No one likes a rusty toilet bowl/tank. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be difficult to clean. If you’re dealing with rust stains in your toilet, there’s no need to worry – with a little elbow grease and the right cleaning supplies, you can have your toilet looking like new in no time.
Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to remove rust stains from your toilet tank and bowl, followed by potential causes and how to prevent your toilet from rusting again in the future.
What you'll need:
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Toilet brush
- Rubber gloves
- Cleaning cloths
- Old toothbrush (optional)

How to clean rust from the toilet tank:
Step 1: Stir together equal parts vinegar and baking soda to form a paste.
Step 2: Put on your rubber gloves and apply the paste to the rust stains.
Step 3: Let the paste sit on the stains for 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Using your toilet brush, scrub the paste into the stains until they start to disappear. For stubborn stains, you may need to use an old toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 5: Wipe away the paste with a cleaning cloth. Be sure to rinse away any residue so that it doesn’t end up causing more staining later on.
Step 6: Repeat steps 2-5 as necessary until the rust stains are gone completely.
Why is my toilet rusting?
There are a few reasons why toilet tanks and bowls might rust, but one of the most common reasons is if your home has hard water with high levels of minerals like iron – this will corrode various elements of your toilet (and other house plumbing) over time.
If you think your home might have hard water which is taking its toll on your plumbing system, it might be worth calling a professional plumber. At Plumbform, we specialise in all forms of residential and commercial plumbing solutions; from sewer and drainage to hot water systems, gas plumbing and even roofing/guttering. For exceptional plumbing services in Brisbane, don’t hesitate to call us today.
