How to Remove Calcium Buildup in a Toilet

A clean toilet

A toilet bowl is made from porcelain, which is a ceramic clay. A special glaze is applied, giving the surface an extremely smooth, glasslike covering that inhibits germ growth. Hard water can cause calcium buildup in the toilet bowl, making it look unsightly. Although the calcium may not initially harm the porcelain, eventually it may eat through the glazing and cause permanent damage, so the calcium should be removed. Pumice stone, combined with elbow grease, is a good way to remove the calcium stain. Once the toilet bowl is clean, regular maintenance (such as weekly cleaning) may be required to keep the calcium buildup from returning. If neglected, calcium will build up again, causing you to repeat the scrubbing process.

Things You'll Need

• Towels
• Rubber gloves
• Pumice stone

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush it to empty the bowl. You can do these steps without draining the water from the bowl, just be careful that water doesn't splash out. Spread an old towel on the floor to catch splashing water.

2. Wet the pumice stone and begin scrubbing gently at the stain. Do not scrub too hard as this might scratch the porcelain. Wear rubber gloves, if you want.

3. Clean under the rim of the toilet, too, as water coming into the bowl may have left stains. Sit on the floor in front of, or next to, the toilet, so you can see the entire bowl.

4. Once the stain is removed, wipe down the bowl with a damp cloth to remove any pumice residue. Although it won't hurt to flush in down the toilet, removing residue manually will create a cleaner look in the bowl.

5. Turn the water back on (if it was off), and allow the bowl to fill. Flush the toilet several times to clear out any remaining pumice.

6. Clean the bowl regularly, even if there doesn't appear to be a stain. If you have high calcium content in your water, consider using soft-scrub cleanser with a toilet bowl brush once a week.

Tips & Warnings

• Pumice stone is formed naturally during a volcano. It is a combination of super-heated rock and water. Pumice stone has a bubble-like appearance in its natural state and is very porous. Sometimes, the calcium may be so dense that it will be impossible to remove, no matter what method is used. Severe scratches or cracks in the bowl may contribute to the calcium build up. In these cases, a toilet replacement may be the only answer.

• Do not use a dry pumice stone as it may scratch the porcelain. Keep the pumice wet during the scrubbing process.

References

• Natural Handyman: Nonchemical Removal of Calcium from Toilets
• Rock Hounds: Pumice