If your toilet constantly looks dirty because of hard water stains, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to get rid of the mineral buildup. If so, use the following three-step guide for removing hard water stains from your toilet bowl.

Step 1:  Apply a Baking Soda and Water Paste to the Stain

In this first step, you will apply a paste made from baking soda to the stain. The baking soda is a base that begins the breakdown of any acidic minerals in the stains. It also has a mild grit that helps with scrubbing in the second step.

In a small bowl, mix together a half of a cup each of water and baking soda into a thick paste. Then, turn off the water to the toilet and flush it twice so that there is no water in the bowl.

Use a rag to cover the stain with the paste. Then, let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes before going on to the next step.

Step 2:  Scrub the Stain with a Pumice Stone

After giving the baking soda paste enough time to start penetrating the mineral buildup, this next step involves scrubbing the stain with a pumice stone. The stone has enough abrasiveness to cut into the hard water stain without leaving scratches in your toilet.

Using small, circular motions, scrub the paste into the stain. Let it sit for an additional 15 minutes, then go on to the next step.

Step 3:  Pour White Distilled Vinegar into the Toilet Bowl

With the baking soda paste still on the stain, the white distilled vinegar used in this step creates a chemical reaction that will foam up and further penetrate the stain. This deeper penetration helps lift the minerals left by the hard water, thus removing the buildup.

Pour a cup or two of vinegar around the top of the toilet bowl so that it runs over the stain and paste. Let it sit for as long as possible, preferably overnight, to give it time to fully dissolve the stain. Then, turn the water back on, and flush the toilet.

After the initial cleaning, repeat the above process once or twice a month to keep the hard water stains from reforming. However, if you have problems with hard water throughout your entire home, you may want to ask a representative at a home and garden center about available options for adding a water softener to your home's water supply.

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