We all know that keeping your toilet clean and free of clogs is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and hygienic home, but when a friend or family member asks to use your bathroom, do you find yourself a little bit embarrassed at the condition of your toilet? Perhaps you desire that squeaky clean, beautiful bathroom but don’t know how to properly maintain your porcelain throne? Unfortunately, regular cleaning may not be enough to remove tough stains and buildup that can accumulate over time. That’s why it’s important to perform a deep cleaning of your toilet every so often.
Most homes we plumbers get into are relatively clean and welcoming, but others leave something to be desired. That’s why we put together this list of three recommended cleaning hacks to help you deep clean your toilet and keep it in top condition!
Tackle Those Tough Water Stains With a Pumice Stone
The “best-kept secret” of toilet cleaning comes in a surprising package: a pumice stone! Whether you’re struggling with stubborn stains, toilet water rings, or rock-hard mineral deposits, we know it can be so frustrating you just want to give up. These conditions have a way of making your toilet look soiled, even if it has recently been cleaned. With a pumice stone in your bag of tricks, that will no longer be the case!
Pumice stones are a great tool for removing tough stains and buildup on the inside of the toilet bowl. Dip the pumice stone in water, and use it to scrub the stains on the toilet bowl. Be prepared to not even recognize your toilet! When someone asks your secret to a spotless bowl, just smile and tell them you’re the Lord of the (toilet bowl) Rings!
Note: Be cautious when using a pumice stone, as they can scratch some types of porcelain. Always test a pumice stone in an inconspicuous area to assure you won’t do irreversible damage.
Pay Attention to the Most Overlooked Part of Your Toilet — the Tank!
The toilet tank is a crucial but frequently disregarded component of bathroom cleaning. The inside part of the tank is a source of rust, mold, mildew, and bacteria that causes unpleasant odors and impairs your toilet’s functionality and lifespan. After turning off the water valve to your toilet, flush until the tank is empty, and fill the tank with white vinegar (approximately 2-3 gallons, depending on the size of your tank). Vinegar is an inexpensive natural cleaner that dissolves nasty lime, calcium, and rust deposits without harming the good bacteria in your septic system. Never use a colored variety — you want to remove stains, not cause new ones! Allow the vinegar to sit overnight, scrub the tank walls with a brush, and wipe down the tank internals with a sponge to remove any loosened deposits the following day.
Now is also a good time to visually inspect the “guts” of your toilet to ensure everything is in working order. If you do find a problem, you know who to call! If everything is good to go, turn the water valve back on, and you’re back in business! How often should you clean your tank? We suggest about twice a year.
Spruce Up Your Hardware
Making your toilet look good as new doesn’t always have to break the bank! Often, when someone looks at a toilet, the first thing they notice is the hardware. Even the cleanest toilets look gross if the hardware is in lousy condition. Before going straight to replacement, see if your existing hardware can be salvaged. Break out the screwdriver and remove the toilet seat to allow access to clean the grime that lurks in and around the areas where the seat and lid mount. Take a few minutes to do the same for your handle: clean the handle itself as well as any dirt that gets trapped between the handle and the tank.
If you really want to go the extra mile, pull off the toilet flange bolt caps and make sure there are no odor-causing bacteria trapped in the crevices around your bolts and that the caps themselves are in good condition. Should any of these components not be able to be cleaned well, replacements can be sourced at your local hardware store, and most home DIYers should be able to replace seats, handles, or flange bolt caps with relative ease!
Let Heiland Home Services Restore Your Toilet to its Former Glory
Hopefully, these three tips have your toilet looking better than the day it was installed! Nothing quite matches the feeling of being able to take pride in your residence, resting assured that your loved ones have a clean and sanitary experience when they “hear nature call” while visiting your home.
In the process, have you encountered a problem or uncovered a plumbing situation above your pay grade? Know that Heiland Home Services is just a phone call away! We have the tools, skills, and know-how to assess your situation and find the best path forward, whether you need a repair or replacement, or simply want to upgrade your home’s toilet or other plumbing-related equipment.
Heiland Home Services is your “go-to” for all things plumbing in Bucks County and the surrounding area. Get in touch with us today to schedule your next service appointment!