A clean toilet seat is a comfort everyone craves, especially those who prefer white toilet seats. There are wide varieties of toilet seats on the market today with different qualities.
Stain-resistant toilet seats are popular today because they prevent stains from forming on the toilet seat surface and are simple to clean and maintain.
On the other hand, having a toilet seat prone to staining can be an eyesore to everyone who visits the bathroom daily, especially if you have visitors who are more likely to use the toilet.
Many factors can cause your toilet seat to turn yellow, including limescale, urine, dirt, and UV light effects. The yellow stains appear over time, regardless of how clean the restroom is.
Knowing the source of the yellow stains on your toilet seat is important because, even though most of the cleaning techniques are somewhat similar, knowing the source will make it easier to figure out which method is suitable.
In this post, we will cover:
- Causes of yellow stains on toilet seats
- How do you get Yellow Stain off your Toilet Seats?
- Do Vinegar Effectively Remove Urine Stains?
- Why is my Toilet Seat Stain Blue?
- Do Plastic Toilet Seats Stains?
Table of Contents
Causes of Yellow Stains on Toilet Seats
There are various causes of yellow stains on the seat and these have been elaborately discussed below.
Hard Water
Hard water causes stains on toilet seats that may appear impossible to remove. The water contains calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are components that cling to surfaces, including the toilet seat.
The yellowing is caused by the three minerals mentioned above, which create a yellow layer when they cling to the surface of the seat.
Sunlight Effects
One unknown negative impact that affects the color of a toilet seat is UV light from the sun. This is something that is easily overlooked.
However, over time, your toilet seat and lid may begin to change color from glossy white to greyish and yellowing.
Urine Stains
A toilet seat’s purpose is to make using the toilet more comfortable. When our male counterparts go to the toilet for a quick call, most of them urinate on the toilet seat, and if not cleaned properly, the urine will cause stains on the surface, and you will soon notice yellow spots on the toilet seat.
Read: Can Toilet Seats be Painted
How do you Get Yellow Stains off Toilet Seat?
There are several methods for removing yellow stains from your toilet seat, which are discussed below:
Vinegar
Vinegar is a low-cost cleaning agent that removes stains, particularly from stained toilet seats. The solution is highly acidic and has a mild odor, making it the best cleaning agent available.
The cleaning process begins with the application of vinegar to the stained areas. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to soften the stain on the surface. Then, using the brush, gently scrub the seat. Scrub the seat until it is completely clean.
Another method is to pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and then spray it on the affected areas.
Allow it to sit for a few minutes before cleaning the seat with a clean damp cloth or rag. The second process can be repeated several times until the seat regains its original color.
Pumice Rock
Pumice is one such rock that can be useful in various situations, including removing stains from a toilet seat. However, it is a more manual job, so if you prefer this method, you should be prepared.
Begin by soaking the stone in water for about fifteen minutes to soften the structure of the stone, then identify the stained areas and scrub the stained area gently to remove all the stains on the surface of your toilet seat.
Continue this process until all the stains on the toilet seat have been removed, and then clean the toilet seat with clean water to remove dirt and stain from the seat’s surface.
Borax Powder
This is an effective cleaning agent for removing all hard water, dirt, and urine stains from the toilet seat. Before applying the Borax powder to the affected area, it should be mixed with clean water.
Apply the solution to the stain areas and allow it to work its magic as it softens the stains before removing them with a scrubbing brush from the surface of the toilet seat. Finally, rinse with water.
Bleach
Bleach is a cheap, readily available, and simple-to-use cleaning agent that will remove those unsightly stains on your toilet seats.
If you decide to use bleach to remove stains, there are two ways to clean your toilet seat.
First, remove the entire set of your toilet seat and soak it in a mixture of bleach and water for about an hour or two to soften all of the stains on the surface of the toilet seat.
Then scrub all the stains to remove any hard water, dirt, or urine stains on the seat’s surface, and rinse with clean water.
Second, you can choose the most straightforward method: mix bleach with water and place it in a spray bottle. Spray on the affected areas where you see stains, scrub the stained area until all stains are removed, and then rinse with clean water.
Trisodium Phosphate:
Here’s another simple but effective method to remove unsightly stains from your toilet seat. To disperse the phosphate, add one tablespoon to four liters of warm water and thoroughly stir.
Then, soak a rag or a piece of cloth in the mixture and use it to clean the toilet seat until the yellow stain disappears, then rinse the toilet seat with clean water.
Baking Soda and Warm Water
Baking powder is an effective disinfectant and stain remover. However, in the case of stubborn stains, baking alone may not be effective; in such cases, warm water can be used.
First, make a paste in a bucket with a quarter cup of baking powder and 50ml of water. Apply the paste to the affected areas for 15 minutes. After that, scrub the seat, rinse it with clean water, and wipe it with a paper towel.
Coca-Cola
Coke soda is one of the most popular drinks, and it can be used as a stain remover due to its phosphoric acid component. Pour a liter and a half of cola into a bucket, then soak a piece of cloth in the same bucket.
Place the cloth on the toilet seat for about 30 minutes. Carbonic acid will soften the stain during this time. When the timer is up, scrub the toilet seat with a brush to remove the stains.
Conclusion
The conclusion from the discussion above indicates that a toilet seat can turn yellow with or without your contribution to the process.
The sun is one factor that you cannot control when it come to yellowing effects stains on a toilet seat, but things like unclean urine and the general use of the toilet are things that can be prevented from staining the washroom by cleaning them as soon as they occur.
However, where the toilet seat has turned yellow, it can be easily and simply cleaned without it having to cost you a fortune. Various methods can be applied in the cleaning process using products that are easily obtainable.
