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Warning: This post contains pictures of toilets that some readers may find disturbing.  Reader discretion is advised.  

If you know me at all, you know I am bursting to break out some paint in this new house!  But I’ve learned from a few moves that a place feels more like home once the toilets are cleaned to my satisfaction.

Sooo, before we talk about all of the fun stuff, I’m going to share about these toilets!  Yep.  A whole new house to blog about and we’re talking about toilets.

This house has hard water and it’s been vacant for a while, so there was an ugly build-up in all of the toilet bowls and who knows when they last had a good scrubbing.  Our last house had hard water as well, so I learned how to clean it up lickety-split and I thought that would be helpful information for other people with that issue.

This is how the toilets looked when we first got to the house…

Insert Psycho music and women with no sense of potty humor fainting.   I’m sure it’s not the worst toilet you’ve ever seen, but there’s lots of room for improvement.

The blue in the toilet is the toilet bowl cleaner I squirted into the bowl before I thought I would want to take pictures of my new toilet to share with a few thousand people. (And look, I even watermarked that picture.  There is no denying that toilet.)

Step 1 – Squirt in your favorite toilet bowl cleaner and let it sit for a bit.  Then, scrub the toilet bowl cleaner with a scrub brush and flush…

Then it’s time for the magic.

Step two – Use a Scouring Stick, which is like a pumice stone.  Maybe it actually IS a pumice stone?

Whatever it is, it takes hard water build-up right off.

Just scrub the build-up with the Scouring Stick.  The process will wear away the stick and you will see pieces of it in the toilet, but those will be carried away in the next flush.  Keep scrubbing and flushing until the build-up is gone.  This toilet only took a minute or two.

I then cleaned the rest of the toilet with Mrs. Meyers All Purpose Cleaner in Lavender.  I scrubbed the hinges with an old tooth brush to get into all of the nooks and crannies.

And it looks like a new toilet!

I also needed to clean the jetted tub in the master bath.  And, I must say, I am super excited about having a jetted tub!  This one needed some attention, though…

Before I tell you how I cleaned it, let me back up the camera and show you how the tub is situated…

Isn’t that pretty with the arch?  Such a great space and so much potential to make it even better.

The first challenge in cleaning this tub is that the water only came out of the spout in a trickle.  It probably would’ve taken me 3 hours to fill the tub and that isn’t an exaggeration.  There was hard water build-up in the faucet that was blocking the flow.  Vinegar is magical with this sort of thing.  I poured white vinegar in a ziplock back and banded it over the faucet.  It sat for about an hour and, once removed, the water flowed much better.

The faucet still doesn’t function at full capacity, so we’re going to replace it, but at least I could run water to clean the tub.

I filled the tub with hot water and poured in some white vinegar.  I used a sponge and scrubbed the top of the tub, higher than the water line.  Then, I used a trick my mom shared with me – drop in a dishwasher tablet and run the jets for 10 minutes.  The vinegar and dishwasher tab clean and disinfect the tub and the interior workings of the jets.

I drained the tub and wiped it down and it looked like a brand new tub.  My mom usually does one more step and fills the tub with cold water and runs the jets one more time as a “rinse”.  It took so long to fill my tub that I didn’t do that step, but I will once we replace the faucet.

I hope this post wasn’t TMI (too much information) while you’re having your morning coffee and gave you some ideas for cleaning your own bathrooms.

We unloaded most of our kitchen boxes, had a new fridge delivered, hit the grocery store, and even unearthed our mattresses from the trucks yesterday, so we’re settling in quickly.

More new house posts to come…

PS – Let’s take a quick poll.  I’m a non-glove-wearing-toilet-scrubber, as you may have noticed.  (As a note, though, I did clean the bowl with bleach cleaner and a toilet brush before I stuck my hand inside.)

Do you wear rubber/latex gloves when you clean or not?

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    215 Comments

    1. Rebecca

      1. I have never actually put my hands in a toilet bowl, and I’m astounded that people do!!! I had no clue that was a thing!
      2. We have rust in our water here, and our guest bathroom was formerly a children’s bathroom and there is a red build up all around the sink on the counter from water left sitting. Would the scouring stick work on that?

      • Monica

        There’s a product called CLR that you can pick up at any hardware store. It stands for Calcium/Lime/Rust and does a great job removing rust stains.

        • Chris Moore

          But you have to be very careful with CLR because it is so strong. If you leave it in too long it can permanently etch the porcelain. In a toilet, this is a very very very bad thing. I speak from experience. I had to replace a toilet because I forgot about the CLR. Just saying.

      • Sheri

        Me neither! No hands in ever! Just a toilet brush and gloves IF needed. But never venture INTO THE TOILET with my hands. UGH! 😉

    2. Colette

      I never wear gloves. I know some people think it’s gross but just never have, not for dishes or toilets. Yikes! I’m starting to doubt self now, haha! Sending best wishes with settling in to your new home!

      • Marian Parsons

        Ha! I know! Now I’m thinking I’m crazy or something. 🙂 After changing diapers and such, I just got over cleaning a toilet!

    3. Becky

      Marian, I found this real life post so cute. Yep, cleaning toilets before fun stuff like painting and decorating is a must. I sometimes wear gloves and sometimes not it just depends on what I’m doing. Ive switched over to more natural cleaning products so I’m using gloves less often.

    4. Taria

      lol I was wondering why you didn’t have gloves on. Just the quickie disposable ones if not the latex type. I wear gloves as much as I can stand. It is fun watching your adventure. Something about cleaning toilets that make a house seem like it is home.

      • Kris

        I occasionally wear disposable gloves, mostly for “gross” jobs like yukky toilets. I would be concerned about wearing re-usable latex gloves unless you cleaned them afterwards (maybe most people do? I don’t really know!) as you would be carrying the germs on the gloves. Just a thought.

    5. Ann

      Yes, I am a glove wearer when I clean the toilet and the bath tub and the bathroom sink. I do put my hands in the toilet, to clean it, because that’s how my mom did it.

    6. debbie delosreyes

      Haha, I did notice that lol. I don’t wear gloves either but maybe on that first scrub I would lol. Looks great. I will try that pumace thingy on the tough under seat stains from a son of mine. Love the house, love the posts!

      • Marian Parsons

        Ha! yeah, I’m rethinking that one, since they were someone else’s toilets, but the house has been vacant for long time, so somehow that makes me feel better…?

    7. the uncommon pearl

      Ah, the necessities of life, that aren’t too much fun, but need to be done! I love the arch over the tub and the fact that windows bring light into that space. It has loads of potential!
      Yup, I’m a glove wearing girl!

