How to Get Rid of a Toilet Bowl Ring

Cost-effective ways to clean the can

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: March 13, 2023 References

No matter how hard you try to keep your toilet clean, your porcelain throne may end up with unsightly rings. Fortunately, these eyesores—usually caused by hard water—can be easily (and inexpensively) removed by using a few easy tricks. We'll show you 4 ways to banish those rings using either a pumice stone, baking soda and vinegar, lemon Kool-Aid, or dryer sheets.

Things You Should Know

Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl and let it sit for 1 hour. Then, spray vinegar on the rings and scrub them away with a toilet brush.
Rub a wet pumice stone along the rings to scrub them away.
Spread a packet of lemon Kool-Aid over the rings and let it sit for 1 hour, then use a toilet brush to scrub the rings out.
Scrub the rings off the porcelain with a wad of coarse dryer sheet. Remember to wear gloves!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Scrubbing With Baking Soda and Vinegar

1
Sprinkle baking soda in your toilet bowl. Baking soda is an effective, natural, and non-abrasive cleanser that can safely remove the rings in your toilet. Simply open a box of baking soda, and sprinkle a generous amount around the bowl of your toilet.^{[1]
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2
Wait 1 hour (or longer). Allow the baking soda to begin breaking down your hard water stains by giving it some time to sit. Set a timer, and let the baking soda sit for at least 1 hour. While you wait, place some diluted white vinegar in a spray bottle.^{[2]
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3
Moisten the baking soda with vinegar spray. Used together, vinegar and baking soda create a powerhouse of natural cleansing. Take your spray bottle of vinegar and spray the inside of your toilet bowl. Use only a small amount of vinegar at a time, and add more as needed.^{[3]
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4
Scrub the toilet bowl vigorously. Using a toilet brush, vigorously scrub away your rings. If it is left to sit in your toilet system for too long, vinegar can potentially cause damage to your toilet's inner-workings. In order to prevent this, be sure to flush your toilet at least three times after your scrubbing is done.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Cleaning With a Pumice Stone

1
Grab a pumice stone. Pumice stones are known for their ability to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. If you have one of these objects lying around, it can do wonders for your toilet bowl! You can also purchase a pumice stone affixed to a stick--known as a Pumie--created for this very purpose.^{[5]
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- If you'll be using a traditional pumice stone, you will need to submerge your hands in water, and you may want to wear rubber gloves and a plastic apron.
2
Submerge the stone in water. Before you begin scrubbing your toilet, it is important to soften the pumice stone in water. Place the stone inside your toilet bowl and wait 15 minutes.
3
Rub any toilet rings with the stone. Once the stone has softened a bit, simply rub it against the rings in your toilet. The pumice stone acts almost like a pencil eraser, removing hard water rings before your eyes! When you are finished, give your toilet a flush.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Scrubbing With Lemon Kool-Aid

1
Apply lemon Kool-aid to the toilet bowl. Open a small package of lemon Kool-aid (available for $0.25 USD at many grocery stores). Sprinkle the Kool-aid powder all over your toilet bowl, making sure it covers the rings.^{[6]
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Wait 1 hour. Once you have successfully applied the Kool-aid powder, set a timer for 1 hour. Make sure that no one in your household uses the toilet during this time.^{[7]
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Scrub your toilet. Using a toilet brush, scrub the lemon Kool-aid into your toilet bowl. Work in a circular motion, paying particular attention to the rings. When you are done, flush the toilet.^{[8]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Removing Rings With Dryer Sheets

1
Save your old dryer sheets. Another effective tool for removing the rings in your toilet is a regular dryer sheet. In fact, used dryer sheets work a bit better than new ones! After you remove the clothes from your dryer, retain your used dryer sheets.
2
Wear rubber gloves. This method for removing toilet bowl rings involves placing your hands into the toilet water. In order to avoid contact with germs, you want to wear rubber gloves.
3
Scrub your toilet. Rub the dryer sheet against the rings in your toilet and watch them vanish. When you are finished, give your toilet a flush. Dryer sheets can be used for cleaning your sink, tub, shower and any other surfaces in your bathroom, as well.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Is it better to wear a plastic apron when cleaning toilets?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Wearing a disposable plastic apron can be beneficial when cleaning toilets so that any germs and bacteria that get on the apron can be thrown away, and not transferred to other parts of your house. Avoid using an apron that you would wear in the kitchen.
Question

Sometimes I don't flush the toilet and leave my waste in the bowl. It has left a ring that I can't get off and now my dad might have to buy a new toilet. What should I do?

Community Answer

Try a stronger cleaning product and leave it in the bowl for a while before you try scrubbing again. And most of all, flush from now on.