How to Remove Rust Stains From Toilet Bowls

Rust stains in a toilet bowl can be unsightly.

Rust stains in toilet bowls are caused by mineral buildup from hard water. Hard water contains a number of minerals, most notably iron, which can leave brown or red stains when mixed with oxygen. These stains can be especially noticeable on white surfaces, and the porous porcelain of toilet bowls makes rust stain removal particularly troublesome. Acidic substances are generally effective at removing rust stains caused by iron buildup in hard water.

Things You'll Need

• Small bowl
• Scouring powder
• Cream of tartar
• Small dish
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Water
• Rubber gloves
• Sponge
• Pumice stone
• Toilet brush

Instructions

1. Shut off the water supply to the toilet by turning the shutoff valve clockwise until it will no longer turn. You'll find the valve on the pipe leading from the back of the toilet tank.

2. Flush the toilet several times to remove the rest of the water from the bowl. If any additional water remains in the bowl after several flushes, use a small bowl to remove the rest.

3. Mix together 1 tbsp. of cream of tartar and 1 tbsp. of scouring powder in a small dish. Slowly stir in hydrogen peroxide a few drops at a time until the mixture forms a smooth, thick paste.

4. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and then apply the paste to the rust stains using your gloved hand. Let the paste sit on the stains for half an hour.

5. Rinse the paste with warm water and use a sponge to remove any remaining paste from the bowl.

6. Moisten the end of the pumice stone and then gently rub the wet end across remaining rust stains, focusing on hard-to-reach areas under the rim. Once the rust has been loosened by the pumice stone, use a nylon bristle toilet brush to scrub away the rest of the rust stains.

7. Turn the toilet's shutoff valve counterclockwise to restore water to the toilet bowl. Flush the toilet a few times to rinse the bowl.

Tips & Warnings

• Scrub your toilet daily with a toilet brush to prevent rust stains from building up.

• Always clean in a well-ventilated area.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Remove Water Stains
• The Natural Handyman: Removing Mineral Deposits from Household Surfaces
• Creative Homemaking: Removing Hard Water Stains from Toilet
• Old Fashioned Living: Stains, Stains and More Stains!
• Reader's Digest: Cream of Tartar