How To Remove Hard Water Stains From Toilet Bowl

[@CleaningHowTo]

I made a new website with full tutorials and guides broken down by category (including this one); I'd love if you checked it out cleaninghow.to/how-to-remove-hard-water-stains-from-a-toilet-bowl/ To order this product on Amazon I'd really appreciate it if you used my affiliate link - amzn.to/3JU2zzJ

[@tapster15]

I bought some brick acid today (10% hydrochloric acid) and it has produced a showroom result after five hours' soaking and only a little elbow grease. Excellent advice, thanks. I don't have a wet vac so I simply removed 90% of the water with a scoop and it worked fine with that much dilution. Great stuff ... I'll do this a few times a year and not feel like I'm living in a slum any more!!

[@letstalkaboutgermany8288]

That’s great that you could scoop out the water. I also watched this and thought: where am I getting this vac thing????

[@tapster15]

@@letstalkaboutgermany8288 Hi, I don't know where you live; Germany maybe? Anyway Vax, and other makes, are vacuum cleaners which can suck up liquids, and clean carpets. I think something like that is available in all 1st World countries. However, as I described, it was very easy to scoop out the water with a soup ladle, leaving only 1cm of water behind. I then poured acid into the toilet bowl and brushed it (with a dish-washing brush used only for the toilet) all over the white porcelain of the inside of the toilet. I left it to work for an hour, just to be sure, and brushed the porcelain again to get acid all over it, and remove any stubborn stains. The acid I used (10% hydrochloric acid) worked very well and the end result was like new!! Good luck!

[@Centinelastrings]

Before flushing muriatic acid down your drain, I would recommend neutralizing the acid with some baking soda. If you read the directions on the back of the muriatic acid bottle that is one of the steps when cleaning concrete to keep the acid from continuing to etch your concrete.

[@CleaningHowTo]

It gets diluted once flushed and it isnt buffered so the PH drops immediately. It also looses more acidity when dissolving the calcium. You can of course neutralise somewhat if you wish but the affect is fairly negligible.

[@borischernev1814]

I have been trying to clean shit like that for the past 4 months day in and day out scrubing. Now that i know what it is a little bit of lime cleaner 30 min of waiting and it is gone. You are a true one dude. Thank you

[@CleaningHowTo]

Happy to help :)

[@mohitmorris]

The pumice/scrub stone is probably one of the worst things I've tried. It cleaned the surface, but left the enamel scratched, ever so slightly (hardly noticeable). But, the scratches only allowed the toilet bowl to catch minerals even better, and in the short time, it was worse off than before. Ended up having to change the toilet bowl altogether. GO WITH THE SCRUB STONE AT YOUR OWN PERIL.

[@janholman6192]

If you don't want the pumice stone to scratch, make sure you soak it for a while. Mine never scratched the toilet at all and removed the whole stain in one sitting! As it has been a few decades since using it, I don't remember how long I soaked it for. 😙

[@MiniKodjo]

Same

[@Dandelion0962]

Used pumice stones for years and was never confronted with what you speak of.

[@Dandelion0962]

Use pumice stones made to buff the soles on the bottom of the feet.

[@TriggaTreDay]

The best most genuine video on the topic. I rent a house and all of the toilets are super hard to clean. So now I know what to do. Thanks.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Thank you :)

[@TriggaTreDay]

@@CleaningHowTo your very welcome. I will for sure be checking out more of your videos!

[@retromouseshenanigan2980]

I had a nastier buildup of this stuff than the toilet in the video and this ABSOLUTELY WORKED for me using muriatic acid from Lowes! Thank you and God bless!

[@CleaningHowTo]

awesome :)

[@eagleofthenorthmacroexcell6843]

just use a banana peel, i scrub and it's done

[@MysteryMan404]

@@eagleofthenorthmacroexcell6843you sure

[@subvet3668]

Yeah, muriatic acid works super-fast.

[@clipsahoy1]

Hi! How much muriatic acid did you use? 🙏

[@mksenses]

@CleaningHowTo Don't have a wet vac so ladelled the water out then used paper towel to soak up the last of the water. I used good eye protection, mask and gloves. Then used TR50 Brick, Tile & Paver Cleaner (1 litre for 30AUD - Australia) - it's bright pink. Where stains were higher on the side of the bowl I dipped toilet paper into it and stuck it over the stains. Left it for 45 mins and one previously very stained bowl is now dazzling white! Thank you so much for this brilliant solution - excellent video - short and sweet and covered all bases 👍👍👍

[@shanejohns7901]

It's better to use vinegar, and leave it for overnight or 12+ hours. The reason why is pretty simple to comprehend. If you use acids that are too acidic, you run the risk of causing 'pitting' in the porcelain's glaze surface. And once inside those little pitting holes, stains can be significantly more difficult to remove. In short, the stronger acids run the risk of eating away the protective glaze surface, thereby making much more difficult to clean later.

[@inquisitvem6723]

Wouldn’t acid damage pipes too? What if I use bleach? I also find it difficult to remove the hard water stains from rims of toilet where the water comes out when you flush. I tried the pumice stick but it doesn’t do a thorough job.

