Blue Ring In Toilet Bowl (Cleaning Guide)
Noticed a blue ring in your toilet bowl that just won't go away?
You're not alone. This is a common problem in many households, but the good news is that you can get rid of it with items you probably already have at home.
In this post, I’ll explain what causes this, and show you how to remove blue ring in toilet bowl.
What Causes A Blue Ring In The Toilet Bowl?
A blue ring in the toilet bowl is usually caused by high copper levels in your water supply.
When your water becomes acidic, it pulls copper from your plumbing pipes, and that copper creates blue or bluish-green stains right around the waterline of your toilet bowl.
You'll notice these stains most often at the water level and where water flows down from your tank.
Sometimes it can also happen because of corrosive water conditions or when different metals in your plumbing system interact with each other.
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In some cases, mold or mildew might be the cause too.
How To Get Rid Of Blue Ring In Toilet Bowl
Now that we understand what causes these blue rings, let me go over 6 effective cleaning methods you can try at home:
#1 Baking Soda And Vinegar
Let's start with a natural cleaning method that works really well.
First, pour a cup of white vinegar into your toilet bowl. Wait just a minute, then add a cup of baking soda, followed by two more cups of vinegar.
You'll see it start to fizz - that's exactly what we want! This fizzing action helps break down those stubborn stains.
Let it work its magic for about 10 minutes, then grab your toilet brush and give it a good scrub. Make sure to focus on the stained areas above the waterline and under the rim.
That should remove the blue ring in your toilet bowl.
Want even better results? Let the mixture hang out for another 30 minutes before flushing.
#2 Ammonia And Water
Another way to get rid of blue toilet rings is with ammonia.
Now, this method needs some careful handling, but it works great. Before you start, open your windows and turn on the bathroom fan - ventilation is super important here.
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Mix one cup of ammonia with one cup of water, and please wear protective eyewear and gloves while you do this. Pour your mixture into the toilet bowl and give it 10 minutes.
Then scrub away at those softened stains with your toilet brush, flush, and clean your brush.
Finish up with another flush and keep the bathroom ventilated for another half hour.
#3 Borax
Borax is another great option for tackling these blue stains.
Sprinkle about a quarter to half cup of Borax around the inside of your toilet bowl, making sure to cover all the stained spots. For regular stains, let it sit for around 20 minutes.
Got some really stubborn ones? Leave it overnight.
The natural mineral properties of Borax help break down the copper deposits while being gentle on your plumbing.
After waiting, give everything a thorough scrub with your toilet brush and flush it all away.
#4 Cola
Here's a cleaning trick that might surprise you - grab a can of cola (regular or diet, both work fine). Pour the whole can into your toilet bowl and leave it there for several hours or overnight.
The acids in the cola work to break down those stains, making them much easier to remove.
The phosphoric acid in cola is particularly effective at dissolving mineral deposits. After waiting, just scrub with your toilet brush and flush.
If some stains remain, a second application might do the trick.
#5 Pumice Stone
A pumice stone can work wonders on these blue stains, but you need to be careful with this one. We don't want to damage the porcelain finish of your toilet.
Always get the pumice stone wet before you use it, and don't press too hard while scrubbing the stained areas. Work in small, circular motions and keep both the stone and the toilet surface wet throughout the process.
You might notice a powder forming as you scrub - that's normal. Just rinse frequently to check your progress.
This should be your last resort when other methods aren't cutting it.
#6 Commercial Toilet Bowl Cleaners
Sometimes the home remedies might not be strong enough (that happens very rarely though), and that's when commercial cleaners come in handy.
Look for products that are specifically made for hard water stains.
Cleaners with hydrochloric acid, like Lysol's Lime & Rust Remover, are particularly good at dissolving mineral buildup and getting rid of tough stains.
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Just make sure to read and follow all the instructions and safety warnings on the product label.
Bottom Line
Those blue rings in your toilet bowl happen because of copper deposits from acidic water, but you've got plenty of options for getting rid of them.
Whether you prefer using natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar, or need something stronger from the store, the key is to tackle these stains before they get too set in.
Make cleaning a regular habit, and you'll have an easier time keeping those rings away.
FAQs
Urine Leaves Blue Ring In Toilet
Urine itself does not naturally leave a blue ring in the toilet. However, a blue ring can form when urine mixes with certain toilet cleaning products, particularly those that contain blue dyes or chemicals like copper.
The reaction between these chemicals and compounds in urine, such as uric acid, can cause a blue or greenish stain around the toilet bowl.
Green Ring In Toilet
A green ring in the toilet is also caused by a buildup of minerals from hard water, or by a reaction between toilet cleaners and the minerals.
It can also be caused by algae or mold growth in the bowl.