Rust stains often appear in toilets in homes that have hard water. Augusta, GA residents deal with rusty toilet bowls and tanks because the local water supply has a lot of iron in it. Those stains can also develop because you have drains that frequently back up. It’s easy to learn how to remove rust stains from your toilets before you call for plumbing help.

Vinegar and/or Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are among the best remedies for toilet rust stains. You can mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it inside the bowl. Let the solution sit for a minimum of 10 minutes before you scrub the bowl. For darker or stubborn stains, combine one part vinegar with three parts baking soda to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes before you scrub it into the bowl and rinse it away.

Other Remedies

Another remedy that works well is citric acid. Most grocery stores in the Augusta area stock citric acid, but you can also buy it online. You can use equal parts citric acid and lemon juice to make a thick paste that you apply to the stain. This mixture needs to sit for a minimum of an hour. Cream of tartar also works well. You can sprinkle the powder onto the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes or longer before rubbing it into the stain with water. A commercial rust remover is the best option for serious stains that other remedies fail to treat. No matter which one you choose, always wear gloves to keep your hands safe from the dirty water in the bowl.

What Not to Use

Whether your toilets have rust stains caused by hard water or backups that require drain cleaning, make sure you know what not to use on those stains. Some recommend bleach and claim that it will make your toilet look white again. Even if the bleach lightens the stain, it will still stand out because bleach changes the color of the toilet. You should also avoid abrasive powders and cleaners as they can do a lot of damage. Some of the top tools to use include toilet brushes with nylon bristles and kitchen sponges. If you worry about damaging your toilet, always test a cleaning solution first. You can clean an out-of-the-way spot to see how it looks before using it inside your bowl.

Prevent Rust Stains

Preventing rust stains is easier than you might think, especially if you live in Augusta, GA. Contact Drain Surgeon to learn about how cleaning your drains and installing PEX pipes that do not rust can keep rust stains from forming in your toilets.