How to clean commode stains for a fresh appearance

Commode toilets are beneficial for a variety of customers. This includes seniors with mobility issues and those with disabilities which affect their motility.

However, you must keep your commode toilet as fresh and clean as you would a regular toilet. Today, Millercare will guide you through the maintenance of commode toilets and how to get rid of stains quickly and efficiently.

Browse our wide selection of commode pans and chairs for a product you can rely on.

The Types of Commode Stains

Various types of commode stains may require a different cleaning approach.

Some common stains include:

Hard water stains: This is caused by minerals in the water, such as calcium and magnesium, which leave behind a chalky residue when water evaporates. They may appear as white, grey, or rusty brown rings in the bowl.
Mould and mildew: These fungi thrive in moist environments and can appear as black, green, or pink spots. This may cause an unpleasant odour or poor air quality.
Limescale: Limescale is a hard, crusty deposit that forms from minerals in hard water. It often appears at the bottom of the commode or under the rim and can be tough to remove once it hardens.
Organic stains: These are typically yellow or brown stains resulting from organic matter in waste. These can become embedded in porous surfaces if not cleaned regularly.
Rust stains: Iron can oxidise from the water supply, leading to reddish-brown rust stains. These can be stubborn to remove.

When cleaning certain stains from your commode, there are a few approaches you can take:

Hard water and limescale stains: Use acidic cleaners to dissolve mineral deposits.
Mould and mildew: Treat them with fungicides or bleach-based products.
Organic and rust stains: Remove these with oxidising agents or specific toilet rust removers.

The Materials You'll Need

Rubber gloves and a toilet brush
Microfibre cloths
Disposable sponges
All-purpose bathroom cleaner or toilet bowl cleaner
Calcium, lime, and rust remover
Mould and mildew remover
Spray bottle (optional)
Pumice stone (optional)
Vinegar or baking soda (optional)

A General Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Commode

Once you have gathered all of the materials above, follow the steps below:

1. Apply the Cleaning Solution to the Bowl

Wet the bowl with water to remove any initial waste and allow the cleaning solution to adhere better.

Choose the cleaner of your choice and apply it around the bowl, including the rim. Make sure to get every spot to clear out any hidden bacteria.

If you want to make your own cleaning solution, mix baking soda and vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to the bowl. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes to lift the stains before rinsing.

2. Clean the Exterior

Clean around the exterior of your commode bowl, as well as the chair, including the back, armrests and legs.

Use an all-purpose cleaner for general surfaces and a disinfectant for buttons or any flush mechanisms. For dust or grime, use a damp microfibre cloth to clean the surface.

3. Scrub the Bowl

After allowing the disinfectant to sit for a few minutes, scrub the bowl thoroughly with a cleaning brush or disposable sponge.

For commode toilets, it's important to scrub thoroughly under the rim and around any jets or flushing mechanisms.

4. Empty or Flush the Bowl

For bowls which require a deep clean, such as deep stains, remove any excess water and debris between each scrub to prevent over-filling.

You can place a towel or sponge at the bottom of the bowl to soak up any excess water whilst cleaning.

5. Address any Limescale or Hard Water Stains

Use a pumice stone to remove mineral build-up for tough stains, such as limescale, rust, or hard water stains.

Gently scrub the area to prevent damaging the bowl.

6. Clean the Lid and Seat

Lift and clean under the seat and lid with a disinfectant. These require extra attention as they are high-contact surfaces.

Wipe down the top and bottom of both the seat and lid.

Invest in a Long-Lasting Commode with Millercare

At Millercare, we sell a range of stylish and sturdy commode chairs for various needs.

Whether you need a portable chair for travelling purposes or a discrete commode that blends in as a regular chair in your home, we have it all. Browse our commode chairs and pans today for a toilet you can rely on.