“Bathroom humor” is a term we’ve all heard. But, there’s nothing funny in a dirty bathroom. A toilet with rusty stains around its bowl is one of the most eye-sores.
Rusty streaks in the bathroom can cause problems for guests and household members, even if it is otherwise spotless.
What causes rust staining on toilets?
Rusty stains on the toilet bowl are usually an indication that the water source contains more iron. Although this may not be a problem, iron particles can oxidize to create a distinctive red-brown color. Iron may be coming from older pipes, which could lead to a deterioration of your home.
How to Remove Rust Stains
Rust stains on a toilet bowl are easy to remove unless you have a very upset stomach. Use the right cleaning products.
- Bleach is not recommended as it can worsen the rust stain
- Do not use an abrasive scrubber as it could scratch the porcelain surface
- Make your own cleaning solution. Use 1-part vinegar and 1-part water to spray or 3-parts baking soda, 1-part vinegar as a paste.
- To clean the bowl, use a non-abrasive scrubber or a toilet brush
- Wear appropriate safety gear, such as goggles and rubber gloves.
- To eliminate the majority of the water in the bowl, turn off the water supply.
- Try commercial cleaning products like Borax or Bar Keepers Friend to remove stubborn rust stains.
Remodeling your plumbing
While cleaning is essential to keep your bathroom free from rust, it won’t solve the problem of iron in the water. You may need to replace parts of your plumbing system in order to prevent staining from occurring.
- Replacing iron pipes with copper or PEX piping
- To filter iron and other particles from the water supply, you can add a water filtration device.
- To remove various minerals, install a water softener.