Mineral deposits on the toilet are a problem most Australian households face because Australia is the driest inhabited continent on Earth. It has hard water laden with calcium, zinc, copper, iron oxide and other minerals. You can install a hard water softener in your home to reduce the salinity of water and improve its quality.
However, that’s not a viable option for renters, who must routinely clean the toilet. If you are a renter and the toilet or other bathroom surfaces have mineral deposits on the day of the final inspection, you can
lose your security deposit. Therefore, renters often hire professional cleaners for end of lease cleaning in Adelaide and move out successfully.
However,
even if you seek professional help, you must know what mineral deposits are and how to tackle them expertly. Thus, here is your complete guide outlining the definition of mineral deposits and tips for treating them. Have a look.
What are Mineral Deposits?
Water supplied in homes consists of trace amounts of minerals like calcium, magnesium, ferrous oxide etc. These minerals remain even after filtration and often get introduced when the water flows through pipes or is stored in metal containers.
These minerals stick on the surface of the toilet because it is constantly exposed to hard water. When these deposits are left untreated, the build-up of minerals causes discolouration and scaling. These deposits affect the appearance of the fixture and threaten its structural integrity. Therefore, you must add this task to your
bathroom cleaning checklist and prevent these deposits from reoccurring.
Preparing the Toilet for Cleaning Mineral Stains
Before you apply any cleaner to the toilet bowl, prepare it for cleaning by following these steps.
Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
Flush the toilet to remove the water in the bowl.
Scoop out the remaining water at the bottom of the bowl or soak it with a disposable rag.
Lastly, ventilate the room and ensure the toilet is completely dry.
How To Remove Mineral Deposits on Toilet?
Mineral stains usually form inside the toilet bowl, where the water flows and remains stagnant. You can get store-bought toilet cleaners while buying house cleaning supplies, but they contain harmful chemicals like hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite, ammonia, etc.
These products are caustic and release toxic fumes that cause
chronic respiratory conditions. Therefore, be cautious while using them and read the usage instructions carefully to avoid health hazards while sanitising the toilet for end of lease cleaning in Adelaide.
If you don’t want to use chemical or toxic toilet cleaners, check these natural cleaning methods to remove limescale, rust stains and other mineral deposits from your toilet.
Treat Hard Water Deposits with Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is an organic compound readily available in markets in dry crystal form. You can make a toilet cleaning solution with these crystals by mixing them in warm water. Spray the solution on the mineral stains and wait for 10 minutes.
Next, scrub with a firm brush to break the deposits and wash the residues with warm water. This solution is acidic and has chelating properties (binds with metal ions); it is perfect for removing mineral deposits and rust stains. Therefore, even professionals performing
end of lease cleaning Adelaide use such products to clean naturally and effectively.
1. Use Cleaning Vinegar for Breaking Mineral Deposits
If you have 2-3 hours to clean the toilet, use vinegar to break the mineral deposits. Since it has 6% acetic acid, it is more potent than regular white vinegar and removes limescale and other mineral deposits quickly. Its acidity also makes it a great
natural cleaning product to use while performing green end of lease cleaning in Adelaide.
All you need to do is generously saturate the deposits with vinegar and keep applying it if it dries. Wait at least 3 hours for the solution to dissolve the build-up before scrubbing with a firm brush. Also, make sure to wash the toilet with soap and water for better results. Lastly, let the toilet air dry before turning on the water supply.
2. Remove the Deposits with Borax & Vinegar
Another quick fix for removing mineral stains from your toilet is using a borax and vinegar paste. Mix ½ cup borax with enough vinegar in a bowl to make a runny paste. Immediately apply this paste to the mineral deposits and wait at least 20 minutes before scrubbing with a firm brush. Wash with water and turn on the water supply after cleaning to flush any remaining residues.
You can use this paste to deep clean other household surfaces as well when cleaning your rental property at the
end of a tenancy.
Wrapping Up
Since the toilet is a frequently used fixture that is constantly exposed to hard water, it accumulates mineral deposits over time. To avoid these build-ups, you must thoroughly clean the toilet using the above methods. However, when ending a tenancy, hire professionals for end of lease cleaning to avoid hassle and get your bond back without issue.
