skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

Throne Cleaning

10 years ago

Not the most pleasant task of home cleaning. Years and years of buildup of those hard water, lime, mineral deposits. I finally heeded some advice, and picked up a Pumice Stone (WalMart $1.25) to tackle the chore. No, this crud does not just "wipe off". But a little elbow grease will get results. It's nice to have a sparkling clean bowl again. No, it does not scratch the surface.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

Jasdip
10 years ago
I've read that, and we picked up a pumice stone at the Dollar store, for our feet :)

Wouldn't a vinegar soak soften the hard water deposits too?
joaniepoanie
10 years ago
I had problems with scale in a new toilet. DH would have to drain it and scrape, scrape, scrape a few times a year. Then I read to try denture tablets. Picked a pack up at the dollar store....dropped them in before I left for work one day, and voila...scale was gone when I got home. No more scraping! And also read to use Barkeepers Friend to clean and the scale has not returned since.
Related Discussions
Technique for Keeping Nails Clean(er)?
Q
Comments (31)
I've used surgical gloves under gray worker's gloves (when really into dirt) and nitrile covered gloves where I need to feel more of what I'm doing with plants. Talk about hands soaked wet after 2 minutes and they rip within 2 hours. Have to sprinkle in baby powder to get them back on after I take them off for a break. I tried wet soap under nails after some mechanics and backstage theater workers said they do it as preventative measure to lessen after work scrubbing. Yes, I too tried it dry first and felt like a dolt after it all kept flaking off. Works until first time you wash hands/arms. I keep big old tupperware container of bleach solution on patio to wash off tools, sanitize pots and wash hands/arms. There's poison ivy/sumac everywhere and I wash off my arms if I think I've stuck my arm into it when working too fast to notice it. The point where my nails meet the skin underneath them is all cut and sore after all the attempts to get dirt out from under nails constantly all the time I'm outside. Doesn't seem to be alternative to filling sink with hot water, holding back skin under nails and going at dirt with nail brush. No manicures here...can't stand feel of having my nails covered with anything although my girly side would love to have the "french manicure" look. Likewise, can't stand dirt under my nails but it's there every day. Even when not actually working in dirt I can't pass a weed without pulling it and those in close proximity. Ken is right about one thing where I'm concerned. If I'm on the middle of something I'll end up using my hands as "tools" instead of trying to get up off my knees and walk around to the garage for the tenth time. I'm the first to admit I get into one thing and then hop to another task that shows up under my nose and don't have proper tools with me. Never in my life did I think I'd turn into Mrs. Greenjeans in appearance while working out there in 2 short years of gardening...LOL.
...See More
Queen of the Month - Part Trois
Q
Comments (101)
Hooray! How adorable! I was right (sort of) 5 poppies to sell and one to keep. ;-) Carol, you must be so busy when they get old enough to start exploring and scampering in all directions. Were you sending the mama subliminal messages about wanting a new loveseat? So sweet to make a namesake for Poochella! Someday we may have a month when the queen receives all of her homage during her actual reign. That will be a real surprise! Queens never have been well known for scurrying, though. The calendar does say that July will soon be at an end. For those of you who have not yet mailed off to Leann, that is a strong hint. Cassie, Queen of August, are you working diligently on those first decrees? Your reign approacheth rapidly. This thread is nearly filled and is has become quite awkard to load on my dialup line. As soon as we have a fresh thread started, please post a description of your queenly desires. Leann now has one of the most wonderful gifts any queen could desire, even though none of us were responsible. Her two new children, prince and princess that they are, should now have joined her in her castle. A most precious gift, indeed.
...See More
Happy with Kohler Memoirs Stately toilet so far
Q
Comments (7)
Just following up to say we still like the new Kohler Memoirs toilet we installed in December. It has plugged up only one time. If we hold the handle down longer, more water flushes through so we are now doing that when necessary. ah hem. I had read that some people said this flush, Class Five ( I am pretty sure), did not clean the bowl well. We had no problems at all with that. IIt looks as clean as the day it was installed. We are more pleased that we expected to be. Just want to post this follow up since it might help someone decide. I am now leaning toward getting the Kohler Cimmaron toilet for our master and upstairs bathrooms. I think it has a Class Six flush and should clean the bowl even better.
...See More
Signs your kids might be spoiled
Q
Comments (6)
whined *from his bed* that he couldn't get up b/c the bathroom was a gross mess If I stand up, first thing in the morning, I have to pee IMMEDIATELY. If both bathrooms are full, I have to stay lying down until one is free. But that's pretty funny, that they both assume you meant them. I think it's the me-centeredness of kids. If I say something to one of my kids, the other assumes I mean her/him. In fact, everyone in my family (incl. DH) assumes that anything I say is directed at them.
...See More
iowagirl2006
10 years ago
I do like the results of Barkeepers Friend! It also removes the rusty water stains that our water leaves.

