Yellow stains are unpleasant and unfortunately can be found on toilet seats all over the world. You might associate them with public restrooms in malls and gas stations, but that's not the only place they can occur. Yellow toilet stains are also not uncommon in private households. And no matter how much you clean and how careful you are, these stains can always come back. Find out in our article what the causes of dirt are and what home remedies you can use to clean a yellowed toilet seat!
Causes of yellow stains on toilet seats
- Urine pollution
Urine stains are the cause that most people automatically think of when trying to clean a yellowed toilet seat. Over time, small splashes and drips build up, creating an unpleasant residue that then leaves stains if left untreated. The longer the urine stays on the plastic, the darker the color becomes and the worse the stain becomes. Even after the urine dries, the color will continue to darken for some time. - Hard water
The minerals in the water in hard water areas are another cause of yellow spots. When the toilet flushes, the water can splash up onto the bottom of the seat, and as the water evaporates, it canleave mineral deposits (limescale) behind. If limescale builds up, it can develop a yellow color, which will damage the surface of the plastic and cause stains.
- cleaning chemicals
Some cleaning chemicals can damage white plastics and cause discoloration. This is usually due to harsh chemicals such as: B. strong bleaches that are not diluted. - sunlight
We all know that sunlight can cause sunburn in people and pets, but few people think about the effects sunlight can have on plastics, including toilet seats. Sunburn can turn plastic yellow. If your toilet is in direct view of a window, the yellow ones may appearStains on the toilet seatare due to sunburn.
Clean yellowed toilet seats with home remedies
Now that you know what causes yellowStains on the toiletis, you will want to know how to get rid of them. There are a number of methods you can use to remove these stains. Bleach is the easiest method, but we prefer to use natural alternatives. Regardless of the method you choose, you should avoid harsh abrasives such as metal brushes as they will leave scratches on the toilet seat. These not only look unsightly, but also make it difficult to clean the toilet seat in the future. You should also protect the surrounding area, especially soft furniture or fabrics. Whatever method you choose, take appropriate precautions; always wear gloves!
Sodium bicarbonate and white vinegar
Sodium bicarbonate and distilled white vinegar are popular eco-friendly household cleaners. To clean your toilet seat, all you need to do is make a paste using equal parts baking soda and distilled white vinegar. Apply the paste to the toilet seat and leave it on for between 10 and 30 minutes. Scrub away the stains, then wipe the toilet seat with a cloth dipped in clean, warm water. If stains still remain, repeat the process. Finally, dry the toilet seat thoroughly.
Use lemon juice as a cleaning agent
The acidic properties of lemon juice can remove yellow stains and limescale deposits. Simply mix a cup of lemon juice with a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the toilet seat and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Wipe the seat with plenty of clean water and dry it thoroughly.
Clean yellowed toilet seats with cola
Cola drinks, whether branded or unbranded, contain phosphoric acid as the main ingredient. It breaks down limescale easily and is therefore ideal for removing limescale deposits on the toilet seat. To use cola, place a bottle of cola drink in a small bucket. Soak a small piece of cloth or a towel in the cola. Place the damp cloth on the toilet seat and leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes. Then wipe off.
Prevent yellow stains on the toilet seat
The best way to solve the yellowed toilet seat problem is to avoid it altogether. If you don't clean your toilet seat every time you urinate, or at least once a day, you will quickly see yellow stains. By ensuring that the toilet seat is wiped down as soon as necessary and once a weekis cleaned properly, you can prevent yellow spots regardless of their cause. If you find that your yellow stains are caused by your chosen cleaning chemicals damaging the plastic, switch to a gentler solution or use the natural cleaners above!
