What Causes Yellow Stains On Toilet Seats? (Find Out Now!)
Let’s be honest. No one wants to have to use a yellow toilet seat. And as a homeowner, you don’t want your guests looking at one in your house. While you may immediately think a yellowing toilet seat means it’s dirty, but this isn’t necessarily true.
It’s true that yellow stains can begin to appear on your toilet seat over time due to urine, but another cause is a buildup of calcium, magnesium, iron, and other minerals that originate in hard water. It also can yellow due to direct exposure to sunlight for long periods of time.
Whatever the reason, a yellow-stained toilet seat can really through off your bathroom’s aesthetic and make it appear to be an unhygienic space, too. We’re going to show you how to clean it, so you don’t have to shell out money on a new toilet seat.
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Yellow Toilet Seat Causes
Before you can fix a stained toilet seat, it’s important to know what caused it in the first place. That’s because the reasons vary widely. A yellow toilet seat can be the result of urine, minerals, and sunlight. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Urine Stains
It’s no surprise that pee often gets dripped onto the toilet seat. If noticed right away, it won’t cause a problem at all. It’s the pee stains that dry that become a problem. After a few days, these often clear and pale stains will turn into a dark yellow. This is when it will begin to smell, too.
Even though these spots are small, they can become very stubborn, ultimately ruining the appearance of your toilet seat. This can also be rather unhealthy depending on how healthy the urine was as well.
Mineral Buildup
Many homes have hard water flowing through their pipes, which is rich in minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. Over time, these minerals can build up and create a layer of yellowish stains. These stains can be incredibly stubborn and cover a large area of the toilet, but it is possible to remove them. More on that below.
Sun Exposure
If you have a window near your toilet that gets a good amount of sunlight throughout the day, there’s a chance your toilet seat can pay the price. Think of it as a sunburn for your toilet. Most toilet seats are made out of plastic or wood, which is why this ends up being such a common problem. While the stains can look off-putting, they are not the sign of an unhealthy bathroom, which should be comforting at least.
How to Clean a Yellow-Stained Toilet Seat
While some causes of yellow stains on your toilet seat are definitely more unsanitary—and gross—than others, you’re going to want to find a solution as quickly as possible. The good news is while these stains are stubborn, they can be conquered. Here are some solutions to try.
Home Remedies
Many toilet cleaning supplies are probably already in your house, which will make your job a lot easier when it comes time to get those stains off your toilet seat. Whatever the nature of the yellow stain, here are some mixtures you can use:
- Vinegar: For this method, you can either pour the vinegar directly on a brush or use a spray bottle and start scrubbing the seat down. Repeat this until the stains fade. Be sure to use a clean rag to wipe everything down afterward.
- Baking Soda: First, mix ¼ cup of baking soda with ½ cup of warm water to create a paste. Spread it over the stained parts of the toilet seat and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then, wash the area with a sponge, spray the surface with a cleaner, and wipe everything clean once more after 10 minutes.
- Vinegar + Baking Soda: Instead, of water, mix ¼ cup of both ingredients together and mix it together until it turns into a foamy paste. Get an old toothbrush or something of the sort and spread the mixture all over the seat. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, wipe it down with clean water, dry it, and you’re good to go.
Borax Powder
Borax is a powerful cleaning agent that you can buy at most hardware stores. When cleaning your toilet seat, the process is quite simple. First, sprinkle the powder over the stains and begin to scrub the seat with your brush. Simply leave it there for about 30 minutes, wash it off, and that’s it!
Trisodium Phosphate
Trisodium phosphate is an inorganic compound that is a great cleaner and stain remover once diluted. You’re going to need to mix about 16 cups (4 liters) of wart water and one tablespoon of trisodium phosphate. Soak a rag in the mix and wipe the toilet seat down. There’s nothing more to it.
How to Actively Whiten Your Toilet Seat
Stains are inevitable, but there is a way to keep your toilet seat looking as pristine as possible. If you want to permanently whiten your toilet seat, all you’ll need is some rubber gloves, a toilet brush, an old rag, white vinegar, and baking soda. Then, follow these easy steps maybe once or twice a year:
- Mix ¼ cup baking soda and ¼ cup vinegar until it turns into a foamy paste.
- Place the toilet brush in the toilet and flush it so the water goes down the U-bend and the water level is below the regular level.
- Spread the mixture on any yellowed areas all around the toilet bowl, under the rim, and on the seat.
- Scrub until the foamy mixture is completely gone and give everything a final wipe down. Flush one more time to clear everything away, and you’re done!
Related Questions
What is Urine Scale?
Urine scale is a buildup of urine sediment that coats the bottom of toilet bowls and under the rim, too. It forms as uric acid mixes with limescale in hard water and will cause bacteria growth, clogs, bad odors, and more.
How often should you clean a toilet?
Your toilet should be cleaned at least once every single week to stop the spread of harmful bacteria—namely, E. coli. Moreover, it will keep your space looking and smelling nice and clean.
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Final Thoughts
There are many simple ways to remove yellow stains off your toilet seat that involve natural cleansers that are mostly odor-free and non-hazardous. This means you can avoid using bleach and a variety of other harsh chemicals to clean the toilet. As a last resort, you can of course always buy a new toilet seat, but you should definitely exhaust these cleaning options first.
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I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.
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