How To Use Muriatic Acid To Clean Toilet | Get Rid Of Stains

As someone who has dealt with a lot of bad luck in the maintenance of their home, I know how difficult it can be to find an effective yet safe solution for all those cleaning jobs that need to get done. 

My search for such a product ended when I heard about muriatic acid and its uses—one for toilet cleaning.

With this knowledge in tow, I decided to investigate further and learn how to use Muriatic acid to clean the toilet. 

In this blog post, I will share everything I have discovered during the whole research process. So keep reading if you want to use this little beast effectively. 

To use muriatic acid to clean a toilet, dilute it with water, wear protective gloves and goggles, pour it into the bowl, scrub with a toilet brush, let it sit for 10 minutes, then flush with water thoroughly. 

And for the details procedure, make sure you read the whole blog. 

What Is Muriatic Acid?

I can bet many people don’t know much about Muriatic acid. Well, for them, let me tell you a bit more about it. 

Muriatic acid is a colorless liquid typically used in commercial cleaning solutions. It converts into a very effective cleanser and an even more powerful solvent when mixed with water. 

Muriatic acid’s main use is to remove rust from metal surfaces, but it’s also used to clean concrete floors and remove grease from brick walls.

Muriatic acid has a pH of 1 to 3 and can clean concrete, mortar, brick, and stone. It can also be used to clean out clogged drains and pipes.

It does not work well on glass or mirrors because it will leave streaks behind when it dries.

Is It Safe To Use Muriatic Acid In Toilets?

I know there is a serious concern raised in the mind of many people, is Muriatic acid safe to use? Right? Well, let me tell you, It is safe to use Muriatic acid, but only if you dilute it before adding it. 

Muriatic acid (HCl) is often used to clean concrete and remove grout stains. It’s also a good choice for cleaning toilets because it’s not as acidic as some other acids and won’t damage the porcelain.

But without a dilution ratio, muriatic acid can eat away at the metal parts of your toilet tank, leading to leaks and other problems. 

Plus, if you don’t use enough water when you mix up your toilet cleaning solution, then muriatic acid could eat away at the enamel on your toilet bowl and cause permanent damage.

Also Read: Can I Leave Bleach In The Toilet Overnight

8 Step To Use Muriatic Acid To Clean Toilet

Now let’s move on to this blog’s main topic, which is how to use muriatic acid to clean the toilet. Don’t be panic; using it, not rocket science.

Yes, it’s essential to handle muriatic acid with caution. But it’s not as challenging as you think. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Safety Precautions

Wear protective gear like goggles, gloves, and a mask or respirator to stay safe. Ensure the area is well-ventilated, or use a fan.

Step 2: Dilute The Muriatic Acid

Muriatic acid is highly concentrated, so it needs to be diluted before use. Combine one part muriatic acid with ten parts water in a plastic container.

Add the acid slowly to the water to prevent splashes or violent reactions, never the other way around.

Step 3: Empty The Toilet Bowl

Flushing the toilet will reduce the water level in the bowl. Using a plunger helps remove excess water and bring the water level down.

Step 4: Apply The Acid Solution

Pour the diluted acid solution into the toilet bowl, coating the stains and areas that need cleaning. Spread the solution evenly across the bowl’s surface with a toilet brush, ensuring it reaches all the stains.

Step 5: Let It Sit

Allow the acid solution to sit in the toilet bowl for 15-30 minutes. The acid will have more time to work on the stains.

Step 6: Scrub The Toilet Bowl

Scrub the toilet bowl with a toilet brush, paying extra attention to stained areas. Make sure you get under the rim and all the nooks and crannies. Make sure you don’t splash the acid solution on yourself.

Step 7: Flush And Rinse

After scrubbing the toilet bowl, flush it multiple times to remove the acid solution. Ensure all acid traces are flushed away and thoroughly rinse the bowl.

If you run out of water, read How To Flush Toilet Without Running Water? To tackle this situation.

Step 8: Clean Up and Dispose of Materials

After cleaning, rinse the toilet brush and any other tools you use with water. Follow local regulations and safety guidelines when disposing of the diluted acid solution.

