A lot of families in Canton and Chestnut Hill search for this question! “How to get rid of these tough, stubborn rust stains from my toilet.” Worry not! We got you covered in this blog! Consider these options for getting rid of those persistent rings and streaks, along with what not to do.
What Not To Use If You Don’t Want Bigger Problems
If your first instinct was to grab bleach—hold it right there.
Bleach makes rust worse. Why? Rust is caused by oxidized iron. Bleach is an oxidizing chemical. So, instead of removing the rust, you’re making it stronger, deeper, and harder to clean.
Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals that contain sodium hypochlorite.
And don’t grab anything rough like steel wool or hard-bristle brushes. Porcelain scratches easily. Once that surface is damaged, it becomes a rust magnet. So, if you’re looking up how to clean rust stains from toilet bowl safely, rule #1 is: protect the porcelain.
We’ve got safe options that won’t leave scratches behind. If you’re wondering how to get rust stains out of toilet without harsh chemicals, good news—natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and borax hit hard without wrecking your porcelain.
And quick side note for anyone asking, “can a toilet unclog itself?” Technically, yes—if it’s a minor clog and you leave it alone, the water pressure might push it through. But don’t bet the house on that. For anything more than a light clog, grab a plunger or auger and handle it before it turns into a full-on backup.
Use a Pumice Stick
If you’ve seen a pumice stick and thought, “No way this thing works,” you’re not alone. But here’s the deal—it does.
A pumice stick is just abrasive enough to scrub off rust but soft enough not to damage the toilet. Wet the stone, then gently rub the stain in small circles. It will slowly grind down the stain and dissolve the rust without damaging your bowl. If you’ve got mineral buildup from hard water, pumice will handle that, too. Pair it with a natural cleaner below if the stain’s being extra stubborn.
Shaw’s Pads: Built by a Plumber Who Gets It
This isn’t some random brand pitch—Shaw’s Pads were created by a plumber who got sick of wasting time on tools that didn’t work.
These pads come with or without a handle. Wet the pad, apply some pressure, and work it over the rust stain using short scrubbing motions. They’re strong on stains and gentle on porcelain, which is exactly what you want when figuring out how to remove rust stains from toilet bowls without causing new issues.
Borax: The Old-School Method That Still Hits Hard
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that’s been used in cleaning since before your grandma’s grandma was scrubbing toilets. It’s in toothpaste and soaps, and yes—it handles rust like a champ.
If you want to try how to clean rust stains from toilet bowl naturally, this one’s for you.
Here’s how to do it:
- Option 1: Shut off the water, flush to empty the bowl, then sprinkle dry borax powder directly on the rust. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush or pumice stick.
- Option 2: Mix 1 cup of borax with ½ cup of lemon juice to form a gritty paste. Apply it with an old toothbrush or spatula. Once it starts to dry, scrub it with a cloth and rinse with warm water.
Heads up—borax has a strong smell, so turn on your bathroom fan and keep all windows open for ventilation.
Try Vinegar and Baking Soda
Ask anyone how to clean almost anything in their house, and they’ll mention vinegar. Here’s why: white distilled vinegar contains acetic acid, which dissolves rust stains and mineral buildup.
Option 1 – Spray Method
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle
- Spray the rust stains
- Let it sit for a few hours
- Scrub with a brush or flush away
Option 2 – Paste Method (for under-the-rim stains)
- Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part vinegar into a paste
- Apply under the rim using a toothbrush
- Let it sit for 1–2 hours
- Wipe clean or flush to rinse it all off
Standard kitchen vinegar has about 4% acetic acid. If it’s not cutting through the rust, grab industrial-strength vinegar (up to 45% concentration). You’ll find it online or at a local hardware store.
Using Coke to Remove Rust Stains
If you’re stuck and want a fast fix with something you’ve already got in your fridge—grab a bottle of Coca-Cola. You might have seen this trending on social media, and it’s for a good reason!
Here’s how to remove rust stains from toilet using Coke:
- Lower the water level in the bowl by shutting off the water valve and flushing
- Pour the Coke directly onto the rust stains
- Let it sit for 2–3 hours
- Flush and rinse with extra water
Why it works: Coke contains carbonic, citric, and phosphoric acids, all of which break down rust. It’s not a permanent solution, but it works in a pinch.
Caution! When trying any of these techniques, make sure to wear protective gear like gloves and eye protection. If it feels too difficult, our plumbers are always here to step in and get the job done quickly.
Still Got Rust? Bring In the Commercial Cleaners
If none of the natural options work, it’s time to level up.
Use a commercial rust cleaner like CLR (Calcium, Lime, Rust Remover). Just double-check that it’s porcelain-safe and septic-system friendly if that’s what you’ve got.
Use gloves. Vent the bathroom. Keep kids and pets far away. And don’t mix cleaners—one chemical reaction is enough for a day.
Too Much Rust? Green Energy Mechanical Has You Covered
If your toilet rust is part of a bigger issue—old plumbing, hard water, outdated pipes—it’s not just a stain problem anymore. It’s time for backup.
When you need dependable plumbing services around Canton, turn to the same company others have trusted since 2008. Green Energy Mechanical has expert plumbers available for a wide variety of residential plumbing needs, as well as NATE-certified technicians to provide heating and cooling installation, maintenance, and repair services. Call to schedule your plumbing service with one of our experts today.
Author: Jonathan Neves
Started in commercial HVAC at 17. Switched to residential because people matter more than square footage. Founded Green Energy Mechanical to bring real work, real service, and a team that treats customers like humans—not service tickets.
