How to clean toilet stains?

hardwarefan

I need your advice! I want to get rid of

1. brown stains at bottom of toilet bowl, likely limescale and

2. mold (I presume) dots/marks at top of bowl at sides
They won't brush off at all and normal toilet cleaners don't seem to work on them.

Any ideas for either? BUT I am worried that using strong acids as in: hydrochloric acid, or CLR or scalex, may damage the piping or joins etc - I had read this could happen. What can I do to get rid of these unsightly different stains safely? (and do i have to empty the bowl for the first question stains). I thought of pumice stone but know they can cause scratches which then make future stains hard to get out.
Thanks so much!

JacobZ

Hi @hardwarefan,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

You'll want to start by lowering the water level in the bowl so the stain is exposed. You can lower the water level by turning off the tap behind the toilet, flushing once, then pushing the remaining water down with a toilet brush, scooping it out or using a sponge to remove it.

You can then apply a strong toilet cleaner like this https://www.bunnings.com.au/peerless-jal-1l-one-shot-thick-concentrated-acidic-toilet-bowl-cleaner_p4460463 . Let it sit for a while so it has time to break down the build up, then scrub with a toilet brush.

If that doesn’t shift it, step it up a bit. Put on a pair of thick rubber gloves and use a firmer scrubbing brush with the same cleaner and repeat the process.

If it is still not coming off, you can try gently using fine steel wool with the same cleaner.

If you still have no success, then try https://www.bunnings.com.au/clr-750ml-bathroom-and-kitchen-cleaner_p4462060 which is perfectly safe for use in this situation.

In a porcelain toilet, mould won't have much to cling to, so assuming that is what it is, these products should still work with agitation from a toilet brush, scrubbing brush or steel wool, but if it is being stubborn, a mould cleaner is certainly worth a try.

I think the main thing in this situation is draining the water so the chemicals can attack the scale directly without being diluted by the water. Give these options a try and let me know how you go. I can certainly assist further if required.

Jacob