Yellow stains are maybe the most common in toilets. And it seems that yellow stains become more difficult to remove over time. That’s why it’s necessary to remove them as soon as they appear.
Today there are many different toilet cleaners to treat this type of stains. However, the chemical composition of some of these products isn’t the most suitable for treating such stains.
Therefore, when it comes to yellow stains, it’s necessary to resort to unorthodox procedures that go beyond the application of common cleaning products.
If stains on your toilet are your worst nightmare, maybe this article is what you’re looking for. Today you’ll learn how to remove these annoying stains easily and prevent their reappearance.
What is Toilet Tank?
The toilet tank in a rectangular container, located behind the toilet seat, which stores the water needed for each flush. Also, there are other important parts inside the tank, such as:
- Tank lever
- Fill valve
- Flush valve
- Flapper
- Float ball
The fill valve connects directly to the water supply. While the water level increases, the float ball rises little by little. When the water reaches the maximum level, the arm connected to the float ball blocks the fill valve. After that, the water supply stops.
In case of any failure, the flush valve prevents water from overflowing from the tank. To flush, the user pushes the tank lever, which lifts the flapper at the bottom of the tank. When the tank is empty, the flapper returns to its original position and the filling cycle starts again.
The tank is in permanent contact with water. Therefore, the appearance of stains on internal walls is a common phenomenon. Rust, dissolved minerals and mold are the most common causes.
What are Yellow Stains?
They’re pale stains that appear on the surface of the bowl and the toilet seat. Yellow stains are the result of urine residues accumulation.
Urine owes its characteristic yellow color to a pigment known as urobilin or urochrome. While the urine is less diluted, its color is more intense. Yellow stains appear when the toilet bowl remains a long time exposed to this substance.
For example, when toilets or urinals don’t flush but people still use them. A common phenomenon in public toilets. It seems that when urine residues dry on the surface, the stain becomes more intense and much harder to remove.
Step by Step Guide to Clean a Toilet Tank Yellow Stains
Negligence is the main cause of stains in toilets. Therefore, it’s necessary to apply an effective cleaning routine to prevent their appearance.
However, if common cleaning products fail to remove those horrible stains on porcelain, maybe these wonderful cleaning formulas can help you:
Vinegar
The acidity of vinegar is perfect to soften residues stuck on the bowl surface. To remove yellow stains with vinegar you must do this:
- Add 3 cups of vinegar in the toilet bowl.
- Wait 1 minute.
- After that, scrub the yellow stains with a toilet brush.
If yellow stains don’t disappear, you may have to let vinegar act for longer. Maybe about 15 minutes is more than enough.
Coke and Baking Soda
Phosphoric acid is one of Coke’s main active ingredients. Phosphoric acid is commonly used as an industrial solvent. In large quantities, it can remove difficult stains, such as oil on concrete pavement.
On the other hand, sodium bicarbonate is a powerful disinfectant and stain remover. Applying a couple of tablespoons in water is enough to eliminate most of the pathogens.
To remove yellow stains with Coke and baking soda, follow these steps:
- Pour 2 cups of Coke into the toilet bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Wait 5 minutes to take effect.
- After that, use a toilet brush to remove yellow stains.
Automatic Toilet Cleaners
Automatic toilet cleaners are also an excellent way to remove yellow stains and prevent their occurrence in time. Chlorine tablets are the most effective and to use them, you just have to do this:
- Empty the toilet tank.
- Then, remove the plastic warp from the toilet cleaner.
- Place the toilet cleaner at the bottom of the tank, near a corner.
- Finally, use the toilet normally.
When tablets dissolve, the chemicals added to the water soften the stains. With each flush, stains become increasingly clear until they disappear completely.
Homemade Toilet Cleaner
If you have enough time, you can follow DIY guide to make homemade toilet cleaner. It can help you to save your money. To know more about homemade toilet cleaning system, you can follow this article: make homemade toilet bowl cleaner.
Conclusion
The best way to prevent the appearance of yellow stains is to maintain a proper cleaning routine. Yellow stains are quite difficult to remove and not all cleaning products can remove them completely.
High concentrations of urine tend to stain the bowl. Therefore, avoid using the toilet if the bowl doesn’t have enough water. Mixing chemicals to remove yellow stains can be dangerous. For example, the combination of chlorine and ammonia can be toxic.
If you follow each and every one of the tips in this article, yellow stains will never be a problem for you. But be sure, you have all of toilet tank cleaning tools near your hand. For more details, you can check the toilet cleaning tools list.
Well I just want to say something… Its possible that the owner where we are living do not pay the utility of the building and then we are making the shower and everything with the water of the pool. Because I clean atmost every two days my toilet and always its disgusting. How I can be aware of issues and problems between Houses in the Comunity and Apartments? I be very happy to receive answers. Thanks.
I have a question. After you put vinegar in bowl, do you put the cover down and wait the five minutes? All it says , is that put vinegar in bowl and wait. My stains are on seat, (both sides)
It’s not mandatory to put cover down. You can try this method on your seat.