25.02.2025

The perfect TRICK to remove tough stains from your toilet bowl in seconds: it cleans perfectly and completely easily!

By Lesia

Tough toilet bowl stains, especially those caused by mineral buildup or hard water, can be frustrating. While “seconds” might be an exaggeration, here’s a highly effective trick using readily available ingredients:

The Vinegar and Baking Soda Trick:

This method relies on the chemical reaction between vinegar (an acid) and baking soda (a base) to loosen and lift stains.  

What You’ll Need:

  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda  
  • Toilet brush
  • Spray bottle (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Drain the Toilet Bowl:
    • If possible, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush to drain the bowl as much as possible. This allows the cleaning agents to work directly on the stains.
  2. Apply Vinegar:
    • Pour about 1-2 cups of white vinegar into the toilet bowl, ensuring it covers the stains.  
    • For stubborn stains around the rim, spray vinegar directly onto the affected areas using a spray bottle.
    • Let the vinegar sit for at least 15-30 minutes (or longer for very tough stains). This allows the vinegar to break down mineral deposits and loosen grime.  
  3. Add Baking Soda:
    • Sprinkle about 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.  
    • The baking soda will react with the vinegar, creating a foaming action.  
  4. Scrub:
    • Use a toilet brush to vigorously scrub the stains, paying extra attention to the areas where the foaming action is most visible.
    • The fizzing will help lift the loosened stains.  
  5. Let it Sit (Optional):
    • For extremely stubborn stains, you can let the mixture sit for another 15-30 minutes after scrubbing.
  6. Flush:
    • Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to rinse away the cleaning solution and loosened stains.
  7. Repeat if Necessary:
    • If any stains remain, repeat the process.

Why This Works:

  • Vinegar: The acidity of vinegar dissolves mineral deposits, limescale, and rust.  
  • Baking Soda: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that helps scrub away stains. The chemical reaction with vinegar creates a fizzing action that lifts grime.  

Tips and Considerations:

  • For Rust Stains: For rust stains, you can also try using a paste of baking soda and lemon juice.
  • Preventative Measures: To prevent future stains, clean your toilet bowl regularly and consider using a toilet bowl cleaner that contains descaling agents.
  • Safety: Always wear gloves when cleaning your toilet.
  • Avoid Bleach Mixtures: Never mix vinegar with bleach, as this creates toxic fumes.  
  • Pumice Stone: For very hard water stains, a pumice stone, when wet, can be used very gently. However, test in an inconspicuous area first, as it can scratch some toilet bowl finishes.