How to Remove Rust in the Commode

There are few things more annoying than rust in the commode. It's tough enough to keep them clean, especially with large families. Trying to keep the rust out of the commode just adds another cleaning task for the week. The rust is usually caused from iron or calcium deposits in your water system. Until you get a water softener, you'll need to do a few quick fixes to get the rust out.

Things You'll Need

• Pumice stick
• Water softener
• White vinegar
• Soft cleaning rags
• Chemical cleaners with diluted hydrochloric acid

Instructions

1. Scrub the rust from the commode out with a pumice stick. You have to be very gentle on porcelain bowls so as not to ruin the finish. Pumice sticks can be found at most grocery stores. Just be sure to rinse the stick in a separate bowl of water and wipe the commode down with a soft rag.

2. Use white vinegar if the rust is still there. This may take a few applications, but white vinegar can remove the deposits if they are from calcium. Make sure the toilet is as empty as possible so that you don't dilute the vinegar too much or you will find yourself still scrubbing rust from the commode the next day.

3. Apply chemical cleaners with diluted hydrochloric acid in them to the commode if the rust stains still won't come out. There are several brands out there that can be found in most large home improvement chains. The ones with hydrochloric acid are the most effective cleaners that can get rust from the commode.

Tips & Warnings

• Install a water softener in your system. It's one thing to get the rust out; it's another to keep it from returning.

• Use the chemical cleaners as directed. Some cleaners have powerful chemicals that can burn you or cause damage if you mix them with others.