Nobody likes the look of a stained and discolored toilet bowl. If you find that your toilet is covered in green or blue stains, even after you have scrubbed it thoroughly, there is no need to feel embarrassed or discouraged. The truth is, these types of toilet bowl stains are common. While they may seem stubborn at first, these types of stains are easy to remove once you know what to do.
To help you keep your bathrooms looking their best, we will explain how you can quickly and easily remove blue and green stains from your toilet bowls. We will also explain what causes these toilet bowl stains, which will help you prevent the problem from recurring. Best of all, some of the cleaning techniques involve using simple homemade cleaning solutions that are natural, inexpensive, and effective!
What Causes Blue and Green Stains in Toilet Bowls?
You might be relieved to learn that most blue and green stains that appear in toilet bowls have more to do with water quality than they do with how often you clean the toilet.
The Cause of Blue Toilet Bowl Stains
Blue and blue-green stains in your toilet bowl are often an indicator that your water is overly acidic. In many cases, the acidic water can leach copper from your pipes and deposit trace amounts along drain openings and inside your toilet bowl. You may even notice a ring of blue stains just under your toilet seat.
The Cause of Green Toilet Bowl Stains
Green and greenish-brown stains in your toilet bowl usually indicate lime buildup. In some cases, they can also be rust stains. Limescale forms as hard water evaporate and leaves mineral deposits behind. The leftover lime deposits can build until they are visible and have a green appearance. In some cases, dirt and debris will get trapped with the limescale, making the stain even more noticeable.
How Do You Get Blue Stains Out of Toilet Bowl?
Since blue toilet bowl stains usually result from acidic water that has caused copper corrosion in your pipes, the best way to stop the stains from reoccurring is to address your water quality and replace any corroded pipes. However, if you are looking for ways to get rid of the blue stains, here are some simple cleaning techniques.
Using Vinegar
White vinegar is an effective cleaning ingredient, especially when combined with table salt. To use this abrasive cleaner, simply follow these steps:
Pour 3 cups of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Use a spray bottle to make sure the entire inside of the bowl is covered.
Spread 3 cups of salt over the vinegar and try to make it stick to the wet surface, especially where you see any blue stains.
Let the mixture soak for at least an hour, but it will work better if you wait longer.
Scrub the interior of the toilet bowl with a clean, stiff-bristled toilet brush and try to grind the salt and vinegar into the stains.
Flush and examine the toilet. If you still see the blue copper stains, repeat the process.
If the stain is stubborn, you can also sprinkle baking soda or borax onto the vinegar, which will help dissolve the stain.
Using Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can also dissolve the stain and leave your toilet smelling fresh. To use lemon juice, follow these steps:
Juice approximately 6 lemons, or enough to fill 1 cup.
Pour the juice into a spray bottle and spray the interior walls of the toilet bowl completely, especially where you see the stains.
Let the lemon soak for 15 minutes. After it has sat, scrub the interior of the toilet with a clean toilet brush.
Flush and inspect. If the stains persist, repeat.
Either homemade cleaning solution will also help to remove urine stains, mildew stains, soap scum, and other stubborn stains.
How Do You Remove Green Stains from Porcelain?
Removing the green stains from your toilet can be done using a fairly similar method. Just like you can with blue toilet stains, you can remove green stains using vinegar or lemon juice. To do so, follow these steps:
Drain your toilet bowl, either by scooping the water out or by shutting off the water and flushing.
Pour 2 cups of lemon juice or 3 cups of white vinegar into the bowl.
Leave your chosen acidic liquid in the toilet bowl overnight.
Scrub the green stains with a toilet brush. If they are particularly stubborn, you can also use a rough scrub brush or a pumice stone.
Once you remove the stains, you can prevent them from reoccurring by addressing your hard water issue or pouring a cup of vinegar in your toilet tank each day.
If vinegar and lemon juice does not work, you can use hydrochloric acid or chlorine bleach; however, these are dangerous chemicals, and they need to be handled with care. Always use them in a ventilated area, meaning your bathroom windows should be wide open. Not only can the fumes be dangerous, the liquids are extremely toxic, and they can also burn your skin.
What About Rust Stains?
If you are dealing with rust stains in your toilet bowl, you can use a commercial rust remover. Simply drain the toilet, pour roughly one cup of rust remover inside the bowl. Wait several minutes, then scrub the toilet bowl with a toilet brush. Turn the water supply on again and flush the toilet.
How to Stop the Blue and Green Stains from Reoccurring
Once your toilet is stain-free, you will want to stop the problem from happening again. The best thing you can do is have your water tested professionally. If your water contains lime, copper, or other types of mineral deposits, the stains will keep coming back. Having your water tested will help you know what you are dealing with, and a professional can explain how you can correct the problem.
Final Words
While blue and green mineral stains can take time and several attempts to fully remove from your toilet bowl, it is always worth putting in the effort for a shiny and clean toilet.
