‘Vanish’ yellow toilet stains by using ‘magic’ 65p kitchen staple
You could banish yellow stains from your toilet seat with just one item. It’s no secret that the toilet isn’t the most hygienic place in any household. It needs regular cleaning to keep up with the frequency with which everyone in your home uses it. You might just think it’s the toilet bowl itself that needs cleaning. Not only do you need to scrub away any marks with a toilet brush, but if you live in an area with hard water, you’ll also want to regularly clean the bowl to prevent limescale.
However, one part of the toilet that often gets neglected is the seat. We perch our bottoms on it every day to do our business, so it should at least be regularly wiped down with a disinfectant spray and a cloth.
But, over time, your toilet seat may become discoloured, particularly if you have a white one. Yellow stains can be caused by things like sweat on our legs or grease and other oils on our hands, and they can make your toilet look unsanitary.
But, thanks to cleaning fans on social media, you could restore your toilet to its shining white glory with just one cleaning hack. What’s more, you just need one item you probably already have in your cupboard.
The hack was shared on Reddit after one woman asked for advice on cleaning a toilet seat that was already discoloured when she first moved into her apartment.
She said: “This was how it was when we moved in, and the landlord said, ‘That was pre-existing, so we won’t be addressing it.’ The whole seat and cover are just yellow/brownish (not sure how that happens, and don’t want to know). I have tried Clorox spray, but nothing changed.
“I had the thought of sanding it and repainting it, but I wouldn’t know what type of paint or sealant to use. Any tips or suggestions appreciated!”
While several people told her to bin the toilet seat and get a new one, those who didn’t want to promote needless waste said there was a simple way to remove the stains – using baking soda.
One person said: “Baking soda and peroxide. I, for one, don’t love the thought of throwing away perfectly functional items to sit forever in a landfill if they can be disinfected and restored.”
Another added: “Baking soda and a little water. You will thank me later.”
Baking soda can be used to lift stains from toilet seats either by mixing it into a paste with water, or by combining it with white vinegar directly on the stains. In either case, leave the mixture to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing gently with an old toothbrush and wiping the seat with a damp cloth.
Most people will have baking soda in their kitchen cupboards already for use in cooking but, if you need to buy some, it costs around 65p from most major supermarkets.
How to lift yellow stains from a toilet seat
Baking soda and vinegar:
- Sprinkle baking soda evenly onto the stained areas of the toilet seat.
- Pour a small amount of white vinegar over the baking soda. It will fizz, which helps lift stains.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Scrub the stains gently with a scrub brush or toothbrush.
- Wipe the seat with a damp cloth and rinse thoroughly.
Lemon juice and baking soda:
- Sprinkle baking soda onto the stained areas of the toilet seat.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the baking soda to create a paste.
- Scrub the stains gently with a brush or toothbrush.
- Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse with water and dry the seat.
Do not use abrasive scrubbers such as steel wool or abrasive cleaning products, as these may scratch the surface of your toilet seat. To prevent toilet seat stains, you should clean your toilet weekly and avoid prolonged exposure to cleaning products or urine, which can lead to discolouration over time.
