Send toilet bowl woes down the drain

Persistent toilet bowl staining is caused by mineral buildup around the waterline and under the rim..

The culprit is usually hard water, which has a high mineral content. Uric acid soaks into the mineral buildup, causing a continued smell of urine. As the water evaporates, minerals such as calcium or magnesium compounds and rust-colored iron compounds are left behind.

Even with soft water, mold can form a dark coating in the bowl. As the bowl ages, scratches from abrasive cleaners aid in the buildup.

Automatic, in-tank cleaners are the easiest to use but generally only mask the dirt. The "real" cleaners are the liquid and granular in-bowl cleaners that are meant to be used with a brush.

Most in-bowl cleaners rely on blue dye to tint the water and hide the dirt that accumulates between scrubbing. For those of you who use the in-tank type of cleaner, always check the dispensing valve before throwing it away. It may only be clogged and, once cleaned, still be of use.

The best way to clean a toilet bowl is to brush it frequently with an all-purpose liquid cleaner. The use of acidic type cleaners should only be used for mineral buildup.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabric and paints before using any chemical compound. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the chief executive officer of Northwest Executive and Environmental Services, LLC.