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Topic: Removing rust stains in toilet bowl (Read 163 times) previous topic - next topic
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Removing rust stains in toilet bowl
The toilet in my MB had some ugly rust stains running down the inside of the bowl where the fresh water emanates when flushing.  I googled how to remove rust stains from the toilet and found this how to on ehow.com.  The instructions have you mix 1 cup of borax and 1/2 cup of lemon juice and slather it on the stains.  Note: 1/2 cup of lemon juice is 3-4 lemons depending on size.  I added a little more borax to thicken up the mixture so it wouldn’t slide down the bowl and used a cheap paintbrush to apply.  Other than that I followed the instructions to the letter.  Its a cheap endeavor and actually worked very well in removing the rust stains.  Also, I have enough borax left over to follow up in a month or so.

- John
Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: Removing rust stains in toilet bowl
Reply #1 –
Quote from: JohnR  - 
The toilet in my MB had some ugly rust stains running down the inside of the bowl where the fresh water emanates when flushing. 


What is rusting? The toilet doesn't have parts that can rust, everything is either plastic, porcelain, or stainless steel.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Removing rust stains in toilet bowl
Reply #2 –
The well water at my grandparents’ place was full of iron; the sinks, toilet, bathtub, and any other surface that made contact with the water was stained. Drinking the stuff was like having a mouthful of nails.

 I suspect that iron in the water that the previous  owner either pumped into the tank or into the system from parks’ pedestals (or other sources where the water had high iron content) is the cause of the  stains.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Removing rust stains in toilet bowl
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
What is rusting? The toilet doesn't have parts that can rust, everything is either plastic, porcelain, or stainless steel.

Larry

It’s common to have rust stains on porcelain from well water.  Water from deep wells contain dissolved iron and manganese and when exposed to the air the iron will oxidize and becomes rust.  So it’s not the porcelain that’s rusting, it’s the iron oxidized water that’s left on the porcelain that’s rusting and leaving a stain.  I believe the well water at the SKP park in Coarsegold is where the “rust” water came from.  I stayed there about a month and filled the freshwater tank numerous times with their well water.  My daughter who lives a mile or so away from the SKP park is always fighting the problem of rust stains in the toilet.  She too is on well water.  People on city water usually don’t see it but it does happen.

- John
Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: Removing rust stains in toilet bowl
Reply #4 –
When I had a rust stain in our sink from a steel can that had bee placed there, I just put a lemon slice on it overnight, and it was gone by morning.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Removing rust stains in toilet bowl
Reply #5 –
Well, I've been using a pumice stone and it removes it with a little elbow grease...doesn't mess with the bio of the system either
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Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire
"CHERRYOTTE" our little red home on wheels
"Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
Re: Removing rust stains in toilet bowl
Reply #6 –
If you need an abrasive that removes rust stains (OK for stainless steel, but not recommended for porcelain or plastic), products containing oxalic acid work. Bar Keeper's Friend and Zud are two such products that I've used successfully.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
 
Re: Removing rust stains in toilet bowl
Reply #7 –
Bon Ami works very well as a mild, no-scratch cleanser.
2003 TK has a new home