5 Best Methods for Cleaning Rust and Hard Water Stained Toilets & Which Methods Actually Work?

Hard water stains and rust can make your toilet look unsightly and unsanitary. But don't worry, there are a number of effective ways to clean these stains. In this blog post, we'll evaluate the pros and cons of the five best methods for cleaning rust and hard water stained toilets.  THEN, we'll give you some extra tips for trying each cleaning methods--and we'll actually tell you which cleaning method we think is your best bet for quickly (and completely) removing rust, calcium and hard water stains in your toilet bowl .

First of all, I know that the best way to not have a stained toilet is to clean it well and often.  Unfortunately--I also know that life sometimes gets in the way of those simple tasks and I know that hard water and rust can build up in those hard to reach spots a lot faster than you realize.  

If you are reading this post--you are probably like me and have a yucky buildup that your handy dandy toilet bowl brush and usual toilet bowl cleaner just can't touch.  We have tried a variety of methods for cleaning a rust and hard water stained toilet--and this is what we found.

Vinegar and baking soda

This is one of the most popular natural methods for cleaning rust and hard water stains. This combo is shared on tons of cleaning hacks and tip posts.  Vinegar is a mild acid that can dissolve mineral deposits, while baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can help to scrub away rust and stains.

Pros:

• Inexpensive and easy to find
• Natural and non-toxic
• Effective on a variety of stains

Cons:

• Can be messy
• May not be very effective on stubborn stains. 
  

To use:

1. Pour 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl.--
2. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda over the vinegar.
3. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
4. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush.
5. Flush the toilet to rinse.  

The reality of using vinegar and baking soda is that it may work well to keep stains at bay or remove some new, light toilet bowl rings or hardwater film. If you have been scrubbing at your stains for a while without removing them--or the stains have built up over time--this method may not be very effective.

I tried using household vinegar and baking soda several times and it didn't even dull our toilet stains even a little.  I am not sure if an industrial strength vinegar would work any better--but, some do have a concentrated formula and higher acid content than grocery store white vinegar.  Just read the labels to make sure that the one you choose is actually stronger than the vinegar you have in your laundry room!

Commercial toilet bowl cleaner

There are a number of commercial toilet bowl cleaners available that are specifically designed to remove rust and hard water stains. These cleaners typically contain stronger acids than vinegar, so they can be more effective on stubborn stains. However, it is important to note that some commercial toilet bowl cleaners can be harsh and irritating to the respiratory system, skin and eyes.

Pros:

• Pretty effective on common stains
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Can be expensive and may be difficult to find in stores
  
• May contain harsh chemicals

To use:

1. Follow the instructions on the product label.
2. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using commercial toilet bowl cleaners. 

We have very hard water in our house.  For many years, for regular cleaning, I used the Lysol Lime & Rust 10x Cleaning Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner.  I tried other brands' lime and rust formulas and none of them worked as well as this one.  Not even the regular Lysol cleaners.  Over the past few years, it has been randomly difficult to find this variety in stock in our local stores.  The build up in our toilets just became too much for any of the substitute cleaners to fight!  If you have light staining or would like to prevent hardwater stains from getting a foothold, I would recommend the Lysol Lime & Rust 10x Cleaning Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner.

Lots of people swear by Zep Acidic Toilet Bowl Cleaner I didn't get any greater results with stronger commercial cleaners--just stronger smells and higher prices.

Borax

Borax is a natural mineral that has a variety of cleaning uses. It is particularly effective at removing rust and hard water stains.

Pros:

• Inexpensive and easy to find
• Natural and non-toxic
• Effective on a variety of stains

Cons:

• Can be irritating to the skin and eyes if not handled properly

To use:

1. Pour 1/2 cup of borax into the toilet bowl.
2. Add 1 cup of hot water (or vinegar).
3. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
4. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush.
5. Flush the toilet to rinse.
   

The concept of this method is similar to vinegar and baking soda--with a little added brightening bonus of Borax.  I didn't see any results from Borax and hot water.  My results with Borax and vinegar were actually a little better than baking soda and vinegar--some stains cleaned up, but, my tougher stains still remained.   If you have a box of Borax on hand, I'd give it a try--with vinegar rather than hot water. 

