Gnarly large rust stain on the bottom of my toilet bowl

[no_hypocrisy]

I removed much of the bowl water and scrubbed with both a non-metal scrub pad and a Brillo pad. The rust stain is still there.

What are my options? I heard I should get enamel spray and cover the rust stain that way. I don't want to buy another toilet for a 3 x 3" stain. Plus, I am concerned about leakage if the rust progresses.

Please advise me.

Thanks!

[NYC_SKP]

1. Typically, toilet bowls are made of porcelain.

I've seen a few porcelainized cast iron bowls, but yours is probably like most others, made of fired clay, and shouldn't be threatened by rust.

Some rust stains can come from iron in the water.

I can recommend products like "CLR" http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/clr-calcium-lime-rust-cleaner/ID=prod1765587-product

And I also like using diatomacious powder, available at good hardware stores and auto parts stores: http://www.mustangsplus.com/xcart/Nothin-s-Better-Water-Stain-Remover-Paste.html

I've had mixed results with enamel sprays on porcelain, I'd try to clean it first.

[hlthe2b]

2. You might also try borax.

It has worked on some stains where bleach, peroxide, and scrubbing powders did nothing.

[rocktivity]

3. My toilet bowl stains were so gnarly, I had tell my guests it was made of bronze.

Last edited Wed Mar 22, 2023, 11:35 AM - Edit history (9)

Tried everything from bleach to steel wool. Then Lysol Toilet Bowl cleaner in the black bottle came into my life -- had to leave it in overnight, but the bowl has looked spotless and brand new ever since. Even the landlord was impressed!




rocktivity

[Curmudgeoness]

4. I have never seen that,

but it sounds impressive. I was going to suggest trying my all time favorite cleaner for porcelain, which is Bar Keepers Friend, but this looks like it would work even better.

I know that I once used a rust remover in the tub and it completely ruined the finish, so I would not have suggested that product.

[alfie]

5. I have had success using a wet pumice stone

No cleaners needed. Takes some elbow grease but works really well.

[Nay]

6. I also had success with a pumice stone -- I used it to remove the built-up

water ring around the bowl, which no cleaners or hand scrubbing could remove. The pumice took that stuff right off. Bet it would work on rust, too.