Some of these include vinegar, pumice rock, bleach, baking powder, and warm water. That means that your toilet seat can sparkle again if it turns yellow regardless of whether it was caused by sunlight, hard water, over time use, or unclean urine.
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Does Vinegar Effectively Remove Urine Stains?
The toilet seat is usually exposed to human urine and the quicker it is cleaned the better it prevents staining. However, where there is already staining, vinegar can be used to remove the stains.
Hard stains can be frustrating to clean because they do not go away easily but the use of vinegar simplifies the process.
Vinegar is composed of hard materials that make it a powerful stain remover when it reacts with stains. There are different steps involved in applying vinegar as a cleaning agent in the washroom. The first is to pour some vinegar onto a paper towel until it dampens.
Then use the damp towel to cover the whole toilet seat and allow it to sit for an hour or two. When the time is up scrub the seat with a toilet brush or a soft sponge.
Pour more vinegar on the seat and continue scrubbing until the stain is removed. Last, clean with a damp cloth and apply a freshener.
Alternatively, you can mix vinegar with baking powder and use the combined mixture to clean urine stains. Mix a quarter cup of both of the products in a bowl to form a foamy paste.
The reaction is completely safe and normal. Dip an old toothbrush into the mix and use it to scrub the affected areas.
Rinse the brush with water and scrub more paste on the surface of your toilet seat. Leave the paste on the surface for ten minutes and the mixture will act as a scouring cleaner removing the stains.
After ten minutes, wipe the paste off with a wet rag or cloth and then dry the seat with a dry cloth.
Why is my Toilet Seat Stained Blue?
The bluish toilet seat is a phenomenon that has been experienced by both men and women across the globe. This happens when a person gets up from the toilet seat and then sees the color of the toilet seat change. The color can vary between a blue and a purple tone.
There are various reasons attributed to this phenomenon and they are discussed below.
The first is blue jeans which turn the toilet seat blue when the color of the pants you are wearing is transferred onto the toilet seat.
Jeans, especially brand-new ones, often leave blue stains on the skin which, in turn, end up on the toilet seat when you use the washroom while they are still on your body.
The second is when body oils and sweat turn blue and this condition is known as Chromhidrosis. The human body has a sweat gland that is identified as lipofuscin. People who suffer from the Chromhidrosis condition have a higher concentration of lipofuscin leading to the discoloration of their body oils and sweat.
A person with this condition will also notice blue stains on their clothes, skins, and when using the toilet the blue stain can be transferred to the toilet seat.
The third is the mixture of bacteria with sweat which combine to form a blue color. However, this is a rare disease known as pseudochromhidrosis.
The reaction of the mixture causes discoloration in the armpit area and other parts of the body. When a person with the condition uses the toilet, the person may leave a blue stain on the seat.
The fourth is hormonal changes that are more prevalent in pregnant women. The largest group that reports their toilet seats tuning blue are pregnant women because their hormone levels increase during pregnancy.
Therefore, when the toilet seat comes into contact with the skin it changes the color of the seat to blue. This is because of the coating that the seat is made of. However, when the hormones begin to balance this will go away.
The fifth is dye especially those used to clean the toilet bowl. However, when the dye sticks to other surfaces such as the toilet seat, it stains it.
The sixth is acidic skin caused by vitamin doses or other acidic medication. Medicines that are rich in vitamin B complexes cause imbalances in the natural acidity of the body in some people.
The change turns the skin acidic causing a reaction when the skin comes into contact with the surface of the toilet seat turning it blue.
How do I Get Blue Stains Off my Toilet Seat?
Removing the blue stains caused by dye used as cleansing agents requires rinsing the affected area thoroughly with clean water. The cleanser should be rinsed away to prevent it from mixing with other cleaning solutions being used to remove the dye stain.
Alcohol is an effective tool in dye removal. In this case, you will have to soak a cloth in alcohol and lay it over the stain. Let it soak for a few minutes then scrub the area with a sponge and brush. Repeat the process as many times are required.
Oxygen bleach is also effective in removing blue and rust stains. The stains can be scrubbed with either powdered or liquid oxygen bleach that has been mixed with some water until the stains are eliminated.
Another way of removing the blue stains is by using a Mr. clean eraser. Wet the eraser and use it to scrub the stain away. Afterward, use the soapy water to wash the area to remove any remaining residue.
Chlorine bleach can also be used by diluting it on water and then pouring it on the stain. Leave it for a couple of minutes then wipe it. Repeat the process until the stain is gone then use soapy water to wash the area.
Before using the chlorine ensure that the surface is rinsed of all other cleaning agents.
Do plastic toilet seats stain?
Plastic toilet seats are known to be strong, durable, and long-lasting with a finish that resists chips, wear, and stains.
An example of a plastic toilet seat that is stain-resistant is the bath royale BR620-00 which is made entirely of recycled plastic.
Despite its white color, it is easy to clean and no stains form on the surface. Most plastic seats are made of polypropylene which makes them resistant to stains.
However, this does not mean that plastic seats cannot be stained. Some of the toilet seats are not stain-resistant and can be stained just like the toilet seats made with other materials. The seat can turn yellow because of the UV light of the sunlight.
The second is hard water minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium which stick on the surface of the seat creating yellow stains.
The third is normal wear and tear, which occurs even if the seat is frequently cleaned. The plastic seat can also be stained by unclean urine, particularly in areas of the underside with backsplash, if the stain does not immediately form yellow stains.
However, in order to get rid of the stains mentioned above, you must consider the best cleaning method and agent.
Cleansers used for scouring will leave a permanent scratch on the surface of the seat and most of the stain on the surface.
Chlorine bleach will only get rid of the germs but will not do anything to the urine stain. Therefore, the safe and gentle way of removing the stain is by the use of a combination of some elbow grease and baking soda paste which will give the seat a fresh appearance.