To get rid of scum in a toilet bowl, you can follow these steps:
1. Gather your supplies:
- Rubber gloves
- Toilet brush
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Baking soda (optional)
- Commercial toilet bowl cleaner (optional)
2. Put on rubber gloves: This will protect your hands during the cleaning process.
3. Flush the toilet: Start by flushing the toilet to wet the inside of the bowl.
4. Apply vinegar or lemon juice: Pour a generous amount of white vinegar or lemon juice into the toilet bowl. Both vinegar and lemon juice have acidic properties that help dissolve scum.
5. Let it sit: Allow the vinegar or lemon juice to sit in the toilet bowl for at least 30 minutes. For more stubborn scum, you can let it sit for a longer period, even up to a few hours.
6. Scrub the bowl: Use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl, focusing on the areas with scum. Apply extra pressure as needed to loosen the scum deposits. Scrub under the rim and around the waterline as well.
7. Flush the toilet: Flush the toilet to rinse away the vinegar or lemon juice and the loosened scum. Inspect the bowl to see if any scum remains. If there are still visible scum deposits, you can proceed to the next step.
8. Optional: Baking soda paste: If the scum is stubborn, you can create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the scum deposits and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and flush to rinse.
9. Commercial toilet bowl cleaner (optional): If the scum persists, you can try using a commercial toilet bowl cleaner specifically designed for tough stains or scum. Follow the instructions provided on the cleaner's packaging for the best results. Apply the cleaner to the scum deposits, let it sit for the recommended time, scrub, and then flush.
10. Repeat if necessary: If the scum is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the cleaning process or try alternative methods until the scum is completely removed.
Remember to read and follow the instructions and safety precautions provided by the manufacturer for any cleaning products you use.