with a healthy pour of white vinegar. While the mixture is fizzing, use the toilet brush to scrub the bowl.

Let the solution sit for 30 minutes, then flush.

How to clean the toilet with toilet cleaner

Take your toilet cleaner and apply it underneath the rim of the toilet bowl, going around in a circle. Pour enough that it flows down to the bottom, coating the whole surface.

Let the cleaner sit for 5–10 minutes.

Use your toilet brush to scrub firmly, scraping away any residue and gunk. Try to keep the brush head within the bowl to avoid splatter.

Don’t forget to clean under the rim and into the drain as well!

Afterwards, shut the lid and switch the valve back on so you can flush to rinse.

How to clean the toilet using toilet “bombs”

If you’re using fizzy toilet bombs to clean, it’s straightforward! Simply take one of your toilet cleaning bombs and toss it into the water.

Once the bomb starts to dissolve and fizz, use a toilet brush to scrub around the toilet bowl. Get all the way under the rim and down to the drain.

When everything is clean, shut the lid and flush to rinse.

Cleaning the exterior of the toilet

While you’re waiting for your preferred toilet bowl cleaner to work, get to cleaning the outside of the toilet! 

You can use either a disinfecting spray or an all-purpose cleaner.

Work your way from the top of the tank, down to the base. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the surfaces, switching out for a new one as needed. 

Don’t forget the handle, tank edges, and any nooks and crannies.

How to clean a toilet seat

Your skin touches the toilet seat, so make sure you disinfect it regularly. 

Use a disinfecting spray or wipe to clean. You can also use vinegar in a spray bottle.

It’s not just the top of the seat, by the way – you’ll need to raise the seat and disinfect underneath as well, then the rim of the toilet.

Rinse the seat with a damp rag to remove any chemical residue.

TIP: Keep disinfectant wipes handy in your bathrooms to quickly clean toilet seats after use.

Cleaning behind the toilet

This will be a bit awkward – reaching behind the dunny can involve weird angles. You can mop the area, but that won’t get everything due to the narrow space.

There are flexible or bendable scrub brushes you can use in combination with an all-purpose cleaner. Alternatively, vinegar in a spray bottle works too.

Make sure to rinse and dry the area thoroughly! Letting moisture remain could corrode any metal fixtures or cause mould growth.

How to Clean a Toilet Tank

As they say – out of sight, out of mind. We often forget to clean the cistern or tank, but there’s plenty of reason to crack it open.

Mineral deposits can build up inside, while the water can develop mildew or fungus.

A clean tank can also reduce hard water stains and rust in the bowl.

Before cleaning the tank

Empty the cistern by shutting off the water valve to stop the water flow. Flush the toilet until the tank is completely drained.

Do this after you tackle the toilet bowl so you don’t waste any water.

Never clean the tank will bleach. This can damage the components and kill beneficial bacteria.

Cleaning the toilet tank with disinfectant

Spray the tank’s interior with a disinfectant cleaner, saturating the surfaces. Try to avoid the metal fixtures.

Let the cleaner sit for at least 10 minutes, then use a long-handled brush to scrub everything clean. Don’t use the same brush as the one for cleaning the toilet!

Take a sponge dampened with disinfectant to wipe the different parts: ball float, flapper, handle chain, refill tube, and others.

Switch the valve back on and let the tank refill. Flush 2–3 times to remove any debris.

Cleaning the toilet tank with white vinegar

6% vinegar has plenty of disinfectant power, so it’s great for cleaning. On its own, it won’t damage the interior mechanisms – just don’t mix it with anything else!

Once the cistern has drained, use a wet pumice stone to dislodge any mineral buildup or dirt on the walls and floor. Wipe the surfaces with a damp sponge.

Fill the tank with cleaning vinegar up to the overflow valve. Let the solution sit overnight (around 12 hours), then flush to drain the cistern.

Use a brush to scour off any remaining residue, then switch the valve back on and refill the tank.

How to Clean Toilet Stains

Hard water and rust can cause stains inside the toilet bowl or on the metal fixtures. 

Tackle tough stains to maintain hygiene and keep your toilet looking clean.

How To Clean Rust Stains On Your Toilet 

Toilet water often carries rust from metal fixtures inside the tank or from pipes. The rust accumulates on the surface of the bowl.

Clean rust with a paste of citric acid powder with some water. Use an old toothbrush to physically scrub off the rust build-up.

You can also use two cups of distilled white vinegar or a pumice stone. Surprisingly, a Coke can also work in a pinch!

If you notice frequent rust residue in your toilet bowl, check your tank’s components to see if any are corroding and need replacement.

How To Clean Hard Water Stains On Your Toilet 

If you live in an area that has hard water, it can cause mineral buildup on the porcelain surface of your toilet.

Baking soda and vinegar are your friends – just not at the same time. Use one cup of baking soda as an abrasive cleaner for hard water buildup.

Follow by pouring vinegar to create a reaction that loosens dirt and disinfects the bowl.

Flush to rinse.

How to Make Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner

If you’d rather skip using commercial cleaning products, you can DIY a toilet bomb! 

The main ingredients are baking soda and citric acid, plus a liquid cleaner of your choice.

• 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup citric acid, then 1 tbsp dish soap
• 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, and 1/2 cup borax, plus water (essential oils optional)
• 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup citric acid, 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide, and 1/2 tsp vinegar

Combine the dry ingredients, then carefully moisten them with the liquid ingredients. Don’t get things too wet too quickly, or they’ll start fizzing!

Fill your chosen silicone molds with the paste, and let them sit in the fridge overnight. Pop them out and store them in an airtight container.

