How to Clean Hard Water Deposits From a Toilet Bowl

Use vinegar to remove hard water deposits.

An unattractive ring around the inside of the toilet bowl is often the result of mineral deposits left behind by the water. Simply cleaning this area with soap and a toilet brush won't do the trick, as the deposits are affixed firmly to the inside of the toilet bowl. Made up of minerals such as calcium or magnesium, hard water deposits form a rough surfaced ring along the waterline of the toilet bowl. While specifically designed commercial cleaning products remove hard water deposits, the acid in white distilled vinegar will also remove them.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Distilled white vinegar
• Toilet brush or scrub brush

Instructions

1. Turn off the water valve to the toilet. Flush the toilet to lower the waterline in the toilet bowl.

2. Sprinkle the inside of the toilet bowl with baking soda.

3. Drizzle white distilled vinegar over the baking soda.

4. Scrub with a toilet brush, adding more baking soda or vinegar as needed to make a cleaning paste.

5. Turn the water valve back on and flush to rinse.

Tips & Warnings

• A hard water deposits by installing a water softener system in the home.

• Don't mix bleach with vinegar, toilet bowl cleaner or ammonia, as it will create a toxic gas.

• Don't use vinegar on marble.

References

• North Caroline Cooperative Extension: Removing Mineral Deposits From Household Surfaces
• Michigan State University Extension: Homemade Cleaners
• Xavier: Clean and Green