[@shanejohns7901]

@@inquisitvem6723 Nah, because the pipes are likely to be plastic, plus the acid will not actually be in contact with the pipes while it sits in the toilet bowl. And when you do finally flush it through the pipes, it will not be in contact with the pipes for very long either.

[@inquisitvem6723]

@@shanejohns7901 if the pipes are plastic then that is fine, but I don’t know for sure about mine. Also if you use the acid on regular basis even if it passes there the pipes there will be residue if you keep on using it. Sure if once in a while it should be fine.

[@shanejohns7901]

@@inquisitvem6723 Most are plastic, in my experience. And as I noted, even if it is not plastic, the acid would NOT be in contact with the pipes for very long at all. It's not touching the pipes as you soak it in the toilet bowl. And when you finally get it as clean as you can get it, you flush it all away with MULTIPLE DILLUTING FLUSHES. And the acid will not have enough TIME to do anything to any pipes, regardless of their composition. It takes MONTHS, if not YEARS, of not cleaning the bowl properly before you'd even need to resort to using something like vinegar or even HCl acid. It's not like you're going to be doing this every week. It's mostly advice for people like those who may rent their home out and receive it back with such stains, buy it 'as is' with stains, or who neglected normal cleaning schedule. Ideally, it'd never get that bad.

[@inquisitvem6723]

@@shanejohns7901 thanks. That was encouraging. What about bleach instead of the acid?

[@lenbuckholtz2740]

did that professionally in the greater LA area, 3 years, for a really well run company known as 7 step. we used HCl , industrial strength. you did it correctly, and, yes, gotta be patient. . well done

[@sharonclaridge]

Thank you! I've been using pretty much every cleaner in the supermarket which promised to remove everything under the sun and been up to my armpits in the bowl with green scouring pads for months trying to remove staining on our loo but nothing worked. I used about a half pint of brick cleaner and in about 5 mins tops it looked good as new - only took one go! For those without a wet vac, I used the loo brush as a plunger to force most of the water out the U bend then a bit of kitchen roll sopped up the rest. Thanks again, I'd never have thought to use brick cleaner in a loo.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Amazing! It really is the only thing that will work on very hard mineral stains. Glad it helped :)

[@ericktaylor-webb6711]

The best way i find is to use Citric Acid in the crystal form. i used the Food Grade Citric Acid 4 Tea spoons and boiled water in the toilet bowl and leave to soak for an hour then flush as Citric Acid is Bio-degradable and its very safe to use no need for rubber gloves

[@patriciaoreilly8907]

Lol 😆 😆 😆 😆

[@nedread6700]

Did someone shit a brick

[@trustinwwjd1997]

@@ericktaylor-webb6711, do you know if it will clean up the HARD WATER STAIN ? Thanks in advance

[@tigq1430]

I found cleaning the inside of tank 1x to 2x a year helps keep the toilet bowl cleaner from this happening. I do this when the seasons change, as my reminder.✌💜

[@katiebird53]

NICE WORK I used citric acid ( fruit canning powder ) this weekend on my kids toilet bowl. Lowered the water and sprinkled / poured it in. Worked a treat. Let it sit all afternoon, few lazy brushes just to stir it up, then rinsed it away. It's an old home and nothing has touched the brown & yellow stains in the bottom of the bowl. Looks like new white proceline now. Also tried it on some bathtub age spots, grey. Let it soak under some paper, and took those away too.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Similar concept to the video; any acid will work given time :)

[@katiebird53]

@AurumDream BALL is an old canning supply company. I get my citric acid in grocery stores. I've seen it also in local home hardware stores.

[@hobiday5833]

Did u drain the water out of ur toilet bowl first ?

[@katiebird53]

@@hobiday5833 no, there was still water in it.....this week I did it again and it took away the little brown that was coming in from the feed hole at the bottom....bowl is sparkling white now

[@PaintAllThat]

Thanks, Katie! Will give that a try!

[@nevillepayne3947]

I was so embarrassed about the stains in the toilet that I was about to get a new toilet! Thank goodness I found this on KZbin. I used distilled vinegar ( didn’t fancy using strong acid) which did take a couple of goes to get it clean at the bottom and a few goes to cover underneath the rim but it’s worked brilliantly! It cost me just under £10 to buy 2x 5 litres of vinegar for 2 toilet bowls and I haven’t opened one of them - pretty sure that’s quite a saving on a new toilet🤷🏼‍♀️ Thanks so much for the tip and video

[@CleaningHowTo]

Amazing - I’m delighted :) Did you empty the water out?

[@ruthpayne3030]

Yes I did and I used your tip of soaking a cloth in vinegar to tackle the staining under the rim!

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@ruthpayne3030 whoop - loving this, thanks for your comments :)

[@thunderstorm6616]

Mortar lifter yeah my pot rocker looks like that I will try it

[@dennishassler605]

We've got the hardest water being in the mountains in AZ. It's hard to clean and also difficult to prevent, too. We use bottled water for drinking. Some places they collect rain water for use - that's better than well water.

[@meahmeah2279]

This works, my toilet was really bad. Now it's clean like brand new. Thank you.

[@drawerganizer785]

This stuff is commonly called muriatic acid in the states. You can also find 45% white vinegar (which is 9x more concentrated than standard white vinegar which is 5% acetic acid) which works as well. I've also used CLR which works really well.

