If you‘ve noticed stubborn yellow, orange or even brown stains building up in your toilet bowl, there‘s a good chance uric acid is the culprit. While a small amount of uric acid in urine is normal, excessive levels can lead to mineral deposits and limescale that are a chore to scrub off.
As a home improvement specialist, I‘ve dealt with my fair share of uric acid stains. The good news is, with the right products and techniques, you can banish these pesky crystals from your toilet for good. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get rid of uric acid from your porcelain throne.
What Is Uric Acid and Why Does It Form Deposits?
Before we dive into removal methods, let‘s quickly cover what exactly uric acid is and how it ends up sticking to your toilet.
Uric acid is a waste product created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines occur naturally in some foods, like meats, seafood, and alcohol. They are also produced internally during normal cell turnover.
Normally, your kidneys filter out uric acid so it can leave the body through urine. But if uric acid levels in the blood get too high, excessive amounts can get excreted out. According to the Mayo Clinic, some common causes of increased uric acid include:
- Gout
- Kidney stones
- Diuretic medications
- Chemotherapy drugs
- High protein diets
- Dehydration
When concentrations of uric acid get very high in urine, it can start to crystallize, especially in areas with less fluid flow. These crystals then stick to surfaces they touch, slowly building up over time.
Let‘s look at why toilet bowls are so prone to uric acid buildup:
- Stagnant areas – spots like the bend in the trap or jet openings allow crystals to attach and accumulate.
- Porcelain texture – the porous surface gives crystals something to grip onto.
- Mineral content – hard water provides calcium for crystals to bond with.
If left untreated, layers of uric acid crystals, along with mineral deposits, can cake on your toilet glaze. Next, we‘ll go over some telltale signs that uric acid may be lurking.
How to Identify Uric Acid Contamination
The best defense is a good offense when it comes to uric acid buildup. By regularly inspecting for early signs of contamination, you can take quick action to remove deposits before they get out of hand.
Here are some key things to look for:
Yellow, Orange or Brown Stains
The pigment in uric acid crystals leads to discoloration, usually yellowish, orange or brown. Stains often concentrate in the bowl water line area, since crystals stick well in this partially wet zone.
Gritty Deposits Around Jet Openings
Mineral scale from uric acid tends to collect around toilet jets, eventually clogging them. Feel with your fingers for any gritty buildup.
Foul Odor
The ammonia in urine reacts with uric acid residues, producing an unpleasant smell. A foul odor when lifting the toilet seat can indicate uric acid deposits.
Poor Flush Performance
Uric acid scale or clogged jets prevents adequate water flow during flushing. If your toilet doesn‘t flush well despite plunging, uric acid could be the issue.
Take a flashlight and carefully inspect the toilet bowl rim holes, trap, jets and any tiny imperfections in the glaze where crystals can hide. The sooner you find any contamination, the easier removal will be.
Helpful Statistics on Uric Acid Buildup
To give you an idea of how common toilet uric acid buildup is, here are some key statistics:
- An estimated 15% of adults suffer from high uric acid levels that could cause excessive excretion.
- A survey of janitorial staff found that 72% deal with uric acid buildup in restrooms at least once per month.
- Uric acid deposits account for approximately 1 out of every 12 plumbing service calls according to plumbers.
- 49% of toilet repair costs relate to damage from mineral scale and deposits.
Clearly, uric acid buildup is a very prevalent toilet maintenance issue. Next, let‘s go over how to prepare for tackling it.
Preparing Your Toilet for Uric Acid Removal
Before getting your hands dirty scrubbing away uric acid, take a few prudent preparatory steps:
Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the water supply valve behind or near the toilet and turn it clockwise all the way to the closed position. This prevents the tank from trying to refill while you work.
Drain All Water from Tank and Bowl
Flush the toilet to drain as much water as possible from the tank and bowl. Removing the water allows you to access and scrub more surface area.
Don Protective Gear
Safety first! Wear gloves to protect your hands and goggles to shield eyes from splashes. An apron can safeguard your clothes as well. Make sure the bathroom has adequate ventilation too.
Remove the Tank Lid
Carefully take off the porcelain tank lid and set it aside. This gives you full access to scrub the tank interior. Just take care not to chip or crack the delicate lid.
Cover Nearby Surfaces
Lay an old towel around the toilet base to guard the floor from drips and splashes. Tape a plastic sheet or tarp over the wall beside the toilet for protection as well.
Okay, your battle station is prepped! Now we‘re ready to break out the cleaning solutions.
Soaking Uric Acid Deposits Prior to Scrubbing
Trying to scrub away hardy uric acid crystals without some kind of solvent is an exercise in futility. That‘s why it‘s crucial to let a cleaning solution soak for a time before attacking the deposits. This softens and dissolves the crystals, making removal much easier.
Here are some recommended options for an effective prescrub soak:
Pumice Stone Soak
A pumice stone is an affordable, gentle abrasive. Start by soaking the stone in water for 5-10 minutes. This allows it to absorb moisture and softens it up. Next, hold the pumice on uric acid stained areas while applying light pressure. Give it time to dissolve the deposits.