I mostly use "The Works" toilet bowl cleaner - it really gets those hard water deposits off! The pumice stone does work good if you have some thick existing scale in place already though. I like to squirt some "The Works" down the inside of the tank (the pipe that water would run into the bowl) to keep that cleaned out. Our water can get so awful that it will eventually plug up the holes inside of the rim of the toilet.

I do like to have a sparkling clean potty! :) I wipe it down every day with disinfecting wipes. At least once a week I remove the toilet seat and give the whole thing a good once over and the toilet seat a good cleaning also.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
10 years ago
Yes, sinks and toilets need to be sparkling clean for me, too. I fight with the water stains and mineral deposits, too; what a pain.
yayagal
10 years ago
A product called Red Out works great. Our water dept. give it out free.
jemdandy
10 years ago
A water softner can greatly reduce the amount of scale that collects on the plumbing and will prolong the life or the water heater. When you've got minerals in the water, scale can build up in the water heater and interfere with the thermal sensors.
joyfulguy
10 years ago
They have "thrones" ...

... in the U.S. ...

... I thought that they got rid of them, long ago?

o j
susanjf_gw
10 years ago
oj..now you know you have thrones just waiting for qe2, anytime she comes...saw them at Victoria island! lol...
kframe19
10 years ago
Throne cleaning? Isn't that a job for the peasants who work at the manor?

I love those pumice stones.
oldfixer
Original Author
10 years ago
Peasants. Those that shop, clean, cook, do dishes, laundry, etc. at the manor. That's me!
arcy_gw
10 years ago
DH and I were just discussing this today!! The janitor at work recommended a pumice stone..not the feet kind he said. You do not want to scratch the bowl. We do have a water softener..but still have PLENTY of trouble with rust/lime/ scale. It is very frustrating. I think I will give those denture tablets a try.

Related Stories

HOUSEKEEPING 7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Living Room

By Laura Gaskill

A task a day sends messes away. Take a week to get your living room in shape

FURNITURE Guest Picks: Empire X-Stools

This iconic seat has been popular throughout history, but the look transcends time

ARCHITECTURE ‘Wolf Hall’ Style: The Secrets of Tudor Architecture

By Luisa Rollenhagen

As American audiences watch a new TV series about the politics of Henry VIII, we explore the elements of his era’s distinctive style

TRADITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Historic London Home That’s Anything but Stodgy

By Lara Sargent

A giant giraffe, striking art and other playful touches add a lively touch to this grand terraced apartment

FURNITURE Guest Picks: Fantasy Furniture

20 totally extravagant pieces from the outré to the "I want that!"

BATHTUBS 10 Japanese Soaking Tubs for Bathing Bliss

By Samantha Schoech

Get all of the serenity with none of the chemicals in an original all-natural hot tub

BATHROOM DESIGN Dream Spaces: Spa-Worthy Showers to Refresh the Senses

By Mary Jo Bowling

In these fantasy baths, open designs let in natural light and views, and intriguing materials create drama

DECORATING GUIDES Designer Secrets for a Perfectly Styled Bathroom

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Avoid a cluttered look while having all the functionality you need with these 10 expert tips

MOST POPULAR Kitchen of the Week: Broken China Makes a Splash in This Kitchen

By Becky Harris

When life handed this homeowner a smashed plate, her designer delivered a one-of-a-kind wall covering to fit the cheerful new room

BATHROOM DESIGN 14 Bathroom Design Ideas Expected to Be Big in 2015

By Natasha Saroca

Award-winning designers reveal the bathroom features they believe will emerge or stay strong in the years ahead

Sponsored

Schlabach Woodworks

16 Reviews

Franklin County's Reclaimed Wood Professionals

More Discussions

Oh no! Another one!

618

Little bitty avocados

24

Gas station prices

56

Smile today - 4/26/24

8

Good news for health and lives of women

0