How to remove yellowing, slurring and water marks from the toilet | March 29, 2025

If you’re struggling with yellowing, slurring, and water marks in your toilet, don’t worry – you can tackle these common problems with a few simple steps and household cleaning items. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you restore your toilet to its original shine.

1. Yellowing on Toilet Bowl:
Yellow stains are often caused by mineral deposits and hard water. To get rid of them, you can use the following methods:

Vinegar and Baking Soda:
Pour about two cups of white vinegar into the toilet bowl and swish it around using a toilet brush. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
After the vinegar has had time to dissolve the stains, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stains and scrub with the toilet brush. The combination of vinegar and baking soda will work to lift the stains.
Flush to rinse and reveal a cleaner, brighter toilet.
Pumice Stone:
For stubborn stains, a pumice stone can be very effective. Wet the stone and gently scrub the yellow stains in a circular motion. This works well without scratching the porcelain, but be sure to keep the stone wet to avoid damage.
2. Slurring or Streaking:
Slurring and streaking are usually the result of soap scum or other mineral build-up, often caused by excessive use of cleaning products. To remove these marks, try:

Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Acid:
Use a cleaner that contains hydrochloric acid, which can break down soap scum and mineral deposits. Apply the cleaner directly to the affected areas and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Scrub the surface with a toilet brush and flush afterward.
Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice’s acidity can help break down streaks. Pour some into the toilet bowl and leave it for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
3. Water Marks and Stains:
Water stains typically happen when hard water evaporates, leaving behind mineral deposits. You can remove these marks with:

Baking Soda and Vinegar:
Again, using a combination of baking soda and vinegar can be highly effective for water stains. Apply baking soda to the water-stained areas, then pour vinegar over it. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes to an hour before scrubbing away with a toilet brush.
Borax:
Borax is another strong cleaner that can help break down water stains. Sprinkle a small amount in the toilet bowl, let it sit, and then scrub with a brush.
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