Toilet Bowl Stained Yellow? Try These 5 Cheap and Effective Cleaning Hacks to Make It Sparkle Like New

When your toilet is stained and yellowed, you can use the following household tricks to clean it effectively.

1. Baking Soda and White Vinegar
Baking soda and white vinegar are common ingredients found in almost every home—and they’re excellent for cleaning toilets. Simply sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda into the bowl, then pour in 1 cup of white vinegar.

Close the lid and let the mixture sit for 15–30 minutes. Then scrub with a toilet brush and flush. Vinegar deodorizes and disinfects, while baking soda gently lifts stains. This method is safe, eco-friendly, and won’t harm your skin or the porcelain surface.

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2. Fresh Lemon Juice
Lemons aren’t just for cooking—they’re natural cleaners too. With high citric acid content, lemon juice helps break down tough stains and brightens ceramic surfaces. Just squeeze the juice of 2–3 lemons into the toilet bowl, let it sit for 20 minutes, scrub with a brush, and flush. The stains and odors will vanish, leaving behind a fresh citrus scent.

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3. Salt and Hot Water
Salt isn’t just a kitchen staple—it’s a powerful cleaner with natural antibacterial properties. When combined with hot water, it becomes an effective and safe toilet cleaner. Mix about 5 tablespoons of salt with 1 liter of hot water (around 70–80°C to avoid damaging the porcelain). Pour the mixture into the bowl, wait 10–15 minutes, then scrub and flush.

4. Rice Water (Water from Washing Rice)
Few people know that rice water is also a great natural toilet cleaner. After rinsing your rice, pour the water into the toilet bowl, close the lid, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then scrub and flush. Rice water contains vitamins, starch, and mild minerals that help soften stains and clean gently yet effectively. It also helps neutralize odors.

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5. Essential Oils and Vinegar
A mix of white vinegar and essential oils is a great way to clean and freshen your toilet. Simply dilute 1 cup of white vinegar with about 10 drops of essential oil—such as tea tree, lavender, or peppermint. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it all over the toilet bowl, especially on stained areas. Let it sit for 15 minutes, scrub, and flush. Your toilet will be clean and pleasantly scented.