    8. Meredith MacRitchie

      I use a brush with a handle.so I don’t have to decide about gloves or no gloves. I just don’t wanna go there! ?

      Thanks for sharing your ‘settling in’… It will be fun to watch this home evolve!

      • Chris Moore

        Same here, long handle overcomes a multitude of sins!

    9. Jo

      I have well water and a water softner so that helps. I do get that build up in the toilet. I used to find a product called Santeen that was absolutely like a miracle but I can’t find it anymore. I’m going to try your scouring stick. I never wear gloves for any cleaning. Probably should but I’ve lived 69 years without them, so I guess I can make it another 40, eh? Can’t wait for all the house stories. Let me know when you want a tour of the MOA. I’ll bring my daughter and we’ll meet you there. I’ll buy you lunch, and we can it IKEA also!!! I’m not kidding.

      • Angela W

        Jo,
        This item can be found at True Value Hardware store. Santeen, 128 oz delimer & toilet bowl cleaner, industrial strength, formulated to dissolve heavy accumulations of lime, rust & scale from toilet bowls, tanks, jets & rim holes of toilet, deodorizes & restores bowls to original color, can be used on china urinals, pumps, humidifiers & fiberglass boats.

    10. Alice R

      Marion, I’ve seen that pumice hint before, but always worried – will it scratch the new toilets?

      • Miss Meliss

        Nope! I have used a scouring stick on toilets for years and never once had it scratch. It was made to be used on porcelain surfaces. It has info on the side of the box about other surfaces it can be used on.

    11. AndreaJane

      Definitely a glove wearer! When I saw your picture my first thought was – “oh that is just a staged picture. SURELY she wears gloves when cleaning her toilet.” Guess I was wrong 🙂 I love using a pumice stone when cleaning my toilets. It’s a little scary at first because you think you are going to scratch it but it really does a perfect job of removing hard water deposits and rust and doesn’t scratch at all. It starts to turn into a paste while you are scrubbing.

      • Andrea

        (This is a detour, but…I’m an Andrea Jane and I’ve never seen another one in print!)

        • Andrea

          ok, another detour, but me too, I’m another Andrea Jane! And, sometimes gloves……depends on the job.

    12. Deb

      I have a friend and her husband’s answer to moving into a previously owned house is….
      he replaces all toilets !!!:):):):):)
      Doesn’t matter what they look like or how old they are….he is gonna have brand new thrones!!!
      I have used the pumice stone before and it works well for me. I am looking into buying
      a house that currently has a brown toilet and
      an aqua toilet. Probably that brown toilet is gonna be replaced with a brand new toilet:):):):):)

      • Rick S

        My house from 1978 had same as well as an almond one. There are people looking for the old ones to replace broken or damaged ones in vintage bathrooms.
        Our Dresden Blue one went to Georgia for over $200 to a man that broke the lid of his toilet. He said it would get him out of the dog house with his wife.

        rick

    13. sharon

      your readers may be interested in knowing that the whole vinegar in a ziploc bag works great on stopped up shower heads as well.

    14. Rick S

      I love the arch over your tub. It is just begging for a petite chandelier.
      I have a second job cleaning offices and restrooms, I wear gloves there, at home mostly not.
      At home when we replaced c1978 toilets we went with Kohler and the easy remove seat and the soft close one for Master bath. No more seat slam at 2:00 am.
      Seats be removed, cleaned and reattached in 2 minutes and so much cleaner.
      Cleaning makes the rest fall into place.
      rick
      Ps pull out/remove bottom kitchen and bathroom drawers to clean out crumbs and other things that fell out of drawers.

    15. Debbie

      Oh I don’t know how anyone lives without soft water! My dad was a Culligan man so I have never had to live with hard water. and I’ll admit, the hardest thing about going on vacation is knowing I’ll be without soft water for the week! That being said, I’ve never had to clean hard water deposits from my water fixtures.

    16. Kelly

      I noticed the no gloves immediately. I don’t wear them either, although my hands would probably be prettier if I had!!

    17. Karen L Chaudoin

      Thank you so much for the tip from your mother on cleaning the jets! I am going to do that. I am a nurse so I do use latex gloves or non-latex gloves for cleaning. I am excited for you on your new adventure!

    18. Cindy in Oklahoma

      Your mom’s dishwasher tablet idea is genius. Thanks for sharing!

    19. Kendra

      Don’t wear gloves either!

    20. Teresa

      I use gloves if I’m cleaning the inside of the toilet with a sponge but I usually just use a brush with a handle. Thanks for the idea on the pumice stone! Funny story, I had back surgery a few years ago and my husband was cleaning the toilets for me. I caught him using the toilet water to clean the toilet seat and the outside of the toilet! I was horrified! So excited for your future posts on your new home and so happy for you!

      Teresa

    21. Robbyn Mendleski

      This is going to sound weird but it works and works SO well. Denture Tablets!! Drop one or two in the toilet and let it sit – removes hard water rings, calcium build up, scum, EVERYTHING!! Dentures are made from the same stuff toilets are porcelain! Added benefit . . .minty fresh potty!!

      • Kim

        Love it!!! Thanks for sharing!

    22. Victoria

      If the rim etc of the toilet is clean then any water flushed into it is fresh water and in most cases come from the same supply as the tap water. Therefore would be ok to clean with. But it does sort of feel wrong ?
      Gloves depends on how dirty, how far I’m sticking my hands inside and whether I’m using strong chemicals. As long as you wash afterwards then no different from washing hands after using the toilet.

    23. Penny P.

      Ha! I did a double-take on that picture, wondering if you were wearing gloves, I don’t use them either. We live in NE Florida and have horrible water. I use a pumice stone on my toilets every week, it’s a must down here! I have yet to find something that will get rid of the white deposits on my chrome faucets, handles etc.. nothing seems to work completely. I’m pretty sure I’ve tried every cleaner on the market at this point. Have fun setting up the new place, can’t wait to see what you will do with it!

      • Margaret Mills

        I love Lime-away for calcium deposits.

    24. Marie Claire

      I was the only girl in a household of brothers, and am now the only woman in a household with a husband and sons. I wear gloves. 🙂

    25. Stephanie

      As I started to read your column today ,I was thinking of the “dishwasher soap trick ” for the tub. Glad you did it . You may want to do that every month or so until it’s really clear. Running the water keeps the traps from drying out too!(and the critters that can come in when dry,ewe)
      Love your new house. A new adventure for sure.
      We are beginning the downsizing process. A daunting process for us.
      I love to read your blog for all sorts of inspiration ! Thank you

    26. Sharon Kennedy

      Neither … I have a cleaning lady.