[@CleaningHowTo]

I've never seen 45% acetic in Ireland; I'd actually use it in my rug cleaning business if I could get it!

[@birdobserver7543]

I’ve never had CRL work worth a darn for me.

[@karolinesmail489]

Used CLR DID BARELY NOTHING?

[@thomastraxler4311]

@@karolinesmail489 Same. Went thru 2 bottles of CLR on two different toilets. Zero luck.

[@DemonHunter0069]

CLR is a joke.

[@Sunrays256]

Thanks very much for your video! We had a toiletbowl with stains and nothing seemed to help, except buy a new toilet bowl. Followed your advice and it worked a treat. Awesome, many thanks

[@danmandan]

thanks mate, worked a treat. i left my HCL acid in for 30 mins with a couple of scrubs with the toilet brush during soaking. came up like new.

[@catsmeow5566]

I wonder if this would work on porcelain sinks. I do worry about what it might do to the pipes though.

[@user-ls2fh6qr8q]

Try balsamic vinegar with 4 denture cleaning tablets, leave overnight. A plastic bulb siphon will remove the water. I left the water and it works very well. You might use a tree branch to clean off the limescale in places that the brush doesn't get to, have a plastic bag handy to put it in afterwards.

[@CleaningHowTo]

I'll stick with vinegar or hcl as it works great :)

[@PerfectPitch62]

Glad to find out about how to remove the water from toilet!! I then used a product called Whink a rust remover. Let it sit for a bit then used a scrub brush and old toothbrush to remove stain.

[@markstanden1621]

You sir, are fekkin genius!! When we moved into our house 21 years the loo was already worse than the one in your video. We decided to live with it, thinking we change it one day. Then I found your video. 30 years of calcium gone in half an hour!! If you ever come to Australia I owe you a beer!!

[@FlopsyGuitarBunny]

Where did you buy it in Australia? Bunnings?

[@suehowie152]

@@FlopsyGuitarBunny I'm in NZ and would be keen to know too..

[@debbiebradney131]

But is that safe to use on sewerage tanks and the pipes ?. I was told not to use things like that in a septic tank system. We are not in a town system.

[@kenwebster5053]

Not only is vinegar a much less concentrated acid, it is also a much slower reacting acid. It's just going to take a very long time to dissolve away all the lime. You can however speed things up, If you add salt to the vinegar, perhaps a few table spoons, this converts it to Hydrochloric acid which is a much faster reacting acid. However the concentration is unchanged, so the total amount of lime it will ultimately remove, remains the same. It will just do the job faster though. Also chemical reaction rates are temperature dependant, so if you preheat the vinegar or pop an immersion heater in there to warm it, it will do the job faster again.

[@atana5588]

I don't think you can convert vinegar and salt to hydrochloric acid. Can't obtain strong acid from its salt and a weaker acid.

[@kenwebster5053]

@@atana5588 Well, I did 1st level Chemistry & salt is sodium Chloride, so when you add salt to vinegar, you get HCl (hydrochloric acid). That's the short answer. You still have the same number of H ions though, so you don't change the acids concentration (PH) & therefore will not dissolve any more mass once once the reaction is fully completed, but it is a more reactive acid & therefore the reaction will complete significantly faster than before. I have used this technique many times over decades for things like rust removal. It absolutely does work. Just remember that temperature also has a very large effect on reaction times & there is no point putting in more salt than necessary. Vinegar is not very concentrated acid, you don't need a lot of salt. You can look up the truth (text book or online) for confirmation instead of just imagining an opinion.

[@atana5588]

@@kenwebster5053 We agree to disagree .

[@kenwebster5053]

​@@atana5588 No, it's a matter of objective scientific fact. Not lazy ignorant guesses, wishes or opinion. You can even test the reaction rate after adding salt to see if you have a stronger acid. You can calculate the amount of salt required to convert all the acid. use pH paper to find the pH weigh the solution and use Avogadro's number & atomic weight to calculator the mass of acidic hydrogen, then use the reverse to calculate the mass of salt (NaCL) required to convert the vintager to hydrochloric acid (HCL) simples. Or you could just look it up online for confirmation of the process & a ball park figure for the salt.

[@David-jx4gw]

I boil the vinegar in my kettle and leave to cool so I don't crack the porcelain.

[@jmsphelan]

Thank you my friend, I've been trying everything on my toilet for ages, saw this video and it's spotless now - THANK YOU!!

[@CleaningHowTo]

Glad I could help!

[@LiLi-so1vl]

I actually bought this product at Walmart and I can say this person knows what they are talking about. It worked like magic ✨ Great job whoever made this video. For anyone reading, I highly recommend this video.

[@Starswillshinee]

Hi sir could you please tell me the name of this liquid Thanks

[@TheFourthWinchester]

@@Starswillshinee Hydrochloric Acid.

[@shanejohns7901]

I found the combination of vinegar and CLR worked quite well as well. But you need to be able to let it sit for quite a few hours, giving it a swish from time to time to recirculate the unused acid. I've seen that scale come off in actual SHEETS that will crumble without much force. Another method that may be worth trying in extreme cases would involve both acids and bases. Basically, you make a sodium bicarbonate solution/paste with water. Then dab that solution/paste onto the affected surface. Let that set for an hour or so. Then and only then, add the vinegar. This will essentially cause some of the sodium bicarbonate solution to get between porcelain surface and the scale. And when you add the vinegar, the acid in the vinegar neutralizes with the bicarbonate causing bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. Those bubbles will form between the surface of the porcelain and scale, and help 'lift' the scale off of the surface of the porcelain.

