Stains and rings in your toilet bowl or discoloration on various fixtures can be unsightly. While toilet bowls and other fixtures and surfaces may be perpetually wet, other areas are made wet occasionally and then allowed to dry before becoming wet again. This constant state of moisture encourages the growth of bacteria, molds, and mildew.

Pink stains, often found in toilets and other moist areas, are usually caused by airborne bacteria called Serratia Marcescens. This bacterium is naturally present in soil, food, and animals and thrives in damp conditions.

To remove pink stains, use a toilet bowl cleaner, apply it, and then scrub gently. Routine maintenance can help prevent the bacteria from returning. Drying wet surfaces after use will prevent the bacteria from growing. Serratia Marcescens cannot be completely killed and removed, but routine maintenance can keep the bacteria from reappearing, increasing, or becoming a more stubborn issue. For harder to remove stains use regular household bleach and a soft bristle cleaning brush to gently scrub the affected area. An old toothbrush or nail brush works great, too.

Mold or mildew can appear as dark rings or streaks in your toilet bowl and on various fixtures. These issues are common in moist environments like bathrooms.

Prevent mold and mildew by drying wet surfaces after use. Clean your toilet bowl with a suitable cleaner and brush to prevent the buildup of mold or mildew. Routine maintenance can help prevent the bacteria from returning. Drying wet surfaces after use will prevent the bacteria from growing.

Shower curtains and liners can be washed in hot water with a little bleach. For patterned shower curtains, use color-safe bleach.

Natural surfaces (granite, marble, travertine, etc.), tile and grout can be porous and require a sealant.

White, crusty deposits or water spots on fixtures can result from minerals in the water supply, often referred to as water hardness. These deposits are common where water sits and dries.

Use a toilet bowl cleaner or a cleaner specific to mineral deposits to remove these stains. Routine maintenance can help prevent them from returning.

Routine maintenance can help prevent the deposits from returning. Drying wet surfaces after use will prevent the deposits from appearing.

Natural surfaces (granite, marble, travertine, etc.), tile and grout can be porous and require a sealant.

These stains may be caused by electrolysis, which is common in homes with a mix of different pipe materials. This is a common problem with homes that have been remodeled and homes with a mixture of pipe materials (i.e.: galvanized, copper, PEX, CPVC) being used. These stains are not related to water quality.

Many toilet bowl cleaners can effectively remove these stains. Avoid using abrasive methods or materials that could damage your fixtures. These rings are not an issue with water quality.

• Keep surfaces wiped down and dry to prevent the formation of stains, mold, mildew, or mineral deposits.
• Use cleaning methods suitable for your fixtures and finishes.
• Avoid being too aggressive with cleaning solutions.
• Consult the manufacturer for specific recommendations.

We hope this guide helps you understand and address common water-related issues. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to us at 740-203-1900 or via email.