Are you embarrassed by the stubborn stains on your toilet seat? We've compiled a list of some of the best methods on how to remove urine stains from toilet seat and make your toilet seat look new again. Read on to learn some of our favorite methods.
Best Methods to Clean a Stained Toilet Seat
Here are a few methods you can use to clean your toilet seat:
Bleach
Bleach is a tried and true method of cleaning your toilet seat. It can also be used to clean a stained toilet bowl. Tough stains may not respond to regular toilet cleaners, so while bleach may be a harsher product, sometimes it is needed to get your toilet seat sparkling clean.
Create a bleach solution in a spray bottle, mixed with warm water. Spray the cleaning solution directly on the toilet seat and use a scratch-free scouring sponge to take care of difficult spots. Another benefit of bleach is that it is also a germ-killing cleaner.
You can continue to scrub the stained area with bleach until it is gone. Then, pour the remaining bleach inside the toilet. Be sure to wear rubber gloves as bleach can be harsh.
Baking Soda
Baking soda paste forms a cleaning solution that can not only clean your toilet seat but also the toilet bowl and lid. Baking soda, however, doesn't remove the bacteria, so you may still want to clean the seat with a disinfecting wipe or other chemical cleaners.
Once you give the toilet seat a good cleaning, you can then remove stains with baking soda. Mix approximately one-quarter cup of baking soda with warm water. Stir it together to make a paste. Then, apply that paste to the stained toilet seat.
Let the cleaner sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, scrub the toilet with a good amount of elbow grease, removing all the stains.
You can also add baking soda to warm, soapy water, which can remove some of the germs. Remove the paste and wait while it air dries.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another beneficial product for stains.
Clean the toilet seat with a bottle of distilled vinegar. You can use paper towels to apply the vinegar directly to the toilet seat. Using undiluted white vinegar or distilled white vinegar should be useful in removing stains. Wipe the entire seat off with a paper towel and then enjoy your clean bathroom.
If you are still left with toilet stains, you may need to wipe with more elbow grease or add more vinegar to your solution. You can also mix the vinegar with warm water to activate the ingredients better. People are often confused about what is cleaning vinegar used for. We got that covered too!
Coca-Cola
Tired of the unattractive sight of stains, but toilet bowl cleaner isn't doing the job? Coca-Cola, which you may already have in your fridge, may be the trick. Because Coca-Cola is made with phosphoric acid, it can break down toilet bowl stains from limescale.
Pour a bottle of Cola into a bucket and then apply it directly to the toilet seat using clean paper towels or a sponge. It is important to note, however, that Cola does not have antibacterial properties so it is still important to use a toilet bowl cleaner for that purpose.
Hydrogen Peroxide
You probably have hydrogen peroxide in your bathroom already. Hydrogen can not only be used to clean a toilet but also to clean the toilet stains. Pour a half cup of it into your toilet bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, wearing a pair of cleaning gloves, wipe some of the solution on the toilet seat itself.
Clean a Toilet Seat: Toilet Bowl Cleaners and Other Household Cleaning supplies
You will also find a lot of household cleaning supplies at your local retailer that is designed specifically for toilet seats. In addition to choosing a product that removes stains, you also want something that gets rid of bacteria.
In order to fully clean your toilet, you need a product that removes germs. Always check the ingredients in the toilet cleaners that you choose.
Reusable cloths can also be beneficial as you can use them to wipe up messes and then put them right in the washing machine. If you prefer to use papA direr towel, you can easily use it and then throw it away.
Don't Forget to Clean Under the Lid
In order to properly clean the toilet seat, you also want to lift the lid when cleaning. The stains that you notice on the seat itself are only a small portion of the problem.
Before you go out and buy a new toilet seat, give each of these methods a try. One of them is sure to work, turning your stained seat into a clean toilet.
How to Clean Other Parts of the Toilet
The toilet seat is only one part of the toilet that needs cleaning. It is also important to clean the toilet's tank, bowl, and even the seat cover.
How to Clean the Toilet Lid
You can easily clean the lid when cleaning the seat. Use the same products, whether it is an oxygen bleach solution or baking soda paste. Use a soft sponge on these areas to prevent scratches.
How to Clean the Handles
Disinfecting wipes are useful for wiping down the toilet's handle and the back of the tank. Use a circular motion to remove general dirt and bacteria.
How to Clean Toilet Bowl
Toilet bowl cleaner tablets are one of the best ways to keep a bowl clean. You can easily drop them in and let them dissolve the stains.
How to Clean the Tank
It is also important to check the cleanliness of your tank. Remove the lid and check the coloring. If you notice any rust or discoloration, you will want to remove the water to clean the inside of the tank. You can do this with the following step-by-step instructions:
- Turn off the water supply valve.
- Continue to flush the toilet until the tank is empty.
- Then, scrub the inside of the tank's internal parts with either a toilet brush or paper towel.
- Fill the tank with your vinegar solution.