[@RickRoku]

Can the CLR work well on its own? Do you let the remaining water stay in our dry it out? Thanks!👍

[@shanejohns7901]

@@RickRoku You should get as much of the water out as you can before getting started. I used the top lid of a spray cooking oil container to get down into the narrow area. Then you apply the de-scaler, such as CLR. Yes, it will work on its own. But it does take time, and can take multiple applications. The vinegar is also acidic, so it helps break down the scale deposits. Most toilets are not going to be in such bad shape that you would probably need more than the CLR by itself. But in those really tough cases, CLR with baking soda paste + vinegar can work better than just the CLR by itself.

[@manstersr]

Doesn't mixing an acid and a base make toxic gasses? Or am I thinking acid and oxidizer (chlorine)?

[@shanejohns7901]

@@manstersr Yes, it's the gas bubbles that you're aiming for -- to get under the surface of the scale. Most bathrooms nowadays have vents in them, so you can run that to clear the bathroom of any such gasses. But in my experience, it's not bad so long as you don't keep your head in the bowls for a long time.

[@inquisitvem6723]

I just heard the product Iron Out works good for toilet rims.

[@derekmanthey8811]

You should always neutralize the acid with baking soda before you flush to prevent damage to copper or metal piping!

[@Heavoc]

baking powder also good?

[@TheSign2020]

There's no copper piping on toilet drains.

[@CleaningHowTo]

theres no copper piping in toilets :)

[@PaintAllThat]

We're on a septic system. Maybe the baking soda would protect the system from the effects of the acid? I hate that the iron in our water makes our fixtures look like this but I don't like to use harsh chemicals any more than necessary.

[@Banditt42]

Turn the container on it's side when you pour it in. That way it doesn't gurgle and splash all over when pouring.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Good tip!

[@BEDavisBrown]

The safest way I've found to remove hard water deposits and soap scum is citric acid, for what was done here would take about 1/4 cup in as little water as possible and letting it stand for a few hours. I bought five pounds of food grade citric acid for $25 and if just used for cleaning like this would last years, an added benefit is you can mix it with baking soda to make nacho cheese from block cheese.

[@superglo1000]

I only use citric acid for lime scale living in London it's a very hard water area

[@theterminaldave]

@@superglo1000 Not a fan of nacho cheese then?

[@pauld3327]

Citric acid is the best way to clean toilets 👍

[@biancaerasmus7141]

Thanks so much for the video! Thought I needed a new toilet. Went to the hardware store and asked for brick acid or acid to remove buildup in the toilet. It works like a bomb!

[@davidworker4053]

The water guns that suck water up so you can shoot them (they’re shaped like a tube and usually sold at the dollar store) are also a really easy way to remove the water from the toilet bowl

[@friwan]

Wow, this is an absolute gem of a tip!

[@MysteryMan404]

Dude you’re great

[@trishazeigler92]

I have tried many different chemicals to remove the hard water stains from our toilet, and this was the only thing that worked!! Thank you!!

[@CleaningHowTo]

You’re welcome :)

[@dingopisscreek]

i used vinegar to clean the limescale from the bowl of mine. use a small jug to remove as much water as possible and use a cloth to remove the rest id you don't have a wet/dry vacuum. the main bowl and under the rim can be cleaned with a bit of bleach spread over the surface with an old pot brush, which is what i use. leave it OVERNIGHT. let it work while you are sleeping rather than stand over it waiting for it to work

[@I_am_Ari_llo]

As helpful comment as the video itself. Thank you!

[@lilithchristoffersen9271]

Hey thanks for the tip, I don't have a wet/dry vac so just added hydrochloric acid to the bowl and left it for 30 mins, the scale lifted off like a scab! all looking good as new, not my loo either, Just did an end of lease clean!

[@CleaningHowTo]

Noted! I might re-do this video in time.

[@MrMousley]

I was going to say '''How on earth does a toilet get that dirty in the first place ?'' but looking at other comments I can see that your advice in required ... Well done !

[@CleaningHowTo]

Thank you - so many others are just jumping the gun 😂

[@187lynne]

Mines from our water it has added minerals and stuff so it stains

[@dennishassler605]

If you have a well and have HARD WATER it will cause issues. You cannot eliminate hard water with a water softener, too. It can destroy your water heaters, too.

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@dennishassler605 yup!!

[@vaderladyl]

It forms when you live in an area with hard water supplies no matter if you clean it often or not.

[@ninacuk]

You really know how to properly explain stuff. Thank you

[@CleaningHowTo]

Glad you enjoyed :)

[@Saxapeach]

Worked perfectly and looks brand new! Super satisfying. I had to hand scoop the water out with a shot glass first however 😂 thank you king

[@MysteryMan404]

Cheers mate

[@Okie686]

Remind me never to have a drink at your place

[@j7ndominica051]

Never heard HCl being called "brick acid." The acid is so strong that you don't need to suck out the disgusting contents of the toilet and corrosive vapor into the vacuum. Just add concentrated acid straight into the toilet, close the lid and let it all react away. Add some more if needed. The stone is brown because it has inclusions of rust and organic material in it. Good advice about brushes when dealing with chemicals.

