Yellow toilet seat stains can be removed in 30 minutes using a paste made from just two natural household ingredients, according to professional cleaners. The method requires no scrubbing and no household bleach.
The two-ingredient cleaning method
Commercial cleaning pros at The Clean Group shared the technique in an Instagram video. Their "secret for stubborn toilet stains" uses bicarbonate of soda and hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidising agent that can kill germs, bleach colours and break down organic matter. It is also used in industrial bleaching, some hair dyes, and teeth whitening products.
Baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda, is a mild alkaline substance that reacts with acids such as vinegar. It can be used in baking as a leavening agent, for cleaning to remove grease, and to remove bad smells from fridges, carpets and shoes.
How to apply the paste
To make the paste, mix a third of a cup of bicarbonate of soda with three tablespoons of 6% hydrogen peroxide. Spread the paste over the yellow stains using a sponge or cloth, and leave it to work for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, wipe it off with a clean cloth.
The experts said the two natural ingredients "break down into water and oxygen so they are totally safe to use and flush away". Despite being natural, it is always best to wear gloves when handling peroxide.
Alternative soda crystal method
Cleaning guru Nancy Birtwhistle has shared a popular alternative method using soda crystals. She recommends taking the toilet seat off and soaking it in a bathtub filled with hot water and 100g of soda crystals.
Nancy allowed her two stained toilet seats to soak for four hours, but one person who tried the approach reported that the stains disappeared in only 15 minutes. Another user, @sonya1904, commented: "Did this the other day and it works a treat. The stains were gone in 15 minutes without having to scrub. Thanks, Nancy."
While waiting for the seat to soak, Nancy used the time to clean the rest of the toilet with all-purpose antibacterial spray and an old toothbrush. When she checked after four hours, the water had turned a pale brown and the stains were completely gone.
