How to get rid of a toilet ring, so it's no longer a permanent feature

Join our newsletter Thank you for signing up to Realhomes. You will receive a verification email shortly.

There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions (opens in new tab) and Privacy Policy (opens in new tab) and are aged 16 or over.

IDK about you, but cleaning my toilet is pretty straightforward and doesn’t take long at all. A quick spritz of my go-to bathroom cleaner, a little wiping, and a squirt of bleach in the bowl, and I’m good to go.

Sometimes this kind of routine isn’t enough to prevent certain issues from occurring, such as the development of an ugly — and seriously stubborn — toilet ring.  Whether you’ve just noticed that your toilet has begun to develop an icky brown-hued ring at the water line or it’s been a problem for a while that won’t go away no matter how many toilet cleaning hacks you try, you might wonder how you can get rid of the stubborn stain. 

This is one bathroom cleaning issue that I’m all too familiar with. The day I moved into my first apartment, I was greeted with a rather grimy-looking toilet ring that, no matter how hard I scrubbed, I just couldn’t seem to get rid of.

That was until I found the perfect techniques. FYI, they’re all super easy to do. 

Good to know

Time: 5-10 minutes depending on the method.  Difficulty: Easy 

Helpful hints: Make sure that you have a sturdy toilet brush, a flimsy little thing won’t cut it

Here’s what you’ll need

How to get rid of a toilet ring

Step 1: Pour white vinegar into the toilet bowl 

Measure out one cup of distilled white vinegar (we’d recommend this Heinz vinegar from Amazon (opens in new tab)) and pour it into the bowl of the toilet. Let it sit for a minute or two. 

Step 2: Add baking soda 

Fill a cup halfway with baking soda (we always recommend Arm & Hammer from Amazon (opens in new tab)) and then pour it into the toilet bowl onto the white vinegar. When the two ingredients mix, the mixture should begin to froth and fizz. 

Step 3: Let the mixture sit 

Leave the mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to sit for around five minutes. 

Step 4: Scrub the toilet ring  

Put on your rubber gloves and use a toilet brush (a silicone one like this one from Amazon (opens in new tab) is best) to gently scrub around the toilet ring, removing the build-up. 

Step 5: Flush the toilet 

Once you’ve removed as much of the ring mark as possible, flush the toilet to wash away any loose fragments and to remove the vinegar and baking soda from the toilet bowl. 

Step 6: Buff with a pumice stone 

To remove any leftover toilet ring staining, gently use a pumice stone (this one from Amazon is on a handle it easier (opens in new tab)) to buff around the ring mark.

This should ensure that any leftover staining is removed. 

FAQs

Is it safe to use vinegar and baking soda in your toilet?

Yes, as long as you don’t mix either vinegar or baking soda with any cleaning chemicals, it’s safe to use them in your toilet bowl. 

Why does vinegar and baking soda remove a toilet ring?

When mixed together, vinegar and baking soda create a chemical reaction that acts like a mini eruption, helping to remove stubborn stains, such as toilet bowl rings. 

What causes a toilet bowl ring?

It’s basically a build up of hard water or bacteria and mold that has been caused by germs or fungus from within the water.

This then sticks to the edge of the toilet bowl and a not-so-lovely ring is formed.

premier-inn listed on couponmatrix.ukdune listed on couponmatrix.uklovetheatre listed on couponmatrix.ukroxy listed on couponmatrix.ukweird-fish listed on couponmatrix.ukwickes listed on couponmatrix.uk
premier-inn listed on couponmatrix.ukFinding a hotel for an affordable price can be a struggle. Whitbread, the current owners of Premier Inn, understand that frustration. That’s why they balanced the luxury and comfort of a top hotel with a price range which doesn’t break the bank – even without a Premier Inn discount code handy! Say no to costly overnight stays and overpriced food, and get the rest and recuperation you need at a competitive price with Premier Inn.
dune listed on couponmatrix.ukPut your best foot forward with a purchase from Dune, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of stylish footwear. Whether you’re after something formal or something a little more casual, with a Dune discount code from Groupon you’ll save yourself a pretty penny on your new favourite footwear. There’s a great range of styles on offer for both men and women, so you’ll really hit the ground running when you shop with Dune.
lovetheatre listed on couponmatrix.ukLOVEtheatre is the web's foremost seat booking service for West End shows and plays, making it easier than ever before to get the seats you want with minimal notice at the best possible price. Add our Love Theatre discount code into the mix and you'll enjoy even better value for money, with dozens of award-winning productions on offer from classic operas and toe-tapping musicals to thought-provoking plays and epic Shakespearean tales.
roxy listed on couponmatrix.ukAs the little sister of surf giant Quiksilver, Roxy offers affordable and stylish swimwear, apparel, accessories, footwear and more that is built to withstand life on the beach. When you fancy a laid back aesthetic from products that will stand the test of time, grab yourself a Roxy discount code and discover Roxy’s amazing range for less. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re in for a treat when you shop with Roxy.
weird-fish listed on couponmatrix.ukGive your wardrobe a dose of effortlessly cool style with the casual fashion from Weird Fish. Grab a Weird Fish discount code from us to stock up on comfortable polos and stylish tees for the summer months or elegant shifts and cosy coats when the colder season descends. With laidback designs for men, women and children alike on offer, you can kit out the whole family in high quality clothing for less with Weird Fish in your corner.
wickes listed on couponmatrix.ukWe all like to keep our house in order all year round with help from Wickes. Whether you're looking for DIY advice, a new Wickes kitchen or a simply lick of paint, choose a Wickes discount code from Groupon and find it all for less. No project is too big or too costly, whether you are redecorating, renovating or working on your garden, simply discover the many ways that Wickes can help you to improve your home for less.