DIY Network

Cleaning the Toilet Cleaning the Toilet From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-114

Cleaning the toilet -- probably not anyone's favorite household chore! But it doesn't have to be unpleasant and time-consuming. Here are some tips to make your potty pretty!

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Hard Water Stains

Steps:

1. Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning toilets (figure A).

2. Shut off the water at the tank and flush the toilet to remove as much water as possible.

3. Spray undiluted white vinegar inside the toilet, spraying heavily on calcium or water deposits.

4. Sprinkle borax over the vinegar and let the mixture soak for 30 minutes.

5. Scrub with a piece of fine drywall sandpaper, which can be purchased at hardware stores and home centers. It will look like window screen (figure B). Although the sandpaper can be used inside the toilet tank or on the dimpled bottom of a fiberglass tub or shower, it should never be used on a shiny surface, since it will scratch the finish. Gently scrub the deposits, adding extra vinegar if needed (figure C).

6. If the stains are old, you may need to repeat the procedure several times.

7. Another inexpensive way to remove rust stains from toilets is to use citric acid as a cleanser. Citric acid is found in lemonade and orange breakfast-drink mixes. Sprinkle approximately one to two tablespoons of the drink mix on stained areas and leave in place anywhere from 20 minutes to overnight (figure D). Scrub with a soft brush and rinse.

8. Denture-cleaning tablets left in the toilet overnight also help dissolve stains and hard water marks.

9. To ensure good health, never clean the sink with the same cloth used to clean the toilet. Always use a fresh cloth so you don't transfer toilet water and germs to the sink.

Tip: Prevent mildew by keeping shower doors and curtains open after every use to let them air-dry. If mildew does appear, use liquid household bleach or other cleaners with bleach to remove stains.