Nothing is more frustrating than having to use the restroom in a hurry and discovering that the toilet has skid marks. Yuk! Unfortunately, it is a common problem in households.
Furthermore, if you’re meticulous about personal hygiene and don’t want anyone to see the skid marks (and who does?), you might be wondering how to get rid of them.
There are a variety of ways to prevent toilet bowl skid marks. Clean the toilet with a bidet sprayer or a toilet brush after you’ve finished. Alternatively, vinegar, baking soda, or chlorine bleach can also be used as DIY cleaning solutions to remove unsightly stains.
To keep the toilets clean, each household must establish its own cleaning regimen that works for them. In this post, I have highlighted 10 ways to help you clean and/or prevent skid marks in the toilet.
Why Do Skid Marks Appear on the Toilet?
Every one of us has experienced this at least once in our lives. You finish doing your business, stand up to flush and there they are. Large, brown skid marks line the toilet bowl. No matter how much you may scrub, it seems like they just won’t come off. There are several reasons why skid marks end up in the toilet bowl such as:
- Poor Diet – A diet that consists of processed foods, artificial colors, and preservatives can cause hard stools. These types of stools are more difficult to pass and are more likely to cause skid marks.
- Not Enough Fiber – Most people need between 25-35 grams of fibre per day. It helps to bulk up stools so they become soft. Without enough fibre, feces can become hard and difficult to pass, hence leading to skid marks.
- Dehydration – Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration. When you are dehydrated, the body takes water from your stool, making it more difficult to pass. This might as well induce skid marks.
- Medications – Certain medications, such as antidepressants, can cause constipation. Moreover, some medical conditions such as hypothyroidism can also cause hard stools and skid marks.
- Not Going to the Bathroom When You Need To – One of the main reasons skid marks appear in toilet bowls is because people are not going to the bathroom when they need to. When you feel the urge to go, it is important to listen to your body and go as soon as possible. Waiting too long can cause skid marks.
- Toilet Material – Some toilet bowls are made of porcelain while others are made of ceramic. Porcelain is a harder material and can cause more friction, which can also lead to skid marks.
How to Prevent Skid Marks on Toilet?
When you go to the bathroom, the last thing you want to see are skid marks on your toilet bowl. They are not only unattractive, but they also signal a poor level of hygiene in your home, which is extremely unpleasant. However, on the plus side, as stated below, there are several ways to avoid them:
1. Bidet Sprayer
A bidet sprayer is a handheld device that attaches to your toilet and allows you to clean your bottom after a bowel movement by spraying water. This is an effective way to prevent skid marks because it cleans the area thoroughly, leaving no residue behind.
Having a bidet sprayer is no less than a blessing. Here’s how:
- It helps clean the skid marks instantly leaving no residue (both on the toilet and your body)
- No additional scrubbing or cleaning solutions required
- Affordable & easy to install
- Gives you a clean and refreshed feeling
- Saves toilet paper and is environmentally friendly
I suggest the PurrfectZone Handheld Bidet Sprayer if you’re seeking the finest one out there. It features adjustable pressure, which means you may regulate the water flow to your liking, especially if you’re sensitive to high pressure.
Furthermore, It is made of high-quality stainless steel, which makes it leak and rust-proof. Last but not least, this sprayer is winning the hearts of people, with over 10,000+ delighted customer reviews and a lifetime warranty.
2. Toilet Brush
Toilet brushes are another effective way of cleaning skid marks. They help to scrub the entire bowl, removing any residue that may be causing the stains. However, the problem with conventional toilet brushes is that they often leave bristles behind, which can make the problem worse.
The OXO Good Grips toilet brush is designed to solve this problem. The brush has a soft, flexible head that contours to the shape of your toilet bowl, making it easy to reach all areas and remove skid marks effectively.
What I love about this brush is the angled bristles that allow deep cleaning under the toilet rim. In addition, the canister of this brush has an in-built water tray that helps evaporate water and allows quick drying. Hence, preventing mold growth.
DIY Solutions To Remove Skid Marks
3. Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach is a strong cleaning agent that can kill bacteria and remove stains. When it comes to cleaning skid marks, bleach is the most commonly used solution. I highly recommend using Clorox, apart from removing stubborn stains, it is quite effective in disinfecting and removing odors as well.
To use it, add 1/2 cup of bleach into your toilet bowl. Then scrub the surface with a toilet brush. Let the bleach sit for 10 minutes. After that, flush the toilet to rinse away.
NOTE: Do not mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaning products as it can create harmful fumes.
4. Vinegar + Baking Soda
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and baking soda is a powerful cleaning agent. When mixed, they make an effective cleaning solution for removing skid marks.
To use it:
- First, wear gloves and adjust the water level in the bowl. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a sponge to remove any water that’s above the skid marks.
- Then, add 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/4 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. The mixture will create a fizzy reaction.
- Next, use a toilet brush, scrub off the marks, and let the foamy solution sit for 15-30 minutes and do its magic.
- Lastly, flush off the toilet to rinse the bowl clean.
