Toilet seat stains can be quite a bother, originating from various sources including accidental urine splashes for those who skimp on cleaning routines.
Those living in areas with hard water are all too familiar with the gruelling fight against yellow limescale build-up, which forms as water evaporates post-flush, allowing minerals to stake their claim. Moreover, some household cleaners might turn out to be foes rather than allies, with concentrated harsh bleaches tainting white plastic toilet seats with an unwelcome yellow hue.
A perplexed homeowner, troubled by stubborn yellow stains lurking under her toilet seat, took to the internet for advice, posting a request on the popular Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group. Sharon Burch asked fellow cleaning buffs: “How can I clean the yellowing on the underneath of a white toilet seat please?”
This prompted an influx of suggestions, with over 150 Mrs Hinch fans rushing to impart their wisdom, reports the Express. Though a few recommended trying bleach, the majority leaned away from that approach.
Petra Williams said: “Bleaching makes it yellow in the first place.” Meanwhile, Lindsey Nicholas said: “Not bleach on plastic. Turns it yellow.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Sue Munro added: “Bleach is what makes the plastic go yellow.” Louise Boyle shared a word of warning from personal experience, she said: “Yes totally agree, did the thing with tissue soaked in bleach and shut the lid, big mistake. It not only left a big mark on the toilet lid, but it did not remove the yellow.”
Ditching bleach in favour of a more natural solution, enthusiastic cleaners have put forward a mix of baking soda and white vinegar as an effective remedy. One particularly keen cleaner praised it as a “magic paste” for its stain-removal prowess.
Cathleen Nic Giolla said: “Form a paste with white vinegar and baking soda. Apply to the toilet seat and scrub off with the rough side of a sponge. For stubborn stains leave the paste on for around 10 minutes. Worked wonders for our toilet seat, when even bleach wouldn’t take it off. The paste is magic.”
Adding to the conversation, Sandy Jackson said: “Get some baking soda and add just enough white vinegar to form a paste. Cover all of the stains in the paste and leave it to sit for a few minutes.
“Then using a non-scratch sponge, gently scrub the area. You shouldn’t even need to scrub. Our toilet seats are always covered in yellow stains because we have hard water and this works for us.”
Stacey Craft added: “I used bicarbonate soda and water and an old toothbrush. Helped lots.” Yetunde Aras said: “White vinegar and some baking soda, use to wipe it properly, only if it’s not wood though. It works a treat on the plastic ones.”
Rebecca Sandford said: “Try white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Leave it to work for 10 minutes before wiping it off.”
Meanwhile, Annette Tunstall added: “Baking soda and white vinegar, mix it into a paste and rub on. Leave for about 30 minutes and it should look fine.”