WD-40 is a popular household product used to clean items such as bicycle chains and doorknobs. This oil is also used in outdoor and indoor cleaning due to its multipurpose nature. But, what is the use of WD 40 in the toilet? You can safely use this product to clean your toilet and other uses.
WD-40 is used in the toilet to remove stains, unclog it, loosen bolts, clean toilet tiles, prevent rust, and remove gum from surfaces. When cleaning the toilet, spray WD-40 on the bowl, wait for a few minutes, then flush it. Don’t use WD-40 on the toilet too often as it kills useful septic bacteria.
This post will discuss how to use WD-40 in the toilet alongside other helpful information you may need about the product. Dive in!
What Can WD-40 Do on the Toilet?
In addition to cleaning the toilet, you can use WD-40 in the toilet for other uses, which include:
1. Unclogging the Toilet
WD-40 breaks down clogs into smaller pieces enhancing the toilet drainage system. However, it is less eco-friendly and should be highly avoided for the septic system.
WD-40 will kill the helpful bacteria inside your septic tank, slowing down the rate of breaking down waste material. Therefore, you can try other safer methods of unclogging the toilet if you don’t have a snake or a toilet plunger.
2. Removing Toilet Stains
Hard water stains in the toilet appear as a thin brown layer. This occurs due to high traces of manganese and/or iron in the water. Also, cloudy/white stains may occur due to a high concentration of calcium and lime in the water.
You can use WD-40 to get rid of toilet stains caused by iron, manganese, and calcium using the following steps:
- Use a sponge or cup to remove water at the base of your toilet bowl.
- Sprinkle WD-40 on the toilet bowl aiming at the stains.
- Allow between 2-5 minutes for the WD-40 to dissolve the stains.
- Scrub the toilet bowl, rim, and outlet using a toilet brush.
- Flush the toilet to remove all the stains.
Unlike when using vinegar to remove such stains, you should use small amounts of WD-40. In addition, when purchasing the product, ensure you select a low-odor type that will leave your bathroom with a fresh smell.
3. Loosening Toilet Seat and Tank Bolts
Toilet seats and tanks are mounted on the bowl using bolts that easily rust and become tight to remove. However, you can spray WD-40 and wait for about 15 minutes for easy removal. This product is a penetrating oil and is effective in loosening the bolts.
4. Cleaning Toilet Tiles
WD-40 is an incredible product for cleaning your toilet tiles. You only need to spray some small amounts focusing on the edges of the toilet base, bathtub, and other fixtures. Allow it to act for about five minutes, and then wash intensively using a detergent.
5. Getting Rid of Gum from Surfaces
If you live with kids within your house, chances are that they dispose of gum inappropriately. This gum may be dried on the walls, floor, base, bowl, and other toilet parts. Luckily, you can spray WD-40 on the dry gum to soften it and for easy removal.
6. Preventing Rust
WD-40 is very effective in preserving items to keep them free from rust. Some parts of your toilet, such as seat bolts, easily rust due to water and oxygen. However, you can spray WD-40 to displace water on such places to prevent rust from occurring.
How Does WD-40 Work?
WD-40 is a water removal spray with anti-corrosion and lubricant properties. It displaces water and acts as a double-action degreaser and solvent. When it enters a water surface, it eliminates water to create room for itself. Thus, this makes it a suitable lubricant, cleaning, and protective agent for surfaces.
How to Clean a Toilet with WD-40
Since WD-40 is safe for cleaning the toilet, it’s time to learn how to do it perfectly. Here are five steps you can follow:
Step #1: Drain the Toilet Bowl
Before using WD-40, you need to drain water from the toilet bowl. You can use a small plastic cup and a sponge to remove any water residue.
Put a bucket next to the toilet and pour water into it.
The essential aspect is to dry the toilet parts with stains, where you will apply WD-40. If you’re not in a rush, allow about 15 minutes for the bowl to dry entirely.
