How to Remove Stains From Porcelain Urinals

Written By
Paul Dohrman
Paul Dohrman
Published: Nov 10, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Pumice stone
  • Windex or car wax (optional)
  • Vinegar (optional)
  • Borax (optional)
  • Lemon juice (optional)

Because of the verticality of urinals, soaking the stain in a solution for an extended period is not as much of an option as it is for bathtub and sink stains; therefore, a manual approach is more desirable.

  1. Replace the intake line if the stain is rust; otherwise, the problem will return, spoiling all your hard work.

  2. Remove rust stains using a wet pumice stone. Pumice is harder than rust but softer than porcelain, so you can scrape away the rust without risk of scratching the porcelain of the urinal. Pumice is an effective stain remover, without the use of harsh chemicals.

  3. Remove hard water stains with a paste of borax and lemon juice. By not adding too much lemon juice, the mix is paste and can adhere to the vertical walls of the urinal. Do not apply the paste with bare hands. Leave it for 15 minutes before rinsing. A less noxious option is to lay paper towels soaked in white vinegar on the urinal walls for 15 minutes. A pumice stone is also effective for scrubbing hard water stains.

  4. Use a pet urine remover to remove old urine stains too stubborn for standard toilet bowl cleanser. Such solutions include an enzyme to break down biological stains. A pumice stone is also effective for urine stains.

  5. Restore the urinal’s shine with paste auto wax or a window cleaner like Windex.

Paul Dohrman

Paul Dohrman's academic background is in physics and economics. He has professional experience as an educator, mortgage consultant, and casualty actuary. His interests include development economics, technology-based charities, and angel…

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