Living in an area with hard water means that you have to come with an effective solution in cleaning those nasty hard water deposits from your bathroom fixtures. So, I did! There are a lot of chemicals out on the market that promises a lot of miracles in dissolving those hard water stains from anything, but I honestly want to avoid them. There is too much pollution out in the world. That’s why I rely on green cleaning which turns out in being extremely effective especially in removing those ugly rusty, brownish stains and hard water deposits from almost any surface. So, when my porcelain toilet bowl caught a disgusting brownish ring I resorted to my secret green weapon: vinegar.

As a matter of fact, I have two vinegar-based methods in removing rust and hard water stains from toilet bowl. The first method is safer and is great in removing hard water stains and the second method is definitely for removing harsh water deposits and rust rings from the toilet bowl.

First vinegar-based method:

Supplies you’ll need:

  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Toilet brush
  • Measuring cup

Instructions:

1. Measure a cup of vinegar. Pour it into the toilet trying to coat the entirety of the bowl, especially where the water stains are.
2. Let the vinegar sit in the toilet for 10 minutes.
3. Add a cup of baking soda to the toilet.
4. Add another cup of vinegar right after the baking soda.
5. Allow the two to fizzle in the toilet for about 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Use a toilet brush to scrub at the water stains.
7. Allow the solution to sit for longer if stains remain and repeat step 6.
8. Flush the toilet.

Second vinegar-based method: this method is not eco-friendly, but it will remove mineral stains and grime with little effort.

Supplies you’ll need:

  • Borax
  • Toilet brush
  • Vinegar

Instructions:

1. If you choose to use vinegar, add 1/2 to 2/3 cup to the toilet bowl.
2. Allow the vinegar to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. For extra hard water, you can let this sit for an hour or more.
3. Scrub the toilet lightly with the toilet brush trying to scrub off as much loose minerals as possible.
4. Flush the toilet.
5. Pour a 1/2 cup of borax into the toilet. You want to sprinkle this around the toilet bowl gently, allowing it to hit all the stains. (Start here if you are not using vinegar.)
6. Use the toilet brush to do some scrubbing.
7. Allow the borax to sit in the toilet as long as possible. Overnight is best.
8. Give the toilet another good scrub, making sure all the stains are gone.
9. Flush.