Plumber shares how to remove toilet seat stains without using bleach

The toilet seat may not be one’s favourite place in the home. But it’s a necessary one. As a spot often visited throughout the day, it can be uninviting when the toilet is filthy and stained.

Often, limescale can build up on the toilet and result in a nasty yellow stain which is not what households want to see when they go to the loo.

Urine stains are also very common. When urine splashes onto the seat and dries in, it leaves behind a stain.

Toilet seats can also become discoloured from cleaning chemicals. Sunlight is also the culprit to yellowing.

To remove these yellow stains, no matter the cause, bathroom expert Peter Clayton, from Trade Plumbing, has shared his top two methods that do not include bleach.

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Known for their powerful cleaning abilities, Peter claimed that mixing baking soda and white vinegar has become an “affordable household method for removing stains”.

He explained that these ingredients react when mixed, creating a chemical reaction, that is completely safe and proven to lift tough stains.

Use equal parts vinegar and baking soda mixed with a tiny amount of warm water to create a paste. Then scrub any stained areas with an old toothbrush or scrubber.

After some elbow grease, the stains should start to lift and households will be left with “a gleaming toilet seat”.

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It is important to note that sometimes this may take more than one application of the mixture in order to completely remove stains so be patient and you'll get there.

For those who don't have white vinegar to hand, baking soda alone makes an “effective cleaner”. Simply place a few tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl and add small amounts of warm water until a paste is formed.

Peter said: “This can be buffed into the toilet seat using circular motions and then left for 10 minutes to work its magic. Make sure to wipe with a damp cloth to remove the excess mixture".

The second way to remove stains without bleach is to use lemon juice. The plumbing expert claimed that lemon juice has acidic properties that make it “perfect for stain removal”. He said: “Not only is it an affordable choice but it is also an easily accessible household product.”

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Simply squeeze a cup of lemon juice and use a cloth to buff the juice into the toilet seat. Let the lemon juice sit for 10 to 20 minutes and then take a damp cloth to remove the mixture. Peter assured: “The stains should easily wipe off but if not a quick scrub should lift any remaining stains.”

To prevent stains in the future, the expert recommends carrying out regular cleaning. He said: “Make sure you are cleaning your toilet seat at least once a week. This will prevent dirt from accumulating and stop tough stains from forming.” This doesn't have to be a time-consuming process, simply some disinfectant spray and a quick wipe with a damp cloth will do the trick.

Peter urged: “Avoid using bleach on or near your toilet seat, this is as the bleach reacts with the plastic and creates the yellow stains. Many homeowners use bleach to directly target these stains and do not realise they may be the cause of these yellow marks.”

Toilets placed in direct sunlight can often develop yellow stains due to UV light. To avoid this, make sure to close the toilet lid after every use and shut the curtains or blinds to block the sunlight. For those worried about the lack of natural light, they can use sheer curtains as they will block harsh sunlight while allowing natural light into the bathroom.