      I have been retired for a year and realized I have always hated cleaning, so I got myself a cleaning lady. She has been coming for the last 5 months, and it is heaven.

      Cleaning lady is my one little splurge. Love it.

      S

    27. Cheryl

      Hah, you are too right making sure all the necessities are in fine working order first! Definitely gloves☺. Looking forward to see you putting “the mustard touch” on your new house!

    28. Julie Briones

      Oh my goodness… I haven’t even read this yet, but the title an intro TOTALLY made me laugh! Great ‘catch’ title and phrases, Marian!

    29. Sharon

      HA! My first thought was why is she not wearing gloves? Then I thought of all the times that I haven’t and realized you’ll be fine. But my preference is to wear gloves….I love this down to earth, real person story. Thanks so much. Happy cleaning.

    30. Brittany Wall

      LOL! The watermarked dirty toilet. Because I’m sure that would become your most stolen image. Have to admit, I cringed a little at your bare hands. I do use gloves to clean our toilets with a pumice stone.

    31. beverlee

      nope, never used gloves. And the bowl isn’t the dirty part to me…it’s the rim of the bowl that gets the drips and things. Once you get it clean, and if it gets yellow build up (I also have hard water), I cut a Mr. Clean sponge in quarters, it cleans the bowl right up.
      You are going to have the BEST time. It’s pretty to start with. Happy for y’all.

    32. Julie Briones

      I’m a no-glover…. My hands sweat too much inside them. TMI here, too! 😉

    33. sharon

      I do not wear gloves.
      I can’t wait to see what you do with your new home.
      Going to be mixing up your milk paint today to paint kitchen cabinets. To be honest I am scared. I’ve only painted furniture so far. Cabinets I can’t just toss if I do a bad job.

    34. chris

      The first thing I noticed in that picture was your lack of gloves…. I am a weirdo and could barely look at the picture. 🙂 You may want to consider Oh YUK for your jetted tub. It is amazing and totally disgusting what it gets out of the jets. Also, we had to take a filter off of the faucet when we moved into this house or it would take an hour to fill the tub, too. something to look at- I actually think it was the exact same faucet you have. Looking forward to more posts about your new home!

    35. Pam

      Hi. Congrats on the new house! Thank you for the cleaning tips. I am a glove wearer. Wait until your boys are older, you may become one. ;o)

    36. Beverly

      I do not use rubber gloves when cleaning but I probably should. Good job on the toilet cleaning, I would
      have just bought a new toilet.

    37. Kathy Thompson

      “Iron Out” is another product that works on rust stains, and also on the red clay stains we get in the South! It stinks of sulphur and will take dye out of fabrics, but it’s great for porcelain, concrete and white baseball pants.

      I only use gloves if the chemicals will hurt or stain my hands…soap and water is a good disinfectant, and after you’ve changed a few million diapers, what’s a toilet bowl?

    38. Annie Looysen

      I used to own a house cleaning business for 10 years and I always wear gloves when dealing with toilets. There are lots of bacteria in the bowl that can make you sick. I also don’t recommend using a pumice stone because toilets are porcelain and can easily scratch which is what you are doing when using the pumice stone. It scratches away the stain but also some of the toilet with it and the stain will always come back sooner. I like to use comet in powder form with a heavy duty non scratch scouring pad. It isn’t as quick as a pumice stone but it really does the trick without those horrible stains coming back sooner than you would like.

      • Kit

        I use Comet or Ajax in powder form for toilets too! Works a charm. 🙂

        • Alicia from California

          Comet/Ajax were our family “go to” product and I still use it in my home!

      • Marian Parsons

        I have used this brand on my toilets in my PA home for years and it never scratched them. Perhaps it’s a different type or something?

    39. DEBBIE S APPLEGATE

      Horse people have used pumice stones to remove the winter fuzzies from their horses for decades. LOL….never knew they could be used on toilets.

    40. Kit

      I wear gloves when I’m cleaning the bathroom and the cat boxes. I don’t wear them for anything else, unless there’s cat sick which needs to be cleaned up, in which case I wear them then, too! Otherwise, no gloves for cleaning. I guess toilet business grosses me out and needs an extra layer of protection. lol

    41. Deb

      Yup Chris, me too! I ALWAYS wear gloves when going after the toilets. Except I didn’t think that was weird!
      Always look forward to your blog and have been enjoying your journey MMS.
      Have been wondering about your parents. How are they doing w/your move away? I understand the Lord works all those things out…but through the years we’ve lived both close to and away from family and now that my parents are just the next property over I would never want it any other way. Your family seems close like ours, so I’ve felt kinda sad for your parents.

    42. Jelena

      Yes, I wear gloves when I scrub toilets. I am squeamish like that. 🙂
      No gloves for other, less “icky” house cleaning chores though.

    43. Nancy

      I am a glove-wearing cleaner all the way. My hands dry out if I wash dishes without gloves and not wearing gloves for cleaning toilets…uh, nope! That’s just me. Thank you for the posts Marian! I’m loving them and I’m so happy for you and your family on this new chapter in your lives. Looking forward to more!

    44. JILL NELSON

      Gloves or no gloves – doesn’t matter to me….I make the KIDS clean it!!!! Train them up young I always say! lol 🙂

    45. Jenn from California

      I love this post because its so down to earth and practical. No, I don’t use gloves too. It doesn’t quite feel the same as you grip the toilet brush and sponges and scrub away at the WC and sinks. Thank you for your advice, I’m getting a Scouring Stick!

      This is so exciting, a new journey… in new home. Looking forward to read your posts everyday Marian. Love to you.

    46. Kathleen H.

      There are areas where you just can’t get all the hard water stains/calcium buildup. I buy boxes of single edge razor blades. I use them at an angle that allows me to just skim off the buildup. No, it doesn’t scratch the surface because of the angle used to scrape. I use these razor blades for so many tasks. It’s also great for removing excess putty around sinks and faucets, paint spatters on windows.

      • Roylyn

        The razor blades also work well for cooked on food on a glass top range.

    47. Melinda

      I do not wear gloves but I use the new scrubbing bubbles toilet stick cleaner. I’m curious as to where you can purchase the scouring stick?

    48. Sylvia

      So, I come here to Miss Mustard Seed, as I do just about every day, expecting to see furniture, etc, and I get toilets. 🙂
      Seriously, I have been wondering which pieces you moved and can’t wait to find out. You have a beautiful home that, once you put your style on it, will be even more beautiful. I can only dream of such a house.

