Help Cleaning a *Really* Dirty Toilet

Updated on March 04, 2008
L.T. asks from Marietta, GA
35 answers

Hi all,

I recently spent about 2 1/2 months out of town caring for my mom and sister after surgery and a car wreck. When I got back, my DH had not cleaned one of our toilets the entire time! I cleaned it immediately, and it mostly came clean except a strip about 4" long just above the normal water line. It is black and crusty. I have tried about 4 different toilet cleaners, a mild abrasive (Bon Ami), scrubbing, soaking, scraping, you name it. It just won't come clean and it disgusts me every time I see it! Does anyone have any ideas on how to clean this?

Thanks!

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thanks to everyone who gave me great suggestions. I decided to try the denture cleaner first. Since the crud was above the water line, I broke a couple of tablets up and mixed them with a tiny bit of water to make a thick paste and then smeared this over the nasty stuff. I left it on about 10 minutes and then just brushed it off with the toilet brush. WOW - it came clean! As a bonus, my bathroom smelled minty fresh! LOL!

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.A.

answers from Savannah on

Hi L.,

Try a pumice rock. This works for me and hasn't scratched by toilet. I get them at my local Walmart. I have the same problem.

Good Luck!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.G.

answers from Charleston on

SnoBowl does a great job on lime deposits. Somone had shared that with me a few years ago. Try it. Hope it works for you!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.B.

answers from Columbus on

I dont know if it is sold here but in Hawaii we have hard water and it leaves that ring around the toilet that will not come off with anything except TRR (toilet ring remover) it comes in a white bottle and has its own sponge scrubber with it. I havent had the problem here in GA so I havent looked for it here. Hope you can find it!!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.A.

answers from Atlanta on

If you're not a fan of harsh, loud smelling chemicals try my grandma's old remedies: 1) 1 part vinegar & 3 parts water; 2) baking soda and dish liquid. My mom's remedy works great too - place 6 denture tablets in the toilet, let 'em dissolve, wash and flush; if you must use a commercial remedy CLR (available at Wal-Mart, Walgreens and Rite Aide) works good too and on hard water stains and rust in toilets. Good luck. A.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Charleston on

Try using a pumice stone.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Spartanburg on

Don't know if this would work but I have always gotten emails about all the things that coke will clean. Try pouring some coke on it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Atlanta on

Don't be too h*** o* dh! :-) I'm sure he had his hands full with your little one and well, guys just don't seem to think about toilets. Yours probably will since it sounds like he will have to replace them!

After all you've already done, it's hard to say why the toilet is still crusty although the stain may be permanent. Try Lime-A-Way. If that doesn't work, try a natural pumice stone (drain the toilet and rub the pumice stone on the stain). Here is a link to what one looks like. http://www.lather.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=389&...=
Just copy and paste this address to your browser. Or go to lather.com and put the word pumice in the search box (by the way, this is an awesome website and I would recommend any thing they sell - maybe you should get some bubble bath and have a nice soak yourself after all the hard work you are doing on the toilet and the difficulties you have recently experienced in your family.)

If this does not work, short of replacing the toilet(s), I would contact someone who reglazes bathtubs and see if they have a suggestion. Hope this helps, S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.K.

answers from Savannah on

take a pumice stone (it won't scratch...don't worry) and gently scrub the "ring" it will come off

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Savannah on

I get a waterproof sand paper (real fine grain) to clean rings in toilets. Give it a try!:)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Spartanburg on

I used to work in a grocery store, and we would clean the urinals with muriatic acid. No idea where to get it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.B.

answers from Atlanta on

L.,

Try one of the denture cleaning tablets. I used some of those for a couple of days and the nasty spot disappeared from my toilet.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.P.

answers from Macon on

L.,

There is this stuff called "the works" toilet cleaner that you can get at Walmart or any dollar store and it is the absolute best. It is a liquid cleaner and it is not thick but I will tell you it works on the toughest stains, problems...etc...I even squirt it in my shower to clean tile.

Good luck!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.K.

answers from Columbia on

did you try bleach? And for the future, I also recommend the 2000 Flushes (or it may be 1000) thing that you put in the toilet bowl. They keep the toilet clean for a very long time! Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.B.

answers from Charleston on

On the tv show "How clean is your house?" they use baking soda or vinegar to clean the dirtest toilets. Good Luck!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.B.

answers from Myrtle Beach on

try a "pumice" stone, usually used for dry callused feet.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

F.A.

answers from Savannah on

A pumice stone works great. Not sure if I spelled it correctly but you can get them at any hardware store, perhaps in the grocery stores as well. Sometimes they have a combination sponge/brush/pumice stone all in one. Good luck, it's a nasty job but someone has to do it, right?!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.F.

answers from Charleston on

Try "Bar Keepers Friend", it's in the cleaning section at BI Lo for sure and I bet most regular grocery stores. It cleans stainless steel and porcelain like nobodies business.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.S.

answers from Spartanburg on

This may sound strange but try Coke or Pepsi. Pour it in the bowl and let it a few minutes. Then scrub with a toilet brush. If that doesn't work try a Magic Eraser. They have never let me down.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.H.

answers from Sumter on

Hi L.,
I have not tried it but, white vinager soaking overnight is what I am told will work; just flush in the a.m. I am going to try this too this weekend. I have three boys and a dear husband. No one cleans the bathrooms but me. :(( Good Luck!