[@jaycee330]

It's called that because it's what is used in cleaning graffiti off of brick walls.

[@johnmcnatty1710]

@@jaycee330 also mortar spill/ stain from building

[@rhinely850]

Probably not a good idea to use muriatic acid if you are on a septic tank system. Try the vinegar first. Deox-C might also be a good choice since it is citric acid (I think). I use it to get rust out of motorcycle tanks.

[@kathrynhall7021]

THANK YOU FOR SAYING THAT👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 I was just about to type that question 😮

[@susietorres8600]

I do a vinegar soak once a week, alternate weeks with bleach, never at the same time, seems to work great at descaling and stain prevention.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Definitely NEVER at the same time!

[@Davo198]

Which one is stronger/more effective?

[@Draggonny]

@Davo198 Vinegar. Bleach disinfects and whitens so it looks and smells clean but won't actually lift limescale deposits.

[@JeremeyBurba]

Having done plumbing before, you may rethink the bleach as that can end up eating at the toilet gasket causing little pockets for sewer vapors and worst case scenario, a leak inside the bottom of the toilet bowl that can possibly ruin your flooring.

[@MrBonners]

if you are concerned with handling strong acids, pickling vinegar is stronger the regular vinegar and won't hurt you.

[@BlackieNuff]

I used to use the Lysol Limescale & Rust remover, and it worked AMAZINGLY - let it soak and ALL that hard crusty crap just wiped away with a gentle swish of the brush. But, not so much anymore lately... I think Lysol has dumbed down the product's effectiveness, cos now, no matter how long I soak or how much product I mix into the standing water, I still gotta carefully scrape and chip away the limescale with a big flat-head screwdriver. (which has limited results in those holes - screwdrivers don't usually handle them 45 degree angles so well). I'm just lucky I have not marked up or damaged the porcelain yet.

[@andreawahlin1995]

THANK YOU!!! I was also about to get a new toilet because I was embarrassed and had tried every cleaner known to man to try and clean it. I can across your video and went out right away and got some Muriatric Acid at WalMart and followed your instructions and presto!! A brand new, clean toilet!!! I wish I could attach before and after pics.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Brilliant - this makes me so happy 😆

[@christyxy702]

What aisle do you get that acid in at Walmart?

[@andreawahlin1995]

@@christyxy702 It was in the hardware section at my WalMart. More specifically it was by the paint thinner

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@christyxy702 no idea, don’t have Walmart in Ireland. Give it a Google!

[@GriFA725]

@@andreawahlin1995 what brand is it ? I need one 😬

[@jankyj2269]

Not gonna lie, that yellow coloured wood-grain toilet seat really grosses me out.

[@CleaningHowTo]

I’d agree - its not mine; I actually thought it was dirty when I first saw it, but no, noooo it's MEANT to look like that.

[@OziBlokeTimG]

I love wood grain toilet seats.

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@OziBlokeTimG We all have our vices :P

[@dendanskehelt4296]

I was in a hotel once, and the toilet seat was this clear see-through plastic and inside was barbed wire. Talk about metal.

[@DebraMathis]

No one cares

[@yy3993]

Hi! I'm in England. I can find 36% HCL or 16% one (BOND IT brick acid). Which one should I use? THANKS! We've tried soda, vinegar but neither worked.

[@CleaningHowTo]

The weaker one should be fine :)

[@yy3993]

@@CleaningHowTo Thanks mate! Bought mortar&brick cleaner which is technically 16% HCI and it worked! Wife was saying not used to it being so clean since it got heavily stained a couple of months ago lol.

[@yy3993]

@@CleaningHowTo Do you know if we can use HCI in say kitchen sink or bathtub drainage pipe? I am aware HCI is plastic safe but just want to be sure it won't do any damage to these drainage pipes (PVC?)

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@yy3993 should be fine! May I ask why?

[@yy3993]

@@CleaningHowTo Cool. Just that bathroom and kitchen drainage has been a bit slow. I used some air pressure gun to clean it; worked for a while but seems a bit slow again now. (And it once loosened the pipe joints...)

[@vivacemusic1210]

Hi thanks for the video. So may i ask if i just have white cooking vinegar does that also work ? And should i leave it overnight with the vinegar ?

[@CleaningHowTo]

Yes it does and I’d go overnight - scrub it for about a minute when you initially pour it in to score the hard water deposits :)

[@philtucker1224]

That’s brilliant! If you don’t have any brick acid under your sink then you can also use any popular descaler product. (The secret is to remove the water first) - Clean toilets look so much nicer don’t they? 👍

[@vaderladyl]

@AurumDream CLR and Rust Remover are descalers.

[@vaderladyl]

Leaving them overnight also works great.

[@canwelook]

Forget the harsh acids until you give the vinegar a good shot. Worked brilliantly.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Yup - watch my vinegar in a toilet video. Hcl is stomach acid btw so harsh is a misnomer.

[@cookmaster3626]

i bought a home with the yellow hard water stain three times as much on this video. I was almost going to change the Toilet. I tried "Works Cleaner" sold in Walmart for $0.99. That did wonders and it dissolved and cleaned it to near new. Lately Walmart doesnt carry it and i have seen it being advertised as available tin Home Depot and other places. Give it a Try and you will be pleased with the cheapest and simplest solution. Because of the strong smell leave the exhaust fan on in the Toilet. Be sure to wear gloves and protective eye wear to prevent splash on your eyes / face.

[@NallDave]

I didn't have a combi vac so I used a cup and then the cap off an aerosol to empty the pan. The cheap vinegar I used didn't work. I tried something I remembered my mum doing from many moons ago. Empty the pan and then refill with very hot water. Drop 6-8 Steradent denture cleaning tablets in, give it a gentle stir and leave over night. A quick scrub with the loo brush and its as clean as a whistle.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Interesting! I wonder what’s in steradent.

[@NallDave]

@@CleaningHowTo There are several different acids and sodium bicarb. It also boasts active oxygen. Steradent's purpose is to clean stains off ceramic false teeth. You just have to use enough for about 2 pints of water rather than one for a cupful to clean a ceramic toilet.

[@feicai88]

Thanks for the great video. Went out to Woodies in Cork. Asked the sales person for brick cleaner. Pointed the right to the location. I was tempted to buy the 5L but in the end bought 2 , 1 litre bottles. Only used slightly more than half. Took about maybe 30 minutes and some scrubbing. Almost spotless!! Wonderful !!! Thanks!

[@CleaningHowTo]

Love this, glad it worked :)

[@weaton25]

I had the dribble line all down the back of the bole I tried all sorts but nothing seemed to work to get rid of it then one day I was using one of those razor blade scrapers to clean my shower glass works better than nasty chemicals and I thought it will not work but I will give it a try and using the scraper the crust just fell off I was so pleased I thought I would end up having to have a new bole fitted.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Great tip!

[@troypinkerton9876]

Wow, I didn't know it was limescale etc. I was scrubbing and bleaching but couldn't get it all. Now knowing it is actually more likely hard water related, I will try CLR (because I have some). If that doesn't work, I will try your acid trick. Cheers!

[@ilianajoan1]

What’s the acid brand?

[@CleaningHowTo]

Its a brick acid also known as a muriatic acid - also branded brick cleaner.

[@laberthadowner9599]

Where can this be found?

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@laberthadowner9599 in a hardware/diy store. Or google.

[@thunderstorm6616]

Ask your mert each country has it's own brand of acid

[@nigebkk]

Use a funnel and pour it down the overflow pipe in the cistern. It then cleans all the under rim outlets, allowing the water to spiral and flush properly.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Neat idea - I’ve just finished an edit about doing this with vinegar as it’s much less concentrated and won’t affect any gaskets.

[@crazycatlady8285]

Coke has worked really well for me, the water is really hard where I live. It causes a lot of calcium build up.

[@barryh.4220]

Have never found coke to be much good too be honest, but Harpic is said to work ... if you can get hold of it!

[@donnakebab9055]

Is brick acid the same as hydrochloric acid (HCl)?

[@CleaningHowTo]

Yup yup!

[@wingsdesire1]

@@CleaningHowTo thank you!

[@waltercardenas7354]

What's the name of the acid and where can I get it. Good video. Thanks

[@CleaningHowTo]

Brick acid also called muriatic acid; both are diluted hydrochloric acid.

[@mynaisynai8957]

Thank you very informative I always wanted to know how to clean hard water out of toilets

[@beesknees508]

Where would you get this acid in Ireland, Dundalk? Thks

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

You can buy it as patio cleaner or brick cleaner from a DIY or building supply shop. That's also a good place to pick up a respirator, glasses, and thick gloves for working with it.

[@johnburcks7390]

That was awesome, I'm impressed and will do that same procedure tomorrow!! Thanks!

[@JosephHardick]

The problem with strong acid down the toilet is what it does to the pipes downstream. Our house waste pipe is probably 100' from the street drain and it probably takes many many flushes to rinse it all. That's assuming there's no restrictions in there to slow it down. If the acid sits in there for a day it will surely cause damage to copper or iron pipes. Perhaps a baking soda rinse afterwards? Also, you have cleaned the toilet bowl but the S trap is probably just as bad- and you can't get a brush in there. Its not just about looks, its about functionality! Lime deposits will narrow the exit over time. Many of you might not care, but... In my case, I have a 60 year old wall hung toilet that can't be replaced or removed without major remodeling. One flush often doesn't clear the bowl bc its so sluggish (and no its not an ordinary clog that you can plunge). We had professionals try to clear it non-chemically. I am going to try a commercial foaming product plus snaking the drain to physically batter away at whatever is in there. Followed by a clothes change and shower to remove acid from me!

[@willjones7682]

This works a charm. Thanks for the advice

[@CleaningHowTo]

You’re welcome! Glad it worked :)

[@bhela2619]

I think if you dont have a vacuum, you can always pour your cleaning liquid inside the toilet water tank... will that help?