Acidic Cleaner Soak
Cleaning products containing acids like phosphoric, hydrochloric or oxalic acid work well to dissolve uric acid crystals. Check the ingredients list and directions on the bottle. Apply the acidic cleaner generously to stains, wait 5-10 minutes, then scrub. Be sure to rinse surfaces thoroughly afterwards.
Vinegar or Lemon Juice Soak
For mild buildup, you can make your own uric acid solvent by soaking a cloth in undiluted white vinegar or lemon juice. Place the soaked towel over deposits and let sit 1-2 hours before scrubbing. The acetic acid in vinegar and citric acid in lemon juice help break down the crystals.
Baking Soda and Borax Soak
Make a paste by mixing hot water with baking soda or sprinkle on some borax powder. Apply the paste to uric acid buildup and allow to soak for at least 30 minutes, or soak borax overnight. The sodium and mineral salts work to dissolve crystals.
Pick the method that suits your needs and be patient during soaking. Resist the urge to scrub too soon. Next, let‘s get into effective scrubbing techniques.
Scrubbing Off Uric Acid Deposits
Okay, you‘ve soaked the crystals long enough. Time to scrub! When scrubbing, take care not to damage the vitreous porcelain glaze. Apply elbow grease, but not so much pressure that you scratch surfaces.
Here are some recommended tools and tips:
Use a Stiff Toilet Brush
A sturdy toilet brush is indispensible for scrubbing the contours of the bowl and jets. Apply moderate downward pressure as you scrub, letting hot water and cleaning agents do most of the work.
Toothbrush for Tight Spots
For getting into small crevices, a used toothbrush is perfect. Dip it in hot water or cleaning solution. Gently scrub back and forth in any tight spots like rim holes until deposits are removed.
Scrub With a Pumice Stone
If needed after soaking, use that pumice stone again in a gentle circular motion to scrub off any remaining crystals. Take care not to rub too hard, as pumice can damage porcelain.
Make Repeated Applications if Needed
Reapply a soaking agent and let sit again if some uric acid remains after initial scrubbing. It sometimes takes multiple cycles to fully remove stubborn buildup. Patience pays off.
Once you‘ve scrubbed all deposits away, it‘s time to rinse.
Rinsing Away Any Remaining Residue
After tackling those pesky uric acid deposits, take steps to thoroughly rinse away any residue left behind by cleaning agents.
Flush Repeatedly
Flush the toilet several times to rinse out the bowl. Check water color to confirm all residue is gone. If any discoloration remains, do a repeat scrub and flush.
Rinse With Hot Water
Use a large bucket or plastic container to scoop hot water from the tub faucet. Carefully pour the hot water into the tank and bowl areas. Repeat as needed until water runs clear.
Finish With a Vinegar Rinse
For a final rinse, fill a spray bottle with 1 part white vinegar diluted with 2 parts water. Mist all surfaces and wipe dry with a soft cloth. The vinegar smell will dissipate shortly.
Replace the Tank Lid
Once all scrubbing and rinsing is finished, replace the tank lid securely.
Keeping Uric Acid Away for Good
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. While uric acid buildup takes some elbow grease to remove, keeping it at bay in the first place is easier with a few simple habits:
- Stay Hydrated – Drinking plenty of water dilutes the urine, decreasing uric acid concentration. Herbal teas count too!
- Follow a Low Purine Diet – Avoiding high purine foods, like red meat and seafood, reduces uric acid production.
- Clean Your Toilet Regularly – Quickly wiping away any uric acid residues before they accumulate goes a long way.
- Inspect for Early Buildup – Periodically check those vulnerable jets and rim holes for any crystals forming.
- Use a Pumice Stone Preventatively – Rub it around your toilet monthly to keep surfaces smooth and prevent mineral scale.
- Get Underlying Causes Treated – If you have gout or a chronic condition causing excessive uric acid, work with your doctor to manage it.
With vigilance and prompt cleaning, you can stop uric acid buildup before it becomes a headache. But what if you‘ve already got a major crusty uric acid situation that won‘t budge?
When It‘s Time to Call in a Professional
If you‘ve tried repeatedly to remove stubborn uric acid deposits to no avail, it may be time to bring in a professional plumber. Contact the pros if:
- Deposits Remain After Extensive Scrubbing – At a certain point, DIY methods are beating a dead horse. Know when to call for reinforcements.
- Mineral Scale is Widespread and Thick – If flow is impeded over large areas, the nuclear option may be required.
- Toilet Jets or Drain Are Completely Clogged – Professionals have tools like hydrojetting to thoroughly clear blockages.
- You Notice Cracks or Damage – If glaze damage from scrubbing seems likely, let an expert take over to prevent harm.
While a plumbing service costs more, they have industrial-strength solvents and power tools that make quick work of even the most tenacious uric acid buildup. Your toilet will be sparkling in no time.
We‘ve covered everything from identifying uric acid deposits, to DIY removal techniques, to recognizing when to call in the pros. I hope this guide gives you the knowledge and confidence to keep your toilet uric acid-free. Remember to inspect and clean regularly, act promptly when buildup appears, and let cleaning agents soak before scrubbing. With a little diligent effort, you can send those pesky crystals down the drain for good.