Remember, you should use muriatic acid cautiously since it’s a strong chemical. Mixing it with other cleaning products, especially chlorine ones, can release toxic fumes. If you’re unsure about using muriatic acid to clean your toilet, read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Also Read:

How To Remove Blue Stains From Toilet Seat | 7 Pro Tips

What Do Hotels Use To Clean Toilets

How To Use Liquid Fire In Toilet | 3 Simple Steps

How To Use Muriatic Acid For Clean Tiles | Pro Steps

For cleaning tiles, muriatic acid needs to be used with caution and safety measures. Muriatic acid is a strong, potentially hazardous chemical, so follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Safety First

Before you start, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety goggles, gloves, and a mask or respirator. Consider using a fan to improve air circulation or working in a well-ventilated area.

Step 2: Dilute The Muriatic Acid

Muriatic acid is highly concentrated, so dilute it before using it. Fill a bucket with water and slowly add muriatic acid, never the other way around.

Dilute the acid with water according to the manufacturer’s directions, but a 1:10 or 1:15 ratio is usually enough to clean tiles.

Step 3: Test a Small Area First 

Before applying the acid solution to the entire tile surface, test it on a small, inconspicuous area. It’ll help you determine if the solution is effective and doesn’t damage anything.

Step 4: Apply The Acid Solution

Apply the diluted muriatic acid solution to the tiles using a scrub brush or a sponge. Work in small sections to ensure proper coverage and prevent the solution from drying on the surface.

Step 5: Scrub Gently

Use the scrub brush or sponge to gently scrub the tiles after applying the acid solution. Don’t forget to pay attention to stained or heavily soiled areas. Don’t use abrasive scrubbers or tools that can damage the tiles.

Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the tiles thoroughly with clean water after scrubbing to remove any acid traces. You can use a bucket or hose for this. Make sure all the acid is gone.

Step 7: Clean Up and Dispose of Materials

When you’re done cleaning, clean all brushes, sponges, and buckets you used with the acid solution. Remember your local regulations when disposing of a leftover acid solution or other waste materials.

Remember, you should only use muriatic acid on certain tile types, like porcelain or ceramic. Natural stone and delicate materials like marble and granite can get irreparably damaged. You should always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations or get professional advice if unsure.

Side Effects Of Muriatic Acid

When used improperly or if exposed, muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, can have several side effects. Here are some muriatic acid side effects:

1. Skin and eye irritation
2. Respiratory issues
3. Gastrointestinal effects
4. Hazards to the environment
5. Damage to surfaces

1. Skin And Eye Irritation

Muriatic acid is corrosive and can cause severe irritation and burns when it gets on your skin or eyes. To minimize exposure, make sure you wear gloves and goggles.

2. Respiratory Issues

Inhaling muriatic acid fumes or mist can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Work in a well-ventilated area or wear respiratory protection to avoid inhaling acid fumes.

3. Gastrointestinal Effects

It can burn your mouth, throat, and digestive tract if you swallow or ingest muriatic acid.

It can cause abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and potentially life-threatening complications.

To prevent accidental ingestion, keep muriatic acid out of reach of kids and handle it with extreme caution.

4. Hazards To The Environment

Muriatic acid is toxic. Without proper disposal, it can contaminate water sources and soil, causing damage to aquatic life.

For safe disposal of muriatic acid and any waste materials associated with its use, follow local regulations.

5. Damage To Surfaces

Muriatic acid is highly corrosive and can damage metals, natural stones (like marble or granite), and tiles.

Ensure you follow manufacturer instructions, do spot tests, and don’t use muriatic acid on surfaces it won’t work on.

To minimize side effects, wear protective gear, work in a well-ventilated area, and follow dilution instructions and handling guidelines carefully when using muriatic acid. Seek medical attention right away if you’ve been accidentally exposed or ingested.

Bottom Line

I admit, cleaning your toilet with muriatic acid isn’t easy, but it is effective. Cleaning with Muriatic acid wouldn’t be recommended if you have small children or pets in the house, as the fumes can be dangerous.

If you do choose to tackle this task yourself and take all of the necessary safety precautions, there is no doubt that your toilet will emerge looking sparkling clean! 

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