How to Remove Iron Stains From a Toilet Bowl

Iron in hard water leaves rust stains in toilet bowls.

The rusty stains that collect inside your toilet bowl come from the natural iron and mineral components found in hard water, although even softened water will eventually cause stains. The iron builds up on the porcelain of your toilet bowl and rusts when exposed to air. The simplest way to prevent rust buildup in toilets is to regularly scrub out the bowl with bathroom cleanser; however, once you have a buildup, it's still relatively simple to remove.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Old cup
• Bucket
• Toilet cleaner containing diluted hydrochloric acid (such as hydrogen chloride or muriatic acid)
• Stiff nylon-bristled toilet brush
• Old rags

Instructions

1. Put on rubber gloves and open the bathroom windows, if possible, for ventilation.

2. Drain the water from the toilet. If necessary, scoop the water from the toilet bowl out with an old cup and dump into a bucket.

3. Add the toilet cleaner to the bowl, following the manufacturer's directions.

4. Scrub well, using the toilet brush.

5. Wipe up any splatters immediately with old rags. Toilet cleaner can damage or bleach bathroom rugs, tile or fixtures.

6. Flush the toilet several times to rinse after scrubbing.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have chemical sensitivities, wear a mask to protect your nose and mouth while cleaning.

• Never combine any bleach products with toilet cleaners that contain hydrochloric acid. Combined, they release toxic vapors. If you use a cleaner in the toilet tank that contains bleach, remove and flush several times to rinse the toilet before cleaning.

• Immediately flush skin with cool, clean water if you get any cleanser on yourself.

References

• Reader's Digest: How to Remove Tough Water Stains
• University of Wisconsin-Extension: About the House