[@joaquintall5180]

Right mate; thanks for this video. One question: is this a safe thing to do if you have a SEPTIC SYSTEM? Many thanks

[@CleaningHowTo]

I’m assuming so as brands like Harpic have the same acid. But I’d check with the manufacturer to be absolutely certain.

[@SkySim]

What would this acid do to a septic system?

[@JohnSmith-vz8pc]

0:10 It's brown because it's calcified poop. Much better it you heat up the bowl with hot, then boiling water, and let it absorb the heat from the water, before SLOWLY pouring (not glugging) the HCl down the bowl. you're using WAY too much because you didn't take this step! then you can wait 30-60 min for it to dissolve it all.

[@pd4689]

Knowing my u-bend holds about 2l, I just dump 300mls of straight pool acid (300g/kg HCl) into the water to get the same effect as brick acid. Gone in minutes. I used to use vinegar but it takes forever. With all the additives in the water in my town, I have to do this annually.

[@stewstube70]

I used something called Kilrock from the hardware store to do this. Used loo brush to force most of the water out, then pour boiling water in from a kettle, push most of it out again and then add the Kilrock. The higher water temp intensifies the reaction.Leave for an hour or so. One of my toilets was so bad that a whole layer of limescale like an easter egg shell came loose and could be lifted out after the acid had loosened it.

[@CleaningHowTo]

yikes, thats intense!

[@temphtempg8819]

I use Kilrock which is 100% formic acid. Does an amazing job.

[@gymnasiast90]

What should one do if the limescale is above the water? My toilet has these grey stains under the rim and on the "shelf".

[@CleaningHowTo]

use toilet paper moistened with the solution and line the bowl with it - it'll dwell and allow the limescale to dissolve

[@izumivancleave3715]

What kind a vacuum do you use for water?

[@davesradiorepairs6344]

Although the acid is a very good way to remove scale, you can also use a pumice stone specifically designed for the same thing.. I live in Singapore, where it's much harder to get acid or CLR, so I use the pumice stones and it works well enough... I little touch up every month will keep your bowl stain free. Amazon has them; They're called "pumice stone for toilet cleaning"

[@rosyapplekitchen635]

Bleach and baking soda

[@catclark9488]

Would the hydrochloric acid be detrimental to septic systems though?

[@CleaningHowTo]

As far as I can tell no, but if in doubt use vinegar overnight

[@anthonyscinocca4380]

Show the label on the acid. And yes, change the seat.

[@manub9750]

When flushing the acid, make sure to close the lid to prevent projections in all the room. Here, it was done like that for showing what happens real time, but it's not the safest.

[@strawberryme08]

A lot of toilets get the anti stick lining it’s baked with when the porcelain is heated it ruins with strong cleaners like This

[@CleaningHowTo]

Harpic LITERALLY has the same ingredients as this. What you’re referring to is the glaze; all porcelain has it, and this method will not ruin it.

[@KBem93]

@@CleaningHowTo you're great at clearing up concerns in the comments. Thanks!

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

Yeah I guess the difference with these is the much higher concentration and thus lower pH. Plus, draining the water before applying increases the effective acidity hugely.

[@stanleyromanowski9816]

Not sure about the UK, but in the US, Heinz makes an "industrial strength" cleaning grade vinegar that is much more acidic than "kitchen strength" vinegar.

[@CleaningHowTo]

I’ve heard of this but can’t find it in Ireland :(

[@MrBonners]

use pickling vinegar , it is twice as strong as regular vinegar and cheap at a grocery store.

[@Anonomo-d3d]

God, can't you hear that his accent is from the Republic of Ireland, not the UK!

[@MrBonners]

@@Anonomo-d3d irrelevant.

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@Anonomo-d3d 🤣🙈

[@jhurtado2635]

What if you don’t have a wet vacuum?

[@bigredracingdog466]

Take a large sponge to soak up the water and wring it into a bucket. Repeat until dry.

[@thunderstorm6616]

Use your dry vacuum

[@Jchathe]

You can get the water out with a cup, bucket and sponge 😊

[@owenkellogg3130]

Thanks!

[@wadjo1]

I would recommend having two full buckets of water next to you. When you flush, use the buckets to further dilute the acid in your drains and prevent damage.

[@supernovahk19]

I moved back to my mother’s rental house and found the toilet bowl stain just like this but worse. I have tried everything under the sun and nothing worked, I gave up after a year and plan to replace the toilet. One day out of blue, while cleaning the toilet, as usual, squirt, brush and flushing ( and the stain remains) and out of blue, my neighbor called and needed help to the ER so I left the house super fast without flushing. Almost 10 hours later, I returned home and flushed the toilet, I can’t not believe my eyes… the stain were gone… the BEST unintended consequence; the toilet were like new, the stain were GONE!!! so very happy to not find any marks that made by the metal scraper I was using. So, try it, leave Lysol Advance toilet bowl deep cleaning solution in for a day and hope you have the same result! (I would put in little more solution as usual and my water supply is soft water).

[@bikeny]

I have a funny feeling that this process while it would clean the bowl just it did for you, but it would really mess up the chemical balance in my septic tank. Or am I completely wrong about that? Thanks.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Wouldn’t be potent enough to be concerned. The acid is miscible in water

[@nunyabitnezz2709]

If you happen to grow lemons at your house, that’s a great safe acid.