    49. Denise

      Yes, I do have Playtex gloves, but only wear them depending on my mood. Plus, I’m trying to grow my nails, and so I’m trying to do better in wearing them when placing my hands in water.

    50. Betsy

      Hi Marian –

      Congratulations on this new adventure, and to having it all fall into place for you and your family! I can’t wait to see what you do in the new house!

      I’ve been living in a house with hard water for the last 20 years, so I know the struggle! I’ve found (quite by accident) a combination of products/techniques that work really well for our toilets. I make sure that the window is open or the bathroom fan is on whenever I do this:

      1. Toilet bowl cleaner with bleach (whatever brand is on hand) – flush the toilet first, wait for the water to stop running, add in the toilet bowl cleaner, let sit for 5-10 minutes.

      2. Scrub the entire inside of the toilet bowl for about 30 seconds until the cleaner foams up (I use the Clorox toilet wand with the disposable scrub heads); DO NOT FLUSH!

      3. Add between 1/4 – 1 cup of bleach to the foamy cleaner in the toilet bowl (DO NOT ADD AMMONIA, since bleach and ammonia together can produce poisonous fumes). Let sit for an additional 5-10 minutes.

      4. After you’ve waited, do a very quick scrub over the stain ring and flush. Voila! Sparkling clean, and the bleach and toilet cleaner have done all the work for you!

      I also have found that the toilet gel stamps (which are applied to the inside of the bowl, near the top) are really helpful in keeping hard water stains from forming. Just be careful not to scrub these off when you’re cleaning the toilet!

      We used to use the white toilet tabs (like 2000 Flushes) that you place in the tank – we no longer do this, as our plumber told us that these erode the rubber gaskets and other parts in your toilet. (We actually had to replace all three toilets in our house after years of using these tabs, as the replacement parts were no longer available!) The gel stamps are much safer for toilets, and don’t interfere with the mechanical parts.

      And like you, I’m a huge believer in vinegar as a universal cleaner! 🙂

    51. Lesley

      Doesn’t a pumice stone scratch a toilet? It’s porcelain. I’d read so many cleaning tips for using one that I bought one and with the first stroke it felt like it was scratching/damaging the porcelain.

    52. Joy in Alabama

      I cannot stand those brushes on a stick. I never wear gloves. Hate them!! But I clean houses for other people and I use the stick brush on those.

      I’ve never used the pumice stone! Thanks for the tip!

    53. Susan Cecere

      When I saw the photo I have to admit, I cringed. I always wear gloves, for toilet cleaning.
      ECOLI bacteria kept running thru my mind, even if I had a small cut or scrape, Ugh. That is the nurse in me, I can’t help myself.

    54. G.R.

      I lived in San Antonio, TX for years w/o a water softener–hardest water on this earth. These marks are lime deposits. I now live elsewhere & have a water softener, but before getting that, had the needed cleaning product sent to me from TX! You will continue to have accumulation of lime deposits until you install a water softener. To remove these deposits, talk to a local plumber and ask him what HE uses, then buy that product. Do not use pumice stones etc., as they will score the glaze on the toilet and eventually ruin the surface making it impossible to clean. All you do is pour a bucket of cold water into the toilet (forcing the water out), swab on the cleaner with a soft mop-like applicator, let it stand for several hours, then flush the toilet. Repeat if needed. Hospitals use such a product and it is widely available COMMERCIALLY. Don’t waste your time on grocery store toilet cleaners.

      • dee

        GR… the best total advice on this topic. And pushing the water out of the bowl for heavy duty cleaning is a must. Also everyone should reconsider wearing gloves for jobs where bacteria is present. Take them off to finish the bathroom but use them for the toilet. And keep in mind that flushing toilets without the lid down spews microscopic droplets of bacteria laden water into a 4+ diameter in the bathroom…..think of that if you leave toothbrushes on vanities.

    55. Jan Fusco

      Not a glove wearer. I just get right in there and scrub.
      Same with my yard work. I just can’t wear garden gloves. I’ve got to get down in there and pull the root of the weed out and I just can’t do that with gloves.
      Love the daily updates on your move-in and home update. Keep um coming.

    56. Michelle

      I am sorry but I would have to buy new toilets. I can hardly stand to clean up after myself and my husband, much less someone else. I would need a truly fresh start.

      Oh, I am on team no glove. They just get in the way.

    57. Annie

      The bathroom is the most germ infested room in the house. I have to wear gloves just knowing that fact !!!
      I also insist that my husband replace all toilet seats when we move into a previously owned home. He thinks I’m crazy, but he believes in the moto, “happy wife, happy life.”
      So excited to come along on your new adventures.

      • Marian Parsons

        This may be a myth, but I remember reading/hearing that there are usually more germs in the average kitchen, but maybe that was just one of those things someone says that’s entire wrong!

      • Becky

        I’m definitely with you about getting new toilet seats. To me, the toilet isn’t completely clean unless the old seat is removed & the entire rim and top of rim is cleaned/disinfected (with bleach solution). I also scrub the holes (both top & bottom) where the seat attaches to the toilet. If I cannot have a new toilet, at the very least, I’m getting a new seat.

        Also, I wear gloves. Allergic reactions to cleaning products can happen at any time, including to products deemed safe.

      • Kit

        New toilet seats for us too. Thinking of all the stranger’s bottoms and business that goes on gives me the willies! lol

    58. Laura

      Hadn’t heard of the scrubbing stone. I’ll have to try that. I don’t wear gloves either.

    59. Roylyn

      No gloves either. Enjoying your progress on the new home!

    60. Lynn in DG

      Gloves!! Great post.
      I sometimes turn off the water to the toilet and flush to drain the bowl if it really needs a scrubbing.
      Also, to avert disaster when a leak springs I have also made sure all my kids know how to turn off the water main to the entire house. I am amazed at how many of my friends have no idea where it exists in homes they’ve lived in for years.

    61. KarenJ

      I was tickled that you chose toilets as your blogging subject !!! No phony baloney still from you, for sure. I do appreciate that about you. I replace toilet seats too nor do I wear gloves. At the beginning of the post, I did fully expect you to wear them though. 🙂 I too, am a stickler for a clean toilet. I saw a thing the other day about using Coke for cleaning a nasty, nasty, sickening filthy toilet. It made such an impression on me, that I have been hoping to find a really nasty one to try it on, but probably won’t see one anytime soon. I am DYING to know if it really works that well. AND, I do love the archway over your tub. I can visualize a chandelier in that spot, just for you and your enjoyment. Keep up the good work and exciting posts.