Step #2: Spray WD-40 on the Stains
WD-40 comes as a pressurized product; you should therefore shake it to mix all ingredients before spraying it. Always ensure you spray it perpendicularly to the surface of the toilet bowl.
You don’t need to apply WD-40 on the whole surface of the toilet bowl – it will be enough to add a thin layer targeting the stains. You should also wear rubber gloves and goggles when handling the product to prevent WD-40 from contacting your hands or eyes.
Step #3: Allow It for a Few Minutes
WD-40 requires some time to act on the stains like other chemical solutions. You should leave it for about 15 minutes to act on the surface before cleaning. However, you can allow it for longer since WD-40 won’t damage the toilet.
Step #4: Eliminate the Stains
The next step is wiping off the stains from the toilet bowl surface. Start scrubbing with a toilet brush to rinse off huge stains. It will remove most debris, but you can continue scrubbing for extra minutes to clean everything.
Afterward, use a rag, soft cloth, or a rag to wipe the toilet bowl. Don’t forget to dry it to prevent WD-40 from entering your septic system. Also, ensure you eliminate all stain residue within the rim of the toilet bowl. They can quickly form stubborn stains if you leave them there.
Step #5: Flush the Toilet
Since your bowl is now clean and free from WD-40, you can comfortably flush it. Even if some solution is left in the water, it won’t damage your toilet.
In case you notice stain residues, you can spray WD-40 and attempt the process again. However, you should use a small amount in the second attempt.
Precautions When Using WD-40 in the Toilet
When using WD-40 in the home in general, keep in mind the following precautions:
1. Don’t Flush WD-40 Down the Toilet
WD-40 effectively cleans the toilet bowl surface, but it will harm the toilet after flushing. This is because it contains oil that kills effective bacteria in the septic system. Even when your toilet lacks a septic system, don’t try flushing WD-40 down the toilet, as it will damage the sewer pipes in the long run.
Bacteria in the septic tank consume waste and convert it into non-harmful material. They help prevent clogging and make the septic system resistant to debris-induced blockages.
You can only flush WD-40 down the toilet when you suspect harmful bacteria in your toilet cause stains. But also, you can only clean the stains by spraying WD-40 instead of applying it.
2. Wear Protective Gears
Handling WD-40 with your bare hands and eyes can lead to severe damage. Thus, you should always wear rubber gloves and goggles when handling this product. This will ensure your skin and eyes are safe from any chemical damage.
3. Buy Low-Odor WD-40
When buying the best WD-40 product for cleaning your toilet, ensure you select a low-odor product. Such a product will clean your toilet effectively, removing stains and leaving it with a fresh smell.
WD-40 Alternatives
If you’re not comfortable with using WD-40 to clean your toilet, you can try its alternatives. The following are some other practical products that can serve as toilet bowl cleaners:
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Mixing baking soda and white vinegar will help you eliminate significant toilet problems. It can remove hard stains, lighten rust, and deodorize your toilet bowl.
This combination is natural and contains few toxic and artificial elements. It is not very effective as a chemical product, but it will be effective in removing toilet stains.
2. Bleach Toilet Cleaner
Clorox is among the most successful toilet cleaners that eliminate stubborn stains while killing germs. This product has a unique nozzle that will help you deep clean the toilet ring. It makes the cleaning more convenient and more manageable compared to other methods.
3. Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner
A Seventh Generation toilet bowl cleaner is a perfect substitute for WD-40. It is non-toxic and biodegradable. It allows you to clean the toilet smoothly without leaving any residue. Additionally, it leaves your bathroom with a fresh smell after cleaning.
Summary
WD-40 is a multi-purpose cleaning product that you can safely use to clean your toilet. The only essential matter is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, WD-40 will hinder your septic system performance.
Remember to dry it before flushing the toilet. It will remove all stains from your toilet bowl and leave your bathroom fresh and clean.