'Magic' item removes yellow toilet seat stains in 'seconds' - don't use bleach

Body oils, hard water, urine, makeup, sweat and even cleaning products can make toilet seats turn yellow over time.

By Millie Bull, Deputy Lifestyle Editor

Toilet cleaning

When it comes to household chores, one of the worst is cleaning toilets (Image: Getty)

Fans of cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch have shared their go-to method for removing stains from toilet seats.

When it comes to household chores, one of the worst is cleaning toilets. While bleach is often used to clean toilets, many people aren't aware that it can actually cause stains, despite its cleaning properties.

One person who was struggling with yellow toilet seat stains was Facebook user Lilian Beckett.

She posted on the Facebook group, 'Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips': "White toilet seat going yellow on edge, what should I use to clean it?"

The post was inundated with responses but the most suggested option was to use something called a "magic eraser" or "magic sponge".

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Andrea Richardson said: "Magic sponge!"

Sheila Gillmore agreed and wrote: "Did it in seconds on mine!"

Julie Davis also posted: "Magic sponge. Was about to rip my loo seat off just before I tried it - like new."

Angela Harkin replied: "Definitely use the magic eraser sponge. Worked amazing on my toilet."

Magic erasers or magic sponges contain melamine, a nitrogen-rich organic base that is a powerful yet delicate abrasive.

The sponges can be used to remove marks from walls, grease on hobs and grime on wheel caps as well as other scuffs and stains.

The erasers can be bought online and from local supermarkets for around £3 for two.

Other suggestions from Mrs Hinch fans included avoiding using bleach as this can make toilet seats "turn yellow".

Ann Stanton wrote: "Don’t put bleach down the toilet and close the lid. The fumes will yellow the plastic. It’s not salvageable normally so a new seat if you want it white again."

Tina McCarthy Barton commented: "When you put bleach down the loo and keep the lid down, it is that that stains the seat and turns it yellow."

Others suggested using baking soda, whitening toothpaste and shaving foam to remove yellow stains from toilet seats.

Mary Francis posted: "Paste made of bicarbonate of soda. Apply the paste and give it a bit of a rub."

Adele Louise Oates commented: "I use whitening toothpaste and an old toothbrush."

Angela Favell wrote: "Shaving foam, leave for at least an hour, it helps. Sandpaper also works well."

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