K.B.

answers from Spartanburg on

I use Scour Off for all my really tough jobs. It is an abrasive paste. It is non toxic but has yet to fail me or any of the people I know who use it. It is a product from Shaklee and the Get Clean line. You have to put a little elbow grease into it but it sounds like you have and are willing to. I could take a bit out of my container and send it to you to try if you like. I do sell the products but this is about helping you with something that works for you and not making money so let me know and I will put some in a ziplock and send it off in the mail to you if you wish.

K.

PS. my business and web site are listed in the business lists under all other topics if you want to check it out before you ask me to mail it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from Macon on

My husband owns his own dump truck which has an aluminum trailor attached that he cleans with acid-it works wonders on toilet-I don't know how safe it is for the septic system, but it works great!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.T.

answers from Athens on

well I can tell you what worked for us. our house had sat empty for 6 months so every thing (sinks, shower, tub, and toilet) all had either blue/green or black ick in them.
I used dawn with bleach and straight bleach. Just be sure you rinse well!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

F.A.

answers from Atlanta on

Have you tried pouring bleach in the toilet and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes and then clean with the toilet brush?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.R.

answers from Savannah on

Hey L.,
Have you tried using a pumice stone? It's simple and inexpensive. Just get a regular 99cents pumice stone like used for the tough skin on your feet. They are sold at any Dollar Store, Wal-Mart, etc. I put on a pair of gloves first and then you just rub it on the stains around your toilet, then flush! Works like a charm every time. The bad thing I've noticed is that once a toilet has had that happen it tends to happen again much more quickly next time.
Good luck, S. R

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Atlanta on

Well did you fire your husband? JK Have you tried bleach? Just poor bleach in and let it sit for hours. Hope you can get it clean or get a new toilet!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.W.

answers from Macon on

I see a lot of responses about using a pumice stone but that sounds like a little more work to me. I use, 'The works' on my all ceramic tile shower to blast away soap scum and it works great! Virtually NO SCRUBBING. They also make a toilet bowl cleaner. It's probably a bit more pricey, but I'm sure it works just as well as the shower cleaner.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Atlanta on

Use a pumice stone on the stains. It's also the green way of going too.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Atlanta on

L., go to HOME DEPOT and purchase Zep commercial shower, tub & tuile cleaner...it removes calcium & lime deposits, rust stains, soap scum....you might have to use more than once since your toilet is extremly dirty...once you finish the outside of the toilet ....try pouring bleach in the toilet..and let it sit there for 30 minutes....becareful with bleach...make sure you have some windows open due to fumes.... I know Zep will do the job cleaning your toilet and your bathtubs...take care...
btw: Home depot is the only place that sells Zep commerical shower, tub & tile cleaner...

spray your toilet and wait 4 to 5 mins, clean...repeat process....until toilet becomes white again...you will notice a change....

one more thing..you can may what to purchase one spray bottle 32 fl oz. approx. $4.95 and one refill (1 Gallon) approx. $6.95...of course price varies from state to state.

Good luck...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Savannah on

A pumice stone should work.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi L.,

Melaleuca's Tub and Tile works wonders. It is a natural cleaner that will eat through all sorts of stuff. It will even clean off the residue from the former cleaners you've used in the house. I haven't had anything quite that "bad" before but my 35 year old SINGLE nephew has had a bathroom like that and he's swears by it, lol!

If you're interested I'll let you know how to get it...

Regards,

M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Charleston on

try using a pumice stone, like the ones that you would use for you feet

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Savannah on

Try a puma stone. You know what you use to smooth the roughness of your heels. It works wonders. I, too, have that husband.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.W.

answers from Spartanburg on

Try putting bleach in and letting it soak for a few hours.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Savannah on

Try some soft scrub and a pumice stone. I used to clean houses for a living and we saw some really nasty ones and this usually works. Also a toilet cleaner called "THE WORKS" will blast away about anything just wear gloves as it will burn your skin. Hope this helps.

S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.T.

answers from Columbia on

A pummice stone worked for me on a rental place we moved into once.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions