Don’t worry, it’s super easy to turn your water back on. When you’re ready, you can just reach behind your toilet again and twist the valve counter-clockwise before flushing.

Although it can be tempting to use apple cider vinegar, its brown color has the potential to stain a white toilet. Stick to white vinegar if you don’t want to discolor your toilet bowl accidentally.

This is especially important if you’re dealing with hard water stains, since those can take a while to dissolve. In a toilet, hard water stains are usually brown or rust-colored, and they usually don’t come off with gentle scrubbing.

The acidity in vinegar combines with the baking soda, releasing carbon dioxide gas that can help lift dirt and stains. Plus, it does it without using any harsh chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about breathing it in while you clean.

Hard water describes water that has a lot of minerals dissolved in it (specifically calcium and magnesium). [6] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Geological Survey U. S. government agency responsible for conducting scientific research on the nation’s land, natural resources, and natural disasters Go to source If you live in an area with hard water, you’ve probably noticed white spots on your glassware, even after you wash them.

Although it can be tempting to grab a metal brush, don’t use that on enamel surfaces—metal brushes are tough on stains, but they can also scratch your toilet bowl. [8] X Expert Source Amy MikhaielHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 3 February 2019.

To clean off your toilet brush, leave it in the toilet as you flush. The new, clean water will rinse the brush off, and you can let it dry until you use it next time. [10] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source

If you’re having to do this a second time, you may want to let the vinegar soak overnight. That way, it has enough time to work on hard stains.

Vinegar is a natural odor-eater, and it can help remove tough smells that might be stuck in the floors or the walls.