    62. B. Folk

      For the toilet and bathroom, gloves! EColi, athlete’s foot in the shower, etc. I read somewhere that, even with the lid down, microscopic bits of fecal matter can still get sprayed as far as 150′ away from the toilet! Plus, my hands are dry, so if that stuff gets into a small cut on my hand…
      That said, I never wore gloves for about twenty years (unless I was cleaning other people’s property, as I did for a second job for awhile). I now regret that. My hands have been ruined. I was a teacher for many years, and serve in our church nursery, so I have been fingerprinted more times than I can keep track of. Guess what? All that cleaning without gloves wore away my fingerprints, such that it has been an ordeal and almost useless to try to get my prints over the past decade. No matter how uncomfortable (I get sweaty hands, too), or how weird-feeling (I like to feel what I’m picking up and cleaning) I now try to wear gloves most of the time.
      Thanks for another real-life post:-)

      • Alicia

        Thanks for the mention of the toilet lid and microscopic bits. We must have read the same article. Anyway, my mom trained me to keep the lid down. Now when I visit homes of friends or have visitors over I am amazed at how often they leave the lid open!

    63. Lello

      No glover for my own toilets, but I don’t stick my hand into the toilet. But when we clean toilets at a new to us house, or after renters move out, I wear gloves! Ew.

    64. KarenJ

      correction……meant to say, “no phoney baloney stuff from you”

    65. Kristine

      I came to read about the new house, and instead got some excellent lessons on cleaning toilets!! I wear gloves for EVERYTHING…sometimes even vacuuming! I had my Bridge group over for dinner and Bridge one night. When I rotated out (there are 6 of us), I got up to do a little dinner clean-up with my gloves on. You should have heard the teasing I got….!!!

    66. cheapdiva

      GLOVES – all of the time no matter what I am cleaning. I’m in my 60’s and no age spots on my hands. Nails and cuticles are in great shape because of gloves. I don’t want my hands in dish soap or toilets!!

    67. CR

      the pumice stone ….there is one with a handle. I dont have it but next time round I will get that one. Seems like a good idea to have a handle. They work wonders for mineral build up in toilet. nothing tackles it like the pumice.

    68. At Rivercrest Cottage

      I always replace the toilet seats in a new place. Even if I’m just renting. It’s so worth having a new seat. On the gloves…no, never wear them, but always think half way through that perhaps I should. Sam’s Club sells Clorox Tablets to drop in the top of the tank, which helps keep the basin clean. They’re a good price and come 6 to a box.

    69. Jenny B.

      I don’t wear gloves, but I also don’t stick my hands in the toilets. When I saw your pictures, I thought to myself, “I can’t believe she’s doing that without gloves!” Ha! 🙂 I will definitely try the dishwasher tab in the jetted tub, though! I hope you enjoy your tub. We have lived in our house for 16 years, and I can count on one hand the times we have used ours. I dream of replacing it with a big tiled shower and converting our current stand-up shower into a closet. Anyway… needless to say, our seldom-used tub needs a thorough cleaning! Thanks for the tips!

    70. judith

      I’m glad you got the toilets clean! You have your priorities in order. Please, I beg of you, never stick your hand in a toilet without gloves. If you are ever unfortunate enough to suffer from an intestinal parasite or bacteria, you will understand. It can take months to heal from these types of things. And I would know :).

    71. Sindy Anderson

      SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO funny, That’s the FIRST thing I noticed~ I was like YUK NO GLOVES~ but I’m a no glove wearer as well. LOL~ but cleaning someone else’s toilet~ I might have worn gloves~ but soap/water does a good job disinfecting !

    72. marilyn

      In Australia we would probably ask them to make sure the house was clean before we took over. It is standard here for a full house clean and those toilets would have been included. Otherwise that would be an agreement with the price of the home. I am guilty of not wearing gloves, but agree it is not a wise thing to do. Much love.

      • Marian Parsons

        In the US, mostly homes just need to be “broom swept”, so cleaning is usually involved. We had our PA house professionally cleaned when we moved out, so it would be nice for the people moving in.

    73. Barb

      I don’t wear gloves when cleaning our own house. Skin is made to be a barrier ?
      However, when cleaning someone else’s house as I’ve done for ill family members, I’m definitely a glove wearer. Excited for all the new design opportunities you’re going to have.

    74. Eleanpr

      Glove person all the way. One pair in kitchen and another pair for bathrooms. 😉

    75. Carla from Kansas

      I bought an older home and did replace the toilets because they used like 20 gallons per flush and the new ones use like 5 gallons. I got Toto brand which apparently is a gold standard toilet. If not using a brush on handle then gloves are a must for me.

    76. Tracey

      I don’t wear gloves either! Never have. Sure, if I was cleaning a public toilet but not the one at my house. My mom never did and she’s perfectly healthy so I guess I learned from her ?

    77. Robin Leach

      I never wear gloves while cleaning my own bathroom. The best thing about human skin is it’s washability!!

    78. Bobbie

      No gloves.? But while you’re on the bathroom cleaning subject, how do you get soap scum off of the fiberglass walls of the shower. Nothing I have tried works. We’ve lived here 13 years, are the only owners of the house, and I’ve never gone more than 2 weeks between cleaning but that hasn’t kept a huge build up of of soap scum. I actually used an old credit card and scaled some off. All that did was make a mess. Got any suggestions?

      • Marian Parsons

        Did you try vinegar? I haven’t had a glass shower door to clean, yet, so not sure!

      • Alicia

        Did you try CLR?

      • Karen F Powell

        Bobbie – try Dawn dish soap and Windex in distilled or RO water in a spray bottle together with a good scrubber to clean off the soap scum on the fiberglass. Also, I’ve found switching to liquid soaps has almost completely eliminated any soap buildup! We have horribly hard water here and I’ve used Lime Away instead of CLR as I’ve found it works better. But, that is just me.

      • Pharaba

        Bobbie, I make a thick baking soda and water paste and smear it heavy on the glass doors and shower walls where build-up is. Let it sit while I scrub the toilet with a rag and comet (without gloves) so less than 5 minutes, and then go over them with magic eraser, or good quality microfiber cloth before I rinse. I have cleaned vacant rentals for 20 years and I have used every form or cleaner known to man. Baking soda in a plastic Parmesan cheese shaker, comet with bleach, window cleaner and a good all-purpose cleaner like Mr. Clean, are all I have in my kit, along with erasers, microfiber cloths and tooth brushes. But I am in NW Ohio, and we have soft water, not sure how to clean hard water. Good luck!

