The unattractive sight of urinary tartar on porcelain surfaces such as sinks and toilet bowls can be a nuisance. Besides the unpleasant yellow or brown discolorations, urinary tartar also imparts a foul smell, unlike its odorless cousin, limescale tartar. Moreover, it roughens and dulls the porcelain surfaces. But with regular cleaning and the right techniques, you can keep urinary tartar at bay.
Identifying Urinary Tartar
To spot the presence of urinary tartar, one should examine hard-to-see areas, for example, under the toilet bowl rim. A telltale sign of urinary tartar is a brownish coloration.
Formation of Tartar
Most tap water has a high mineral content which can contribute to cleaning issues. When such hard water interacts with urine, it produces a stubborn, odorous sediment.
Prevention is Better than Cure
Routine sanitation of the hidden areas can help avoid the buildup of tartar. Softening your hard water can be achieved by installing a water softener, utilizing natural hacks, or fixing anti-limescale filters and activated charcoal in your tap water.
Homemade Solutions for Tartar Elimination
Two household items, lemon and vinegar, are widely recognized for their cleaning capabilities. Acidic cleaning agents need ample time to break down solidified deposits.
Method 1: White Vinegar
- Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray it under the rim of the toilet bowl. Let it work for about 20 minutes.
- Scrub vigorously with a hard brush and rinse.
- If tartar persists, repeat the process.
Method 2: Adhesive Tape and Vinegar
- This technique is especially helpful for old deposits.
- You need vinegar, a dry cloth, and sturdy cloth tape.
- First, empty the toilet tank and stop the water flow. Then, dry the area under the rim and seal it with tape.
- Pour vinegar in the tank and flush so the fluid seeps under the rim. The tape will keep the vinegar in place.
- Wait for 30 minutes to allow the vinegar to work and dissolve the tartar.
- Remove the tape, fill the tank, rinse, and scrub if needed.
Method 3: Baking Soda Paste
- Create a paste by mixing water and baking soda.
- Smear it under the rim and wait for 30 minutes to 2 hours, then scrub and rinse.
- Repeat if necessary.
Consistent cleaning and determination are the keys to removing these stubborn deposits. Armed with these methods, you will no longer have to deal with the issues caused by urinary tartar.