a toilet bowl question

[Mama_Meme]

So, this is a yucky subject, but, it's one that I Really need to deal with.

My toilet bowl is stained yellow from urine - those of the previous tenants, and some of ours (we use the if it's yellow rule). When we moved in, I just couldn't get it out, so we figured we could just try to keep it from getting worse, but despite best efforts, it has.

Now, I have tried borax, pink solution, scrubbing with baking soda, and have emptied the toilet bowl so many times, just trying to find something natural that will work.

I'm almost at the bleach phase, but I am loathe to a) buy bleach and b) use it.

any ideas on how we can get a nice white(ish) bowl without using the nasty chemicals.
(as a side note, I am open to any ideas that involve painting or otherwise altering the inside of the bowl, but have yet to find any.)

THANKS!!

[mlh]

Would also love to hear responses on this! I have also almost resorted to bleach for other issues.

[SpunkyMama]

We also use the if it's yellow rule... The only thing I have found that works so far is to scrub the toilet once a week and occasionally use a pumice stone. Scrubbing it every once in awhile reduces the amount of build-up, and the pumice stone usually takes care of the rest. I am also going to try letting some borax soak in there and then scrub/pumice it.

[Drummer's Wife]

yeah, try a pumice stone. We have super hard well water and it leaves a ring that is near impossible to get off.

[Mama_Meme]

thanks!! I will try the pumice stone.

We try to give it a scrub at least once every three days, and hopefully once a day, especially before bed. However, my DP is up til 3-4 in the morning working and he pees alot and never scrubs! We're working on it though.

[Shantimama]

I use an ENJO toilet brush and that has removed all of the stains from our toilet. It is a microfibre and it cleans pore-deep and since it leaves no residue behind it stays clean longer.

[Ruthiegirl]

Citric acid! Dump in a bit (1/2 C or so) and let it soak overnight. This has worked great for us and does not damage the porcelain like pumice can.

[anniegirl]

Originally Posted by Ruthiegirl

Citric acid! Dump in a bit (1/2 C or so) and let it soak overnight. This has worked great for us and does not damage the porcelain like pumice can.

Where do you find citric acid? Is it a powder or liquid?

I was going to suggest pouring a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in the bowl and let it sit a while.

[simple living mama]

My grocery store sells a wonderful device that is a long pumice stone with a handle so you can really scrub it hard and get the stains off. It works excellent. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/h...e-stone-045062