There’s something deeply satisfying about wiping away the dust and grime that builds up in our homes. But the job isn’t always as simple as spritzing and swiping — especially in the bathroom, where hard water stains wreak havoc on sinks, showers, and toilets. If you’re fed up with stubborn toilet bowl rings, put down…
What Is Hydrochloric Acid?
Hydrochloric acid is a heavy-duty cleaning agent potent enough to dissolve mineral deposits. While these cleaners won’t prevent future rings — we have a bonus hack for that below — they easily lift buildup, ensuring your toilet reflects all the hard work you put into cleaning it.
Heavy-Duty Mineral Melters
When stocking up on bathroom cleaning supplies, look for products formulated with hydrochloric acid, such as Lysol Lime and Rust or Bar Keepers Friend Toilet Bowl Cleaner. These are designed to tackle the toughest cleaning jobs, from rusty faucets to calcified toilet rings. Bar Keepers Friend is valued for its mild abrasiveness — similar to baking soda or Bon Ami powder cleanser — which adds some extra oomph to your scrubbing.
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For the best results, use a scoop to remove most of the water from the toilet bowl. Apply the solution under the rim, allowing it to drip down and coat the sides. Let the formula sit for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for deep stains, to maximize its effectiveness. Then, use a stiff-bristled toilet brush to scrub away the mineral deposits. Flush the toilet to rinse away any remaining product and repeat the process if staining persists.
To prevent the rings from coming back, drop an IRON Out tablet into your toilet’s tank every 45 days. Do this immediately after flushing while the tank is nearly empty, placing it in a rear corner away from the valve. These septic-safe tablets work to reduce stains and mineral deposit buildup with every flush.