      • Beth in AZ

        I just started using Bar Keeps Friend and a white non-scratch scrubbies. It did not disappear over night, but slowly, its looking mineral/soap scum free. No strong smells and just a bit of elbow greast

    79. Teri

      I wear gloves because my skin gets so dry. I usually end up with water inside them anyway. Doesn’t bother me that some people don’t wear gloves. Your hands get covered in bleach, so no biggie. I too buy new toilet seats when moving into a new place.

    80. Sari

      So funny about the gloves vs. no gloves. When I saw the picture, my first thought was “please tell me she normally wears gloves to clean the toilet.” Ha! I have done the quick swipe around the top of the toilet sans gloves but can’t imagine doing a deep cleaning without them. Gross. 😉

      Love the pumice stone tip, though – thanks! I’m the same way when moving into a new place: everything needs to get a thorough cleaning before I can think about making decorative changes. Happy scouring!

      • Marian Parsons

        Ha! I guess after changing diapers I got over it. Of course, I wash my hands really well!

    81. Sandy in WA

      I do wear gloves when cleaning partly because I’m a nurse and my hands and nails get dry enough from all the washing I do at work that I don’t need to dry them out further, partly from the ick factor. I agree with the person who said it’s not the inside of the bowl that’s the problem but the drips/spray on the outside. As a nurse, the rule is if it’s wet (or was) and not yours, wear gloves!
      Looking forward to the pretty pictures as you bring your style to this lovely house.

    82. Sally

      I wear gloves when I clean toilets at my house. I get right in there with a scouring sponge and a small cleaning brush with a rubber tip on the end. I scrub the bejeebers out of the toilets. Hence, the rubber gloves. It also helps keep my manicure looking good.

      • Alicia

        How often do you replace the scouring sponge and cleaning brush?

    83. Mary Ann

      I just love your posts !! You are surely an all around girl!! I cannot wait to see your new home finished!! I think this house will be a Miss Mustard Seed hit!
      So HAPPY for you and your family!!

    84. Sue

      I’m with you on the toilet cleaning, but take it a step further. When I have moved into a new home, I always replaced the toilet seats. Know they are clean, but a small price for my picky bathroom priorities.

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes, we replaced the seats, too, but I like to clean the toilet entirely until we get to that.

        • Kaille Mazurowski

          Sue and Marian, I was just coming on the net to say something about that. I wasn’t cringing so much at the toilet bowl as I was the icky crusty stuff that was around the spot where the seat attaches to the toilet. Lots of nasty stuff that is hard to clean out of those spots without just removing the seats. I breathed a huge sigh of relief when you said you replaced the seats, lol.

    85. Marsha Kern

      No gloves for cleaning or gardening either! Can’t wait to see what you do with the new house!

    86. Gavin from across the pond

      I hope the beige ruffle pelmet thing doesn’t last long it would give me nightmares lol ? I’d be terrified to to use a stone on our porcelain in case it scratched!
      I only wear gloves when my hands are down the loo or removing hot pans from the oven.
      Looking forward to seeing more of your new home 🙂

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes, the curtain is coming down and the blinds will be changed out! No, the pumice doesn’t scratch the porcelain.

    87. Marlene Stephenson

      Thank you, you just gave me some tips i needed and no i don’t use gloves, just wash my hands good with soap.

    88. Rachel Mora

      I wear disposable gloves, even though my gloved hands don’t go near the water. Now that I think about it, that seems a little germaphobic! But I love your new house!!! I can totally see the potential! And I love the bathtub niche! Knowing you….I could totally see you draping a dramatic (blue & white of course) fabric curtain on the inside of that arch! That would look just stunning! And we are remodeling our downstairs, and we just ripped out a jetted tub! Wish I had known the dishwasher tablet secret before because running those jets always kind of grossed me out! Anyhow, this new house adventure is so exciting to follow you on!!! I’ve always loved reading your blog, but now with every subsequent post I get more and more excited for the next! It’s like the excitement you feel when you start watching a new series on TV that you really love and they leave you on the edge of your seat until the next weeks episode! And thankfully for me and all your other readers, it’s going to be a looooong series! You’re an inspiration, and you’re also hilarious! I love the comedy you throw in!!! It’s the best! God bless you & your family!

    89. Carolyn

      I am surprised you didn’t mention the toilet seats. I replace mine every year or so.
      It is my obsession after cleaning out lime deposits.. I actually replaced all the toilet seats before we sold our home last year. Enjoy your new home. Happy for you and your family while you begin this new adventure?
      .

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes, we’re replacing all of the toilet seats as well, but I just wanted to get them cleaned for the first few days. We also replaced the seats when we sold our home. It’s just nice to have clean ones!

    90. Paulette

      For some reason, cleaning our upstairs toilet is way different than the downstairs. We have well water and I find that Lysol in the black bottle only, works very well on hard water stains. We had quite a mineral build up and this worked like magic.

    91. Maggie

      Drywall sandpaper works great too!

      • Marian Parsons

        Interesting!

    92. Katie Butterfield

      I’ll be honest, I was screaming internally when I saw your hand in your toilet!! I do not wear gloves when I clean, but I don’t ever stick my hand in the toilet. If I ever had a need to hand-scrub the toilet I would definitely wear gloves. Four years ago we moved from an old home into a 1990 brick colonial. It had pretty bones but I had to remove a lot of ugly 90s decor. It’s slowly becoming a beautiful home. I do sometimes miss that old character…crystal door knobs and a clawfoot tub. But you know what I don’t miss? Shoddy electrical and plumbing work, a weird layout, the world’s smallest kitchen, and a dank leaky basement. I see your vision, and your house has lots of potential. I can’t wait to see the after!

      • Marian Parsons

        So funny. Yeah, I guess after changing diapers, I got over sticking my hand in a toilet. I’ve also replaced several toilets, and you have to really get in them when you’re doing that. Of course, I wash my hands right after!

    93. Louise

      I love your blogs. You have a lot of good tips. I will look forward to seeing what you do in your new home and I’m sure it will look awesome. Thanks for taking the time to share with everyone. I’ve got my daughter reading your blogs now . Good luck in your new home and new church.

    94. Kim

      Toilet brush with a long handle. Most def gloves used on anything below the seat. Not enough bleach in the house for this germophobe to place hands in there ? So the scrub stick does not scratch? Looks like it would. Thanks for the tip.

    95. Donna Doble-Brown

      GLOVES for everything! I even get the disposable ones from Amazon! Saves my hands and nails! I have a thing about cleaning bear handed or touching raw chicken! Blekkkkkkkkk!
      LOVE your house! Can’t wait to see more . . . ?

