How can I thoroughly clean a toilet ring?

Sherry Hall
by Sherry Hall

How can the invisible ring (build up?) that seems to be left even after the toilet has been cleaned?

  12 answers
  • Spray some WD40 onto the sides and let it side for awhile and then wipe off with a toilet brush

  • Peggy L Burnette Peggy L Burnette on Dec 12, 2018

    Hi Sherry, sorry you can't get the toilet as clean as you want. Here is a video on cleaning the calcium build up. Good luck and Merry Christmas How To Remove Stubborn Toilet Buildup (calcium deposits) - YouTube

    1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3or9o_vIJVw

    â–¶ 1:46

    Dec 17, 2015 - Uploaded by Jim G

    Calcium buildup on porcelain can be frustrating. If you're like everybody else, you've tried every household ...

  • Within the Grove Within the Grove on Dec 12, 2018

    Try Barkeeper's Friend!! It has done wonders for us with those tough toilet stains!

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Dec 12, 2018

    CLR and stiff toilet brush

    • See 1 previous
    • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Dec 13, 2018

      i put papertowel soaked with it on ring area so it doesn't run down bowl so it will stay in area I need to clean or use pumice stone as ladies suggested

  • Buy a product called "Scouring Stick". It's a pumice stone and can be found in Walmart.

  • Arnytracy Arnytracy on Dec 12, 2018

    I have used CLR (made to dissolve calcium, lime, and rust) and one of the pumice stone if things get bad. The important thing to remember when you get an improvement is to not let the toilet sit too long between cleanings. My problem toilets often were one's where the toilet was not used for a long time, so even if it was clean at first, a calcium ring formed.


    I also have noticed that once a toilet develops that problem it is more likely it will return if your do not frequently clean the toilet. I find it also helps in my experience to swish a little CLR around the toilet every week or two -- even if you do not yet notice a new ring forming. Good luck!

  • Dsouther Dsouther on Dec 12, 2018

    Walmart Scouring stick (which is a pumice kind of like Lava Soap) works the best for my toilets. After I used it the first time, I realized that it took a long time before the ring showed up again. Make sure you buy a pair of long rubber gloves because you will need to actually submerge your hand into the bowl and scrub the ring. Or at least that is what i do. If this idea does not appeal to you then try emptying a liter bottle of coke or pepsi in the bowl and let it set over night.

  • Sage1956 Sage1956 on Dec 16, 2018

    I had the same problem. Couldn't get rid of the ring no matter what I did until I came across a product by Lysol that comes in a black bottle. I let the liquid sit for awhile & when I brushed & flushed most of the ring was gone. i use it 2 more times & the ring was gone. I haven't had a problem since. Still use the product.

    • Bink Bink on Feb 06, 2019

      I searched for Lysol toilet cleaner in a black bottle and couldn't find one. What is the name of it?

  • Sage1956 Sage1956 on Feb 06, 2019

    I have downloaded a picture of the Lysol product that I still use to keep the ring out of my bowl. I buy it at Walmart.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Mar 15, 2023

    Flush the toilet and then pour a quarter cup of Borax into it. Use your toilet brush to swish it around. Next, add one to two cups of vinegar and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. You should be able to scrub the stains away!