Whenever you need to clean your toilet, just toss a bomb into the water (not that kind!) and watch it dissolve in a fun fizzy burst.

Cleaning Your Toilet Brush

One common mistake people make when cleaning a toilet is not cleaning the toilet brush and holder! 

You’re sticking that brush inside a dirty bowl to scrub some pretty gross things – so it absolutely needs cleaning.

A quick-and-easy method is to spray the brush with 3% hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. Pin it between the rim and the seat so it can dry.

It’s very important that you let the toilet brush dry before putting it back in its holder. 

Otherwise, you’re just putting the brush into a puddle of toilet drippings, which… ew.

Common Toilet Cleaning Mistakes

One thing people forget is to wipe or dust the toilet before cleaning. If you leave dust on the surface, you’ll just be wiping it around when you do get to work. 

Use a dry cloth or the dusting attachment of a vacuum to solve that problem.

That space behind and underneath the toilet, where the tubes and valves are? You’re probably forgetting to clean there as well. 

Dust, hair, and bacteria can accumulate there, and the fixtures are prone to rust.

Using only baking soda mixed with vinegar. Yep – you read that right! It’s often recommended, but not a miracle cleaner. 

Sodium bicarbonate is alkaline while vinegar is acidic, so by combining them willy-nilly, you’re just making them cancel out.

A more effective way of using the two is to use the baking soda as an abrasive cleaner first, then follow with a vinegar spray to disinfect. The resulting fizz can also loosen any remaining dirt for you to wipe away.

Also, make sure to clean your toilet plunger as well! You may not use it frequently (we hope), but when you do, saturate it with a strong antibacterial disinfectant spray afterwards.

And of course, mop after cleaning! It’s good to know how to clean a toilet, but don’t leave the floors wet and slick. 

Otherwise, you’re risking a DIY slip-and-slide in your own bathroom, which could put you on your behind… and make your next trip to the toilet a bit of an ouch.

The post How To Clean A Toilet appeared first on Maid2Match.

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.

The post How To Get Fake Tan Off A Toilet Seat appeared first on Maid2Match.

But once your handy plunger has done its job, do you just stick it back in its corner without cleaning it?

Nope – you need to clean it.

How to clean a toilet plunger? After plunging the toilet, you can either spray it with disinfectant, rinse it with a bleach solution or vinegar, or scrub it with dish soap. Dry the plunger afterwards before placing it in a plastic grocery bag for hygienic reasons.

To maintain your bathroom, you need to do more than just clean your toilet. Here’s how to clean a toilet plunger (even if it is icky).

Why Clean a Toilet Plunger

Because you stick it in your toilet! The toilet bowl is a breeding ground for bacteria and grime, which is why you regularly need to clean your toilet. It follows that anything you put into your toilet needs cleaning as well.

(Especially when the plunger comes into contact with things that are natural, but gross.)

For those who use home cleaning services, remember to let your cleaner know to clean the toilet brush and toilet plunger after they work on the bowl!

How Often to Clean a Toilet Plunger

You should clean the toilet plunger every time you use it. This will prevent bacteria and grime from building up on the rubber surface of the head.

The germs on your toilet plunger can live up to two weeks – so it’s essential to disinfect it ASAP.

How to Clean a Toilet Plunger

You may not use a plunger for toilet cleaning, but it still does a dirty job. Just like toilet brushes, you’ll also need to clean the plunger.

Cleaning a toilet plunger with disinfectant spray

Make sure you’re using a strong antibacterial disinfectant spray. Shake the plunger dry, then thoroughly saturate the head with your disinfectant.

Let the tool dry, then store it away.

Cleaning a toilet plunger with chlorine bleach

Liquid chlorine bleach is a strong cleaning solution, so use it with care. Pour 3 caps into the fresh water of the toilet bowl and swirl the plunger around for 5 minutes.

Flush the toilet with the plunger inside to rinse off the bleach. You can also rinse with hot water. Let the plunger dry before storing it away.

Cleaning a toilet plunger with apple cider vinegar

To clean a plunger without bleach, use vinegar! The apple cider vinegar you use should be at least 5% acetic acid to work as a disinfectant. Pour a few cups into the toilet bowl and soak the plunger in the mixture, swirling it around several times.

Flush the toilet to rinse the plunger, then dry it. Store it away.

Cleaning a toilet plunger with dish soap

If you’re feeling brave, you can scrub the toilet plunger! Remember to use rubber gloves to maintain hygiene. Mix some detergent into warm water to form a soapy cleaning solution.

Soak the plunger in warm, soapy water and get to scrubbing with a clean scrub brush. Rinse with clean water, then dry.

Drying a Toilet Plunger

Once you’ve cleaned the dirty toilet plunger, it’s time to let it completely dry. You can do this in two ways – pinning the plunger under the toilet seat so it can air dry, or wiping it with a clean cloth or toilet paper.

Make sure to let the plunger dry before replacing it in its holder or corner of the bathroom. It’s advisable to tie a plastic bag around the plunger head to keep things sanitary.

Cleaning Solutions for Your Bathroom

Besides cleaning the toilet plunger, you should also clean the toilet brush and toilet brush holder. Both the brush and plunger can pick up some nasty germs, so this is one more way to keep your bathroom clean.

Be mindful of the areas where you store the brush and plunger, as well as the area behind your toilet. These are prime places for dirt and germs, and you’ll need to clean them too!

Store your plunger somewhere hygienic. Some come with a holder to keep the head aerated and dry, while others have a hole at the end so you can hang it up.

If you have no choice but to keep it on the floor, place the head in a plastic bag.

And that’s it for how to clean a toilet plunger! Don’t forget the next time you use it – although we hope that won’t be for a long while.

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