5. Soap + Water
This is the most convenient and easiest hack for cleaning the unpleasant skid marks and is also budget-friendly. All you need is water and any kind of liquid soap. I recommended using Dawn Dish Soap there is a reason it is America’s leading brand i.e for effective cleaning power.
Making the solution and cleaning process is simple:
1- Take a plastic bottle, make a hole in the cap (for spraying) and fill it with water.
2- Add water, and a few drops of liquid soap and mix the two.
3- Flush the toilet, then spray the solution all around the toilet bowl, and let it sit for a few minutes.
4- Use a toilet brush to scrub off the skid marks and give it a final rinse.
TIP: Rinse the brush frequently in between to avoid re-depositing the dirt. After that, flush the toilet to rinse away any residue.
6. Borax + Vinegar
Borax is a natural cleaning agent that is quite effective in removing skid marks. When mixed with vinegar, it makes an even more robust solution for cleaning the toilet as it helps in losing dirt and stains.
To use it:
- Add 1 cup of Borax and 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl.
- Then scrub the surface with a toilet brush (optional)
- Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes or depending on the intensity of the stains
- Lastly, scrub with a brush and rinse away
NOTE: Avoid using borax alone (without vinegar). Because leaving the borax in the toilet for a long time will crystalize/harden it and hence making it difficult to rinse.
7. Coca Cola
Coke contains sulphuric acid which is an active ingredient in many commercial toilet cleaners. It might sound weird but using coke as a toilet cleaner is one of the most popular DIY hacks. Just grab a coke and pour it into the toilet as needed. Brush away the stains and lastly rinse.
Watch the video below how Videojug used coke to clean nasty marks on his toilet.
On a side note, after watching the above video, you must be wondering if coke can be used to clean the toilet and then what it can do to your insides if you drink it. Quite scary, right?
Removing Skid Marks With Toilet Cleaners
There are various toilet cleaners available in the market that can help you get rid of skid marks. They usually come in a gel or liquid form and have powerful ingredients that can quickly break down the dirt, stains, and odor-causing bacteria.
Below are my top 2 recommendations when it comes to toilet cleaners:
8. Lysol Power Toilet Cleaner
Lysol is one of the most well-known and trusted companies when it comes to cleaning supplies. This cleaner is comprised of a powerful gel formulation that has been shown to destroy 99.9 % of germs, effectively remove stains, and leave your toilet smelling fresh. Furthermore, it is also an EPA-approved solution with a wide opening nozzle for convenient application.
9. Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaner
This is another great toilet cleaner that comes in a foaming solution. It quickly adheres to the bowl and removes all types of stains, dirt, and rust. It also has a lovely Rainshower scent that leaves your bathroom smelling fresh.
I appreciate the bottle’s design, which has been thoughtfully considered; with its 360-degree extended cap, it makes it simple to reach all those tough-to-reach spots such as the toilet rim.
Apply a Toilet Coating to Prevent Skid Marks
This is probably the best way to prevent skid marks from happening in the first place. Applying a coating such as car wax or marine wax to your toilet bowl will create a barrier between your toilet and the waste, preventing it from sticking to the bowl.
10. Meguiar’s M2616 Mirror Glaze Hi-Tech Yellow Wax
This is a professional-grade car wax that can also be used on your toilet bowl to form a layer. It comes in a creamy consistency, and it may be applied with a sponge or cloth simply. Furthermore, it will not only minimize skid marks but will also add lustre and newness to your toilet bowl.
To use it:
- First, flush your toilet to clean and turn off the water supply
- Remove all the water with the help of a plunger and dry it with a cloth
- Then polish the toilet with the help of toothpaste and wipe with a dry cloth
- Now apply Meguiar’s car wax with cloth (apply 2-3 coatings)
TIP: Use a hairdryer to dry the wax in between the coatings
For detailed visual instructions, you can watch Live Free’s video below:
Related Questions
Can You Use Steel Wool on Toilets?
Yes, you can use 0000-grade steel wool on the toilet to remove skid marks. The best way is to soak it in a toilet cleaner and then scrub away all the stains. Just make sure to flush the toilet before using it to prevent the steel wool from clogging the drain.
What is the Best Way to Remove a Toilet Bowl Ring?
There are various ways to remove a toilet bowl ring, but the most effective way is to use a pumice stone. First, wet the stone and then gently rub it around the rim of the bowl. You may need to do this a few times to remove the ring completely. Just be sure not to use too much pressure as you don’t want to damage the toilet material.
How Do You Keep a Toilet Clean Without Scrubbing?
One way is to use automatic toilet cleaner tablets or discs. Simply drop one in the bowl and it will help keep it clean and free of bacteria. Another way is to use toilet cleaners that come in a foaming or gel formula. These cleaners easily cling to the bowl and help to remove stains.
Can You Use WD 40 to Clean Toilets?
Yes, you can use WD 40 to clean the toilet bowl. It has anti-rust and lubricant properties that make it ideal for cleaning toilets. Simply spray WD 40 on the surface and then scrub with a brush. You can also use it to remove hard water stains from your toilet.