    96. celeste

      I have never worn gloves to clean anything, and I clean a lot. I do wear gloves to garden, and wouldn’t think of doing it in bare hands! I am watching a British show on OCD cleaners tackling the homes of hoarders/chaotic housekeepers and it is an eye opener. Some of the OCD people use a quart of bleach a day cleaning their homes, and one woman even licked the toilet seat to show how clean she kept everything; that was a little too much for me.

      Warning on the beautiful window above the tub; those can get very cold in the wintertime. Depending on how efficient the window seals and insulations are, you might want to consider window film for added warmth come late October.

      I think this home is perfect for you at this time. We have been renovating an old farmhouse for 30+ years, and it is only now coming to an end. All that farm character comes with a lot of work that most newer houses will never see, and having young children means that they will be more of a priority than updating plumbing and electricals. Best of luck!

    97. Carol

      .I will have to try the pumice stick. I don’t use gloves unless I am using a very strong cleaner, like CLR. I changed my kids diapers without gloves and I don’t wear gloves to use the bathroom. I just wash my hands. Have fun with the new house.

    98. Maggie

      I do wear gloves, It grosses me out not to wear them. To each his own, I guess. I feel the same way about getting the bathrooms clean to be able to feel like home.

    99. Alicia

      Marion, look at the number of replies to your post today! You’ve hit on something here…getting real.
      That said, my mother would faint if she saw how I clean the toilet. “Look no gloves, Mom!!!” Let me just add that I use a toilet brush, but then there’s the quick wipe with paper towels that I do on ALL toilet surfaces especially if guests are coming. I always wash my hands thoroughly afterwards.

      Your bath “alcove” is so open to MMS possibilities. I look forward to what you’ll be doing with this one in the future. You know you just had to move. You needed new projects and this house will keep you busy and your blog full of material for years and years to come!

      Did I spy a view of the neighbor’s property from that bathroom window or is that your garage?

      I wonder what you’ll be posting tomorrow! I’ll be checking out my “inbox” come midnight.

    100. Diane westbrook

      Hello All!
      Am really enjoying reading all the comments on the toilet cleaning! gloves or no gloves..well, for me I will wear…if I can find them! Moving next week into a town house and when I did a walk through several days ago, I was floored at the Rust (colored) stains in the fiberglass (I think) tub….how in the world do I get those stains off?? Have purchased new toilet seats and the toilets do not look too bad…I will be using gloves to give them a once over, however…
      I guess this post came at a good time for me!! So, if anyone has any ideas on how to remove what I believe to be hard water or? Rust stains, I would deeply appreciate any suggestions…worry about using certain things on the fiberglass (or what could the shower/tub be made out of?) I am going to get a new shower head as well…thanks all and thanks Marian for keeping the posts real!!!

    101. Traci Madison

      Interestingly, I NEVER wear gloves to clean anything…however, I always wear disposable gloves to cut up boneless chicken, or to make meatballs! Go figure! LOVE THAT TUB!!!!

    102. Jody

      My son also moved to a new-to-him 50 yr old house in Rochester. When he moved in a few months ago, he tried cleaning the toilets with everything from buckets of bleach to industrial cleaners. To no avail. A week ago he was having a housewarming party and his dad and I made an emergency trip down there during the week to install a new toilet. (I was the supervisor.) Anyway, we stopped by to get the proper measurements, and as a last ditch effort he used a scouring pad drill attachment thingy on it. Voila! Looks like new! Kid came home and thanked us for the new toilet. LOL.
      I also am a barehanded cleaner. And gardener. Gloves are too clumsy for me, or it might be the other way around.

    103. Karen

      Marian,

      I had to laugh out loud. Till it was pointed out I didn’t even think twice about you cleaning the toilet without gloves. I do the same. Just get right in there and clean it. You used a long handled brush first to clean it and then the pummice to get rid of the lime scale….so what’s the big deal. I can’t wait to see what you do with the house! It’s lovely already! Congrats!

    104. Karen Alphonse

      I have never worn gloves to clean a toilet either. One thing we always do when we move into a new house is change the toilet seats. Cleaning just doesn’t seem like enough. LOL I love using the pumis stick. It works great! Congratulations on your new home! I am sitting on pins and needles waiting for your daily posts!

    105. Diane

      First off Marian I am a no gloves toilet cleaner…ive never found a cleaner that can clean toilets the way my hands can albeit with a little help from certain products. When we moved into this house there were no toilets because they had all been nicked as well as the hand basins, bidets, windows, kitchen cabinets, heated towel rails, air con units and more…you get the picture it was basically 4 walls! However my go to product is Cillet Bang…that stuff is amazing…all the floors in this house are tiled and the grout was disgusting, sprayed cillet bang onto the tiles and grout left from 30 minutes they came up like new. Same as toilets with limescale from hard water, I don’t know how many bottles of that stuff I have used in this house but lets just say its more than 50 and like you I cant stand moving into a house and looking at dirty toilets! The house has 11 new toilets and only our family have used them…bonus!

    106. BrendaC

      I not only wear gloves to clean the toilets but also when changing diapers….

    107. CAM

      No gloves for anything!

    108. Ej

      Ewwww. If a long handled brush doesn’t work, I’d rather call a plumber to replace the toilet than stick my hands inside it, gloved or not. The closest to sewage I’ll get is gloved emptying the RV holding tank.

    109. Lorna Erickson

      No need for gloves as long as you wash your hands after. If anyone has used cloth diapers it’s pretty typical to wash the diapers out in the toilet bowl before they go in the diaper pail to soak.

      Love the light filled space and all of your arches! I can just imagine all the fun you’re going to have.

      I’m going to remember that idea of your mom’s.

    110. Kate

      Boy, this post is getting more comments than I thought it would! We had hard water in our old home – very hard. I used a pumice stone and could get most of it off, but there was always a layer of minerals on the very bottom that would not budge. I think one would probably need a pick to get it off. My mother always used Lime-A-Way for her toilets and even brought some over to clean mine once. But that stuff is strong and dangerous, not to mention bad for septic tanks. I cleaned the toilets as well as I could before we sold our home, but I didn’t feel too bad about the mineral deposits since the buyers were going to remodel the bathrooms. I’m glad we now live where the water isn’t hard.

    111. Sue in Northern Iowa

      I’m a no-glove girl, too. Just wash well afterwards!

    112. Mary

      I always wear gloves because I can’t stand the smell on my hands from the toilet bowl cleaner ! Remember the young high school student who discovered while doing a school project that there were more germs in an ice machine then in the school toilets , she was a guest on Oprah !