- Pour the vinegar up to the overflow valve line and let the cleaner sit for a few hours for the best results.
- Then, repeat the previous step and flush until all of the vinegar is removed.
- Turn the water supply valve back on. Flush the toilet to ensure that everything is working.
- Clean around the outside of the toilet with a bleach or tile cleaner. You can use a pumice stone to scrub difficult areas.
Always keep a toilet brush within arm's reach for easy cleaning. You can also use these steps to adjust the water level of your toilet.
How Does it Become a Stained Toilet Seat Anyways?
It can also be helpful to consider what causes toilet stains in the first place. Toilet stains can occur from a buildup of germs. They can also come from abrasive, harsh cleaning products. Certain products can wear down the enamel on the toilet seat and cause scratching.
This is why it is so important to find a product that works for you. While you want to give your toilet a good scrubbing during cleaning, you also want to maintain the condition of the seat. Otherwise, you may have to replace it. While most stains can be removed, scratches cannot.
Clean Toilet Seat Tips
Once you remove all tough stains from your toilet seat, maintaining a cleaning routine can help you keep your toilet clean. Here are a few tips you can use to have a sparking room:
- Keep the scrub brush next to the toilet.
- Always wear gloves when cleaning.
- Use a pumice stone to remove stains without scratches.
- Increase the number of cleanings during flu season.
- Invest in a good scrub brush.
- Keep a roll of paper towel in the room to quickly clean up messes.
- Drop cleaning tablets in the toilet tank regularly.
- Buy seats that are stain-resistant.
- Avoid putting the scrub brush back into a wet holder.
- Wash cleaning gloves before taking them off and storing them.
These tips can help you maintain a clean seat and room. Being diligent with upkeep can make your bathroom cleaning duties easier to manage.
Preparing to Clean: Gathering Supplies
For this task, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Gloves
- Sponge
- Bucket of warm soapy water
- Mild household cleaner (such as dishwashing liquid)
- Disinfecting spray or wipes
- Soft cloth
Removing Excess Dirt and Grime
Begin by wiping down the seat with a damp sponge to remove any dirt, grime, and particles. If there is any dried on debris, use a combination of the sponge and mild soap to remove it from the surface. Rinse off the seat before moving on.
Using Household Cleaners
Once all the dirt has been removed from the toilet seat, you can begin cleaning with your household cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto the toilet seat, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before wiping off with a damp cloth.
Sanitizing the Seat
After you’ve finished cleaning, use an appropriate disinfectant spray or wipes to sanitize the area. Make sure you let the disinfectant sit on the surface of the seat for at least 10 minutes before wiping off with a clean cloth. This will help ensure that any bacteria or germs are killed off and won't spread.
Finishing Touches and Maintenance Tips
Once your toilet seat is cleaned and sanitized, be sure to dry it completely before putting back in place. To help keep your toilet seat looking like new, regularly wipe down with a soft cloth and mild cleaner. This will help to keep it free from dirt, grime, and bacteria. Additionally, don't forget to regularly replace your toilet seat covers for a fresh look and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Toilet Seat
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions related to cleaning your toilet seat:
How Do I Get my Toilet Seats White Again?
Toilet seats can become stained over time, losing their bright white coloring. Bleach is one of the easiest stain removal methods. However, even if you don't want to use bleach, there are many other options available, like baking soda or household cleaning supplies. Simply use any of these products to remove the stains.
How often should a toilet seat be cleaned?
Most experts recommend that you clean your toilet seat at least once a week. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and other germs in your home.
How do you sanitize a toilet seat effectively?
The best way to sanitize your toilet seat is by using an antibacterial cleaner or disinfectant specially formulated for bathroom use. Spray the product on the surface of the seat and wipe it down with a cloth or sponge to remove any dirt and debris. Allow the cleaner to sit on the surface for several minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
Are there any special considerations I need to make when cleaning different types of toilet seats?
Yes, there are some differences in how you should clean different types of toilet seats. For example, wood or composite seats should not be cleaned with acidic cleaners, while plastic and metal seats can usually handle most household cleaning products. Before using any cleaner on your seat, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow them accordingly. Additionally, some materials may require specialized cleaners that are specifically made for that type of material. If you are unsure about which product is right for your seat, consult a professional.
What is the Best Cleaner for Toilet Seats?
There isn't a single best cleaner for toilet seats. The cause of the staining makes a difference when choosing the right way to clean a toilet. It is best to try a few of these methods and determine which one works best for you.
You also might find that one method works for one toilet in your house, but not another.
How Do You Remove Yellow Stains from Toilet Seat?
All the stains and yellow stains, in particular, can make your room look less than appealing. You don't have to go out and buy a new toilet seat yet. With a few household cleaning supplies and a good quality toilet brush, you can get rid of those stains in no time.
Learning how to get your toilet seat clean can help you maintain the condition of your toilet. Whether you're deep cleaning or remodeling, a clean toilet is a necessity.
