Ever heard of a pumice stone? Nope, we’re not talking about the one you use on your feet. First things first: What is a pumice stone?
A pumice stone for a toilet is a stone that is used as a cleaning tool to remove stubborn stains, mineral deposits and rings from the inside surface of the toilet bowl. Its abrasive texture helps scrub away these deposits without scratching the porcelain, leaving the toilet looking clean and fresh.
Keep reading everything you need to know about these special tools, and most importantly: how to correctly use them to deep clean your toilet!
Do pumice stones for toilets work?
It does seem contradictive: using a scratchy stone on something so scratchable as a toilet. But these special stones do really work.
Pumice stones for toilets work very well in removing stains and mineral deposits, but their success largely depends on the type and severity of the stains. These stones are made from natural volcanic rock, and their abrasive texture can help to scrub away various unsightly marks and rings within the toilet bowl.
For mild stains caused by mineral deposits or hard water, a pumice stone can work wonders. With a bit of gentle scrubbing, it can help restore the porcelain to its original shine.
Nevertheless, for more stubborn or deeply ingrained stains, such as rust or long-neglected mineral buildup, a pumice stone may have limited success.
For toilets that are badly stained you might want to combine using this stone with some ingredients you probably already have at home. Like Coca-cola.
How to use a pumice stone on a toilet
It’s essential to use a pumice stone with care to avoid scratching the porcelain surface. Almost every brand that offers these stones tells you to wet the stone before using it. This reduces the risk of scratching your toilet. Also, be mindful that excessive force can cause damage.
Oh, and don’t forget to wear gloves!
Step by step on how to use a pumice stone on a toilet:
- Wet the pumice stone
- Submerge the pumice stone in warm water for a few minutes. This softens the stone and prevents it from scratching the porcelain.
- Wet the toilet bowl
- Use a toilet brush to wet the entire toilet bowl thoroughly. This provides lubrication and helps prevent scratches.
- Begin scrubbing
- Take the wet pumice stone and gently rub it on the stained areas of the toilet bowl. Apply light to moderate pressure as needed.
- Use back and forth, up and down, or circular motions to work on the stains. Be patient, as some stains may require more effort than others.
- Check your progress
- Periodically stop and check to see if the stains are fading. If not, continue scrubbing.
- Rinse and inspect
- Once the stains are removed or significantly reduced, flush the toilet to rinse away any debris.
- Inspect the toilet bowl to ensure all stains are gone. If needed, repeat the process.
- Clean the pumice stone
- Rinse the pumice stone thoroughly under running water to remove any toilet residue.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your specific stone as directions may vary!
Do pumice stones work on hard water stains?
Sound amazing, right, these handy tools? But do they work on hard water stains?
Pumice stones effectively work on hard water stains in toilets. The abrasive texture of the pumice stone allows it to gently scrub away mineral deposits and stains caused by hard water. However, their effectiveness may vary depending on the severity and age of the stains.
While they can often make a noticeable improvement, extremely stubborn or deeply ingrained hard water stains may require more aggressive cleaning methods or specialized ingredients.
It’s essential to use the pumice stone with care to avoid scratching the toilet bowl, ensuring it’s well-wetted, and using gentle, controlled strokes during the cleaning process.
Will a pumice stone damage or scratch my toilet?
A pumice stone won’t damage or scratch your toilet as long as you use it with care. The manufacturer of these stones tells you to scrub very gently each time you use them. But most importantly: you should wet the stone to avoid damaging the surface of the toilet.
Doing these things ensures you won’t end up with a damaged coating.
What not to clean with a pumice stone?
- Delicate Porcelain Surfaces
- Pumice stones should not be used on delicate porcelain surfaces like fine china or decorative ceramics
- Glass
- Avoid using a pumice stone on glass surfaces, such as glass shower doors or windows, as it can leave scratches and damage the glass’s clarity
- Sensitive Skin
- Pumice stones are designed for cleaning and exfoliating surfaces, not for use on skin (unless the brand specifically mentions this particular pumice stone is used for personal care!)
How to store a toilet pumice stone?
To store a toilet pumice stone effectively, it’s essential to keep it clean and dry. After using the pumice stone, thoroughly rinse it under running water to remove any toilet residue. Allow it to air dry completely to prevent bacterial growth and extend its lifespan. Store the dried pumice stone in a clean, dry location, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Consider placing it in a small container or a plastic bag to protect it from dust and debris. Proper storage ensures your pumice stone remains ready for future use!
What is the best pumice stone for toilet cleaning?
There are tons of stones to choose from. We’ve compared pumice stones and these were by far the most popular ones on the web:
- PowerStone Pumice stones for toilets
- over 22K excellent reviews (!)
- Pumice stone with extra long handle for deep cleaning
- Most pumice stones have short handles. Not this one!
- 10 pack pumice stones
- This way you can use the stones on other surfaces as well. Please don’t use your designated toilet pumice for your kitchen sink!
The biggest benefit of using a pumice stone is that it’s 100% natural and does not cause any damage to the environment. Another win for this stone!
Pumice stone alternative for toilet
Sometimes you don’t want to buy yet another item. Having to store it somewhere takes up space again. Luckily, you don’t necessarily need to buy a pumice stone.
A suitable alternative for cleaning toilets without a pumice stone is a toilet bowl brush with stiff bristles and a built-in pumice-like cleaning head. These brushes are designed to effectively remove stains and mineral deposits from toilet bowls without the need for a separate pumice stone.
Great idea, right?
Can you use a foot pumice stone to clean a toilet?
Have a foot pumice stone lying around? Think twice before using it on your toilet.
Using a foot pumice stone to clean a toilet is not recommended. Foot pumice stones are designed for personal skin care meaning that the shape isn’t optimized for hard surfaces. Also, when using it on a toilet it will carry bacteria or contaminants that could be transferred to you once you use it on yourself again.
It’s best to use a dedicated toilet pumice stone for hygiene and effective cleaning.
Disclaimer: TheToiletSpecialist.com is not responsible for any damage caused to your toilet and surroundings by (wrongly) interpreting information found on this site. Please seek custom advice from a professional to evaluate your current situation.
This article may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. AF links help support this blog so that it can exist and expand for years to come!
