Most people would agree that few things are more unsightly than a yellowed toilet seat. Not only is it visually unappealing, but it can also be embarrassing if guests happen to use your toilet.
If you’re tired of seeing those unsightly stains, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on removing those pesky yellow stains from your toilet seat. Before you decide to replace a toilet seat, keep reading for more information.
What causes yellow stains on toilet seats?
Before we get into the tips for removing those yellow stains, it’s important to understand what causes them in the first place.
A few different things can cause yellow stains on toilet seats. One of the most common is using cleaning products that contain bleach. Over time, the bleach can break down the finish on the toilet seat, causing it to yellow.
Another common cause is hard water. When water contains high levels of minerals, it can leave behind deposits that can discolour the toilet seat.
Finally, direct sunlight can also cause yellowing, as it causes the finish to fade over time. While yellow stains on toilet seats may be unsightly, they can usually be removed with a little elbow grease and a good cleaning product.
Getting rid of yellow stains on the toilet seat
Even with the most careful aim, yellow stains can appear on toilet seats. While these stains may be unsightly, they are relatively easy to remove.
The first step is to identify the type of material the toilet seat is made from. Porcelain seats can often be cleaned with a mild abrasive, such as toothpaste or baking soda. For plastic seats, it is best to use a vinegar solution.
Once you have determined the appropriate cleaning method, you will need to apply it to the affected area and scrub gently until the stain lifts.
Avoid harsh abrasives such as metal scouring pads, as they can damage the finish on the toilet seat. Here are some of the best methods for removing yellow stains from toilet seats:
Method 1: Use bleach to clean toilet seat & bowl
What you will need:
- Bucket
- Gloves
- Chlorine bleach
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Bowl of warm water
- Bucket of clean water
Instructions:
- Wear gloves and fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water. Add 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach and stir until it dissolves.
- Dunk the cloth or sponge into the bleach solution and wipe down the toilet seat and bowl.
- Rinse the area with a clean sponge dipped in warm water to remove all traces of bleach.
- Dry the area with a soft cloth.
Method 2: Use baking soda to clean toilet seat
What you will need:
- Toothbrush
- Baking soda
- Bowl of water
- Bucket of clean water
Instructions:
- Fill a bowl with 1 cup of baking soda and stir until it dissolves.
- Wet the toothbrush in the baking soda solution and scrub the stained area on the toilet seat.
- Rinse the area with a sponge dipped in clean water.
- Dry the area with a soft cloth.
Method 3: Use vinegar to clean toilet seat
What you will need:
- White vinegar
- Bowl of water
- Bucket of clean water
Instructions:
- Fill a bowl with 1 cup of white vinegar and stir until it dissolves.
- Soak the sponge in the vinegar solution and wipe down the stained area on the toilet seat.
- Rinse the area with a sponge dipped in clean water.
- Dry the area with a soft cloth.
Removing yellow stains from a toilet seat with a commercial product
If you cannot remove the yellow stains from your toilet seat with household items, you can try a commercial product. A few different products are available on the market, but we recommend using Barkeeper’s Friend.
What you will need:
- Barkeeper’s Friend
- Bucket
- Gloves
- Soft cloth or sponge
Instructions:
- Wear gloves and fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water. Add 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach and stir until it dissolves.
- Dunk the cloth or sponge into the bleach solution and wipe down the toilet seat and bowl.
- Rinse the area with a clean sponge dipped in warm water to remove all traces of bleach.
- Dry the area with a soft cloth.
- Spray Barkeeper’s Friend onto the stained area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Scrub the area with a soft cloth or sponge until the stain lifts.
- Rinse the area with a sponge dipped in clean water and dry the area with a soft cloth.
Preventing yellow staining on a toilet seat
There are a few things that you can do to help prevent yellow staining on a toilet seat:
- Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean the toilet seat
- Clean the toilet seat with a gentle cleanser regularly
- Rinse the area with water after cleaning to remove any traces of cleanser
- Dry the area with a soft cloth
- Avoid sitting on the toilet seat with wet bathing suits or clothes
Bottom line
There are a few ways to remove yellow stains from your toilet seat. All of these methods are relatively easy to do.
If the stain is persistent, you may have to repeat the process a few times, but eventually, the stain should disappear completely. If not, it may be time for a new one such as these Argos toilet seats.
Have you tried any of these methods for removing yellow stains from your toilet seat?