Citric acid

Citric acid is a natural acid that is found in citrus fruits. (Think concentrated lemon juice.)  It is also available in powder form at most grocery stores. Like the acetic acid in vinegar, citric acid is a pretty effective rust and hard water stain remover.

Pros:

• Somewhat effective on stubborn stains
• Natural and non-toxic

Cons:

• Can be irritating to the skin and eyes if not handled properly

To use:

1. Pour 1/2 cup of citric acid powder into the toilet bowl.
2. Add 1 cup of hot water.
3. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
4. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush.
5. Flush the toilet to rinse. 

Citric acid is a little stronger than vinegar--but, it still may not work on heavy, long-time stains.  I didn't get any additional results from citric acid than with the vinegar combo cleaners I tried.  Citric acid may work well to keep stains at bay or remove some new, light toilet bowl rings or hardwater film. Unfortunately, if you have been scrubbing at your stains for a while without removing them--or the stains have built up over time--this method may not be very effective.

2. Pumice stone

A pumice stone is a natural volcanic rock that is abrasive enough to remove rust and hard water stains, but gentle enough to avoid damaging the porcelain finish of your toilet bowl.

Pros:

• Very effective on stubborn stains
• Reusable and long-lasting

Cons:

• Can be messy
• Requires a healthy dose of elbow grease

To use:

1. Wet the pumice stone with water.
2. Scrub the stained areas of the toilet bowl with the pumice stone.
3. Flush the toilet to rinse and repeat until the stains are gone.
   

This was literally the only cleaning method that worked for me.  The pumice stone scoured away new, light stains quickly and easily with minimal effort.  The older, darker stains that had moved in to stay took a bit of time and more elbow grease than I had hoped! But, after scouring through 1 1/2 pumice tools, both of my homes' toilets were sparkling clean and looking brand new.  

If you toilets are in bad shape,plan to buy at least 1 pumice stone per toilet that you are cleaning.  The pumice does flake off and dissolve as it removes the staining--so while the stone is reusable, you may not have enough left to reuse!  Getting a stone with a handle for this cleaning project will limit the time that your hands are in the toilet bowl water!  

Plumbers often say that pumice stone can damage or etch the top layer of the toilet's porcelain that helps it prevent staining. (Many say the same things about strong acid based cleaners too!) I scour lightly and focus on the toughest stains and I haven't had issues with toilet bowl damage or worsened re-staining.  If you have tried all of the other methods (like I had), a pumice stone may help you get rid of the toilet bowl stains.

What about sandpaper, scouring pads or eraser tools?  

While I was sure that scouring pads were too abrasive for toilet bowl cleaning, I found sources that claimed using very fine sandpaper was the ultimate last resort.  I was afraid of damaging the toilet bowl with sanding sponges or cleaner pads as I just wasn't sure I would sand away only the stain and not the toilet bowl!   I did try a cleaning eraser--it didn't work at all and bits of eraser had to be scooped out of the toilet. 

The pumice stone (similar logic as sandpaper) was my last resort.  I liked the long handle on this pumice stone and felt that I had a little more control over my scouring depth.  It worked and, while I won't use it for frequent, regular cleaning, I will use it again if necessary for stubborn stain removal.    

Which method is best for you?

The best method for cleaning rust and hard water stained toilets will depend on the severity of the stains and your personal preferences. If you have light stains, you may be able to remove them with a simple vinegar and baking soda solution. If you have stubborn stains, you may need to use a pumice stone or concentrated, commercial toilet bowl cleaner. If you are concerned about using harsh chemicals, you may want to try using borax or citric acid.

Final Tips for cleaning rust and hard water stained toilets

• Always wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning toilets.
• Be sure to ventilate the bathroom well when using harsh chemicals.
• If you are using a pumice stone, be careful not to scratch the porcelain finish of your toilet bowl.
• If you are using a commercial toilet bowl cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
• If your home has hard water, your toilet cleaning aftercare ma want to clean your toilet more frequently to avoid buildup.