|
Find a
prequalified contractor
in your area. Select your project and we'll help you get the best
quote! |
Toilet bowls are extremely hard, smooth and resistant to most chemicals. They are formed from a ceramic-clay similar to wall or floor tile, and are specially glazed to have a glass-like or "vitreous" surface... hence the name "vitreous" china. This smoothness is important to inhibit the growth of germs by making it difficult for anything to stick to it. Most materials that could be used for a toilet would not rinse as "clean" after a flush as vitreous china! Lets' move on... However, constant exposure to minerals and chemicals can take its toll on vitreous china, requiring more-than-superficial cleaning. There are a few very potent cleaning products that that will work. They are of two types... acid-based or chlorine-based.
Commercial toilet bowl cleaners are acid-based, allowing them to virtually dissolve mineral deposits and stains caused by hard and iron-rich water. They are also very strong disinfectants. Because of their high acidity, though, acid-based cleaners are also very dangerous to the skin and eyes and can damage a wide variety of surfaces. Always follow the label directions carefully and wear gloves and eye protection. Chlorine bleach may also be used, but it will not have any significant effect on mineral stains. In fact, a good way to know if the stains are from minerals is if they are resistant to chlorine! Just add a half cup or so of liquid household bleach to the toilet water. Then swish it around with a toilet brush to get it under the rim. Try not to slosh it out of the bowl, as the chlorine is also dangerous to skin and some materials. Let it sit for a few minutes... then flush. |