An unclean toilet seat is not a pleasing sight. Sometimes, toilet seats may turn yellow as a result of irregular cleaning and maintenance, which you can resolve by using bleaches or detergents. But what if your toilet seat turned yellow after bleaching itself? This is a common problem that can be caused by a number of factors.
First, it’s important to make sure that you’re using the bleach properly. If you’re using too much or not diluting it properly, this can cause the toilet seat to turn yellow. Second, porous or plastic toilet seats are more prone to discoloration after bleaching. Also, if your toilet seat is worn out and already discolored, a harsh bleaching solution can just cause it to yellow further.
This article will outline the common causes behind toilet seats turning yellow after bleaching and give you solutions so that you can have a clean and comfortable toilet seat.
Why Does Bleaching Turn Toilet Seat Yellow?
When you bleach a toilet seat, you are using a strong chemical that can discolor many different materials. Although toilet seats are made to withstand a lot of wear and tear, they can still be damaged by bleach. As bleach contains harsh and acidic chemicals, it is bound to damage the toilet seat especially if applied in a concentrated form.
The acidic substances remove the color from the toilet seats, leaving behind a yellowish appearance. This discoloration is permanent and can only be resolved in two ways:
- Replacing the toilet seat entirely – This process can be a little expensive and may require service from a plumber.
- Repainting the toilet seat – This is easier and cost-effective and can be done at home by yourself. It has its limitations though. If the toilet seat has become yellow and disfigured to the point of no repair, painting over it will not do much to fix its appearance.
How To Prevent Bleach From Yellowing The Toilet Seat?
Prevention is better than cure. Rather than having to repaint the toilet seat, there are a few precautionary measures you can take while using bleach to clean your toilet so that it does not become discolored in the first place. For example:
- You can add a bit of water to the bleach solution to dilute it. Especially if your toilet seat is made of plastic or porous material, make sure to dilute the bleach to protect the toilet seat from corrosion.
- Switch to a gentler detergent, preferably one that is free of harsh chemicals such as chlorine. Doing so would also eliminate the need to wear protective clothing while cleaning the toilet.
- Don’t leave the bleach solution in the toilet for long periods of time than what is mentioned on the product label.
- Make a DIY bleach solution. Usually, people like to use ingredients available at home such as lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar, and so on. You can combine them with essential oils to simulate the fragrance of a proper detergent.
- Avoid mixing the bleach with any other chemicals.
How To Repaint a Toilet Seat That Has Turned Yellow After Bleaching?
Over time, toilet seats can become discolored and yellowed from bleaching. While this may not be a major issue for some, others may want to repaint their toilet seat to achieve a more uniform look.
The good news is that repainting a toilet seat is relatively easy and only requires a few supplies, such as the following:
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Primer
- Disinfectant Cleaner
- Masking tape
- Paint compatible with the material of the toilet seat.
First, you will need to apply disinfectant cleaner on the toilet seat so that the contaminated and stained areas are free of germs. If you see any cracks on the toilet seat, grab a piece of fine-grit sandpaper to smoothen the toilet seat surface. This will help the new paint adhere better.
Next, apply a primer compatible with the material of the toilet seat. For example, if your toilet seat is made of porcelain, go with a porcelain-based primer. Once the primer is dry, you can apply your desired paint color. If there are parts of the toilet that you don’t want the paint to go on, cut out strips of masking tape and seal those areas.
For best results, use spray paint designed for porcelain surfaces. Avoid using brushes to paint since the brushstrokes would show, giving a rough appearance. Make sure to work in layers by slowly spray-painting parts of the toilet seat and leaving them to dry before you apply the next layer. Two to three layers should be enough for a smooth, seamless appearance.
Allow the paint to dry completely, remove the masking tape strips, and there you have it: a toilet seat looking as new as ever!
Do Toilet Seats Turn Yellow Only Because of Bleaching?
Harsh bleaching solutions can surely lead to the yellowing of a toilet seat, but it is only one of the many potential causes. There may be other reasons why your toilet seat is turning yellow, such as the following:
- Urine stains, if left unwashed, can quickly make the toilet seat unsanitary and visually unappealing. Regular cleaning and maintenance are important if you want to keep your toilet seat squeaky clean.
- Hard water leaves behind impurities such as limescale over the toilet seat in the form of a yellowish stain. Make sure to use soft water while rinsing the toilet seat.
- Every product has a life cycle, with toilets being no exception. If your toilet seat has been ill-maintained and gotten old, it will begin to deteriorate.
- Harsh sunlight can also damage the toilet seat, especially the ones made from plastic. If your toilet is placed under direct exposure to sunlight, it is bound to damage the toilet seat and leave unsightly yellowish stains.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever noticed that your toilet seat turns yellow after you bleached it, you’re not alone. While bleaching is an effective way to clean and disinfect your toilet, it can also cause the toilet seat to discolor.
You can dilute the bleach or try a gentler cleaning solution, such as vinegar or baking soda. With a little trial and error, you should be able to find a cleaning method that doesn’t cause your toilet seat to turn yellow.