[@christophersmith4816]

Just used your method yesterday, and now the inside of my embarrassing toilet is perfectly white. I used muriatic acid I bought from Home Depot for $10 per gallon.

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@christophersmith4816 🎉 😊

[@daniellebrogan8699]

Does anyone know the name of the product in the UK please

[@Diana-sr5ub]

Isn’t it dangerous to be putting that acid into the sewer system and what effects will it have even after water is cleaned at the water plant?

[@CleaningHowTo]

No, it isn’t. At all. The acid I’m using is a dilute HCL the same as stomach acid and the main ingredient in limescale removal products; harmless when diluted (by flushing).

[@_Circus_Clapped_]

by the time it reacts with all the limescale wouldn't it have lost it's acidity?

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@_Circus_Clapped_ yeah pretty much, and it dilutes when flushed too.

[@lisamccaff9217]

What if you don’t have a vacuum cleaner that can take the water out??

[@amazingvg6311]

@@lisamccaff9217 use a straw

[@valerieshepherd6823]

I love a nice clean toilet. I dropped 2 dishwasher tabs down mine yesterday but hubby came home from work n flushed it so it didn't get as long as I would have liked so I'll do it again but overnight.

[@CleaningHowTo]

You need to keep an eye out on my upcoming toilet cleaning series - I've a homemade toilet cleaner that you'll really like (hint; I already have it in my toilet cleaning videos).

[@sdqsdq6274]

what about coke? does it work

[@CleaningHowTo]

No idea! Try it and let me know :)

[@sopyleecrypt6899]

I tried Coke and it did help. I reckon if you drain the water and leave overnight it might work as well as vinegar.

[@CleaningHowTo]

I tried it and the results were interesting :kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHqXZ5iMhraLorM

[@CleaningHowTo]

Lee Dunn I'm not so sure :P kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHqXZ5iMhraLorM

[@steevenseagull8345]

@@CleaningHowTo isn't this yours thumbnail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqOwlax6lLqbas0

[@venus189]

Here in Norway it says to not use in toilet. In plumbing stuff

[@newstuff1107]

Sanding with size 1000 sanding paper works well. But before, in case of hard water, you will have to use muriatic acid. Totally restored our old toilets.

[@taurus99exe]

Won't acid affect your plumbing? (Metal pipes)

[@bcu567obzx]

Brick acid is normally Hydrochloric Acid

[@CleaningHowTo]

Not quite; it’s 10% dilute hcl

[@adasilvestri4108]

What abt the pipes and acido....isnt acido corrosive for the pipes?

[@CleaningHowTo]

No. Ridiculously short contact time, and it's diluted when flushed.

[@wdtony]

I’m fearful so I always wear my full face respirator and heavy gloves when working with muriatic acid.

[@jaycee330]

That's the safest, but also make sure the bathroom is fully ventilated, so open the windows, and I would have a fan blowing air out the window as well.

[@thunderstorm6616]

It will clean your lungs as well it is good for you you won't get covid

[@wdtony]

@@thunderstorm6616 Those acid fumes will kill alveolar cells in the lungs.

[@andreah6175]

8 yr renter, frequently cleans toilet but I still see that stain. Its like my brush just never reaches that spot to clean it? Also the toilets here (in the US appear to have substantially more water sitting.

[@frankpeck1448]

Couldn't we just use white vinegar?

[@CleaningHowTo]

And the award for not watching the full video goes to . . . :p but yes, you can, except it’ll need to work overnight/for 8-12 hours

[@tohneyteoh]

@@CleaningHowTo as you mentioned, the owner poured vinegar(diluted) and let it sit overnight twice and still no improvement. I don't want to pour industrial grade acid in our sewage system and god forbid, ultimately our environment. I resorted to scrapping the gunk out, unfortunately.

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@tohneyteoh Within the first 20 seconds of the video I state that 'vinegar will do if you leave it to soak overnight'. The PH of vinegar is about 2.5 - the ph of the brick acid (dilute HCL) is about 2, though the PH scale is exponential not linear. HCL is no more 'industrial' than vinegar, and honestly, as a once or twice a year solution I'd take the brick acid over something like toilet duck (variants are also acidic for limescale removal). Both the vinegar and HCL are miscible in water so pretty much by the time you flush the toilet they are inert and not an issue for the environment or the sewage system.

[@CleaningHowTo]

For the people who would rather use vinegar - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqOwlax6lLqbas0

[@ariellemorris9246]

Can I use a regular vacuum/do I need to use the vacuum for it to work?

[@CleaningHowTo]

Try pouring the product directly in and let me know how it goes; I’m not exactly sure.

[@martinjp1]

I splashed brick acid in my eye once, the pain was exquisite.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Yeaaah. Be careful

[@martinrea8548]

Great job! I have a bit of that brown lime scale around the edge of the top of the toilet too. I think you mentioned you were going to show us how to deal with it. Just rub in the acid and wait?

[@CleaningHowTo]

I've another tutorial on this but basically soak toilet paper and bunch it on the staining - leave it for a few hours and it'll come right off.

[@martinrea8548]

@@CleaningHowTo Great stuff, thanks 👍

[@KirbyEnthusiast]

Nice video 👌👌

[@CleaningHowTo]

Thank you :)