The toilet is one of the most important places in our homes. Keeping it clean should be a priority for all of us.
Recently, one of my friends called and asked for guidance on how to clean his toilet. The story goes like this: he traveled and stayed there for a couple of months. When he returned, he found that the toilet bowl had some yellow stains on it. This is why I am writing this article.
If you have the same problem, don’t worry. You are not alone. This post will give you some tips on how to clean the yellow stains in your toilet bowl.
What Causes Yellow Stains in the Toilet Bowl?
Urine
Most people think that yellow stains on their toilets are caused by urine. Yes, that is possible and true if the urine is left in the bowl for a long time without being flushed. The urine has yellow pigments that tend to discolor the toilet bowl when left in the bowl for a long time.
Oxidation
The most common cause of yellowing in toilets is a chemical process called oxidation, which can make even clean water turn yellow over time. Oxidation occurs when oxygen reacts with manganese or iron, both metals found naturally in groundwater and soil.
Manganese deposits are also found on old good pipes and plumbing fixtures, so if your house was built before 1985, you’re especially at risk for developing these stains over time!
Tannins
They are made up of organic matter that is dead and decayed. Most of the time, they can be found in the water distributed to everyone across the nation. This is because it is difficult to completely filter them out of the water.
So, even though, you always flush your toilet after use, you can sometimes see the yellow discoloration in the bowl.
Check This Article: How To Keep Your Toilet Smelling Fresh
Factors to consider when cleaning yellow stains from the toilet bowl
The following are the critical factors that must be considered when cleaning yellow stains from the toilet bowl:
1. Wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as safety goggles and rubber gloves when cleaning yellow stains from the toilet bowl to avoid chemicals splashing in your eyes and skin irritation.
2. Grout or gap between tiles: this plays a major role in trapping particles such as dirt and food leftovers, which cause staining on the bowl.
3. Rugged toilet bowl: if there are many nooks and crannies, it will be tougher to clean the bowl without using extra tools, which can lead to more staining.
4. The toilet seat: plastic seats are easier to stain than porcelain or ceramic.
5. Detergents or cleaning products are used on the bowl itself or its surroundings after flushing. This is something that homeowners should look out for when cleaning the toilet, as it can cause staining in high concentrations.
Check This Article: How To Prevent Hard Water Stains On Toilet
Ways to Clean the Yellow Stains from the Toilet Bowl
Cleaning and disinfecting the toilet and bowl is a regular part of any housekeeper’s routine. The process helps keep the toilet clean, sanitary, and free from germs that can cause disease or discomfort.
Toilet stains become unsightly if left unattended for too long. There are several methods to clean yellow stains off toilet bowls. Some of the common methods are listed below.
1. Using a toilet bowl cleaner
These cleaners have premixed nonacidic cleaning agents that dissolve stains and remove them from the bowl. The cleaner is sprayed on the surface and allowed to sit for 5 minutes before being rinsed off with water.
This method is not recommended when using bleach. The bleach turns the yellow stains blue, making them nearly impossible to remove.
2. Using Vinegar
The bristled head of the toilet brush is dipped in white distilled vinegar and scrubbed across the stained area until the stain is removed. Then the bowl can be cleaned with a standard toilet bowl cleaner and sanitized with 1/4 cup bleach diluted in a gallon of water.
3. Using a sponge
This method works best if the yellow stains are still fresh and moist. While sitting on the bowl, after each use, wipe it down with a sponge that has been moistened with white distilled vinegar to remove the stains.
The residue of dried urine can be removed using mild bleach and water solution, sprayed on the stains, and allowed to sit for a few minutes before rinsing with clean water.
4. Using an abrasive
An abrasive such as Comet or Ajax is rubbed onto the yellow stains until they disappear. This method works best when combined with white distilled vinegar, allowing it time to eat away at the stains before rinsing with clean water.
5. Using Bleach
Plain bleach or ammonia can be used to remove yellow stains from the toilet bowl. A solution of either is made in one cup of water and poured into the bowl, then allowed to sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush. The last step is to flush the toilet and scrub it with clear water.
6. Using baking soda
Mix two parts of baking soda with one part of the water in a paste form. Apply this paste directly onto the yellow stains before scrubbing them away using a toilet brush.
This method should be combined with white distilled vinegar that can be poured into the bowl and allowed to sit before scrubbing away the stains with baking soda. Then flush and rinse with clear water.
7. Using Baking Soda with Coke
Coke can facilitate the cleaning of yellow stains in a toilet bowl. Pour the Coke into the bowl. Make sure it covers all the stained areas. Add two tablespoons of baking soda to the bowl. Wait for as long as you can, or leave it overnight. Then clean the stains with the toilet brush. Flush the toilet afterward.
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Conclusion and final thoughts 💭
Have you been plagued with yellow stains on your toilet? No problem! There are a variety of ways to remove the stain from the toilet bowl. Some methods work better than others, depending on how long ago they were made and what type of cleaner is being used.
For fresh urine stains that have not dried yet, try wiping down your toilet with a wet sponge moistened with white distilled vinegar after every use until the stain goes away.
If this does not work, scrubbing it off using an abrasive such as Comet or Ajax should do the trick when combined with white distilled vinegar before rinsing clean water over it.
To take care of stubborn old stains left over from years past, household chemicals like bleach will be necessary when poured into one cup of water. Allow the chemicals to sit in the bowl for at least five minutes before scrubbing away with a toilet brush. Then flush clean water over it to remove any residue left behind.
If using bleach, be sure that there are no other surfaces in your bathroom that will react with it if they come into contact when you flush the toilet later on. For yellow stains caused by urine, try using a blue toilet bowl cleaner or an abrasive such as Comet before rinsing with clear water.
The last step is to apply baking soda mixed with one part of the water. This method should be used when combined with white distilled vinegar that can be poured into the bowl and allowed to sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing away the stains. Allow it to work its magic until you’re satisfied with the results, then flush clean water over it. Follow these steps and your toilet will look as good as new. Thanks For Reading!