    113. Becky

      Kaboom Bowl Blaster Toilet Bowl Cleaner is the absolute best for getting rid of hard scale and lime deposits. Just squirt it on and let it sit a few minutes and it softens up and wipes away. Nothing ever worked for me and I used to have to scrape it off with a razor blade or screw driver. Love my Kaboom!! Also, I never wear gloves. My first thought when I saw your post was “wow- Miss Mustard Seed doesn’t wear gloves either”! I’m 64 and was helping my mother clean our toilets since I was 10. Never wore gloves. Now I use a brush, but not back then! I must admit though, I was a little disappointed to see the post was about dirty toilets. I see enough of them around here ! I can’t wait to see more of your house! I am so happy for you and am looking forward to seeing your transformations. Maybe I will get inspired!

    114. Elaine Hewitt

      We lived in a fantastic remodeled barn (built in the ’30s) with the hardest water on earth. The Works was the ONLY product that cleaned all the rust and ick out of the toilets. Another product called White Brite was and is the only product that took the rust and yellow out of my dingy whites and restored them to white. We live in a subdivision now and I still use it to brighten my whites – great laundry product but a little hard on the clothes.

      Congrats on your new home!

    115. Kim

      Is it a porcelain sink?? If so it will work. It’s amazing and does not scratch the sink. I suggest trying it on a small space.

      Marian’s Mom

    116. Karen L.

      Hi, Marian’s Mom–Kim! (We’re probably a minority on this venue—I’m a grandmother as well.:) It’s sure been fun reading this post from Marian about cleaning toilets and the jetted tub, ha! What a great time of sharing helpful info we’ve had on these comments, too! So good to hear your opinion as well—-hope you and yours will adjust quite well to having your daughter, s-i-l and grandsons in Minnesota. I’m sure you’re so proud of all of them. What an adventure ahead of you all and so many new things to experience. Best wishes and prayers of gratitude for it all.

    117. Debbie

      I’m a no-glover, too! I just wash my hands throughly when I’m done, but with all the bleach I use, that’s probably not even necessary!LOL

    118. Susan

      A pumice stone can absolutely ruin a toilet bowl with scratches! The trick is to ONLY rub it on the ring itself…. not above, not below…. ON THE RING! A great tool, if one uses care with the product ! I never where gloves… haha… don’t judge~?

    119. Sue

      Oh dear! I couldn’t even read all the comments! First, wondering if the pumice stone scratches the toilet? Second, I don’t wear gloves, people are so germ crazy anymore. As a farmer friend always tells us, it’s good to get a little sh$t on you once in awhile! Mind you, I am clean, I do wash my hands, a lot when I am cooking and handling raw meat but don’t feel the need to be overly crazy about things – I feel that is partly why children are so allergic to EVERYTHING nowdays. Growing up, we played in the dirt, petted animals, took a picnic lunch to the park, climbed on slides and swings all without constant handwashing and sanitizing. I do understand there are different types of germs today though – too many antibiotics made everything resistant. OK, off of soapbox now! Everyone has their own opinions, and this is just mine, right or wrong 🙂

    120. Judy

      I have used the pumice stone with a brush type handle but we just bought new low flush toilets and the pumice stone will scratch them. With the old toilets I cleaned them and then added some bleach,closed the lid and let them sit for a few hours. That got rid of any ring. We have hard water and even a water softener doesn’t help 100%. Don’t like gloves for any chore.

    121. Rebecca Turner

      Who knew that so many people would want to comment on a post about toilets, eh?! Yes to gloves! Gotta save my gel nails, liol! Speaking of gel, my husband buys a product from the hardware store that is in GEL form. I think it’s CLR. First he scoops the water out of the toilet and then coats the bowl with gel and then plastic wrap. He lets it sit for a few hours, or even overnight and the hard water stains disappear. No scrubbing! It’s the only time that he cleans the toilets, when they get a hard water build-up.

    122. Susan

      Wow there are a lot of comments… I’ve never worn gloves. I remember when my mom made me rinse out poopy diapers ( cloth ) in the toilet. No gloves.

    123. Debbie

      There’s a screen you can buy to scrub those rings out with too. I used to use the stones but I just couldn’t take the sound.

    124. KarenJ

      As far as your faucet….on the end where the water actually comes out, there is usually a threaded, removeable screen filter. They screen out tiny particles that come through the water supply and the lines throughout your property and house. See if you have one, …if so, wrap it in a washcloth, and remove it with a wrench or channel locks so you don’t scratch up the faucet. When you take it off, you will see sand particles that prevent or at least slow down the flow of water. Rinse it off and re-use or replace for a few cents.

    125. Teresa

      I love the warning disclaimer on this post….too funny! I am not a germ freak but yes I agree changing the toilet seats out is a must when moving into a new home. Now, I will tell you first hand the fun hasn’t even begun yet. You just wait until you try to clean those jets on your tub out and all the nastiness that comes from those.

      I will be interested in seeing what your plans for this tub is in the future. We just tore out our old and outdated 1992 jetted tub and replaced it with a large walk-in shower/bench. I don’t miss it one bit especially trying to clean that thing.

    126. Karen V

      Ok I have a question. I see suggestions for filling toilet with bleach or whatever and letting it soak. But what about stains that are right under the rim? Water doesn’t go that high.

      I love the tub alcove, can’t wait to see what you do with it. And I love my whirlpool.

    127. SusanIrene B

      PLEASE WEAR GLOVES Dear Marian,
      Please consider that your skin is the largest organ on your body and that it absorbs things. I learned to wear gloves as a theater costume designer who worked with many strong liquids. I’ve also become very sensitive and allergic. Remember that exposure to chemicals is cumulative. I’m now retired and wish I had taken better care and known better. Please safeguard your health.

    128. Tina

      I grew up having to stick my hand in the toilet to clean it… with a rag… and heavy duty cleaner!!! My mom and sister still do. I wear gloves when I can keep them around. I also use the toilet wand with disposable heads and a toothbrush for the nooks and crannies. I have teens that are less worried about bathroom germs than I am. Therefore, we do not have a reusable brush… or rag!!!

    129. Lori Worley

      I LOVE Pumie sticks!! They work like magic!!! I always wear gloves…skin is too sensitive and I’m Im also an RN…bacteria and such LOL!!!
      I loved this post!!!! What a beautiful home!! Can’t wait to see all your sweet touches!!

    130. Rhonda

      Wow, looks like a bunch of germophobes read your blog!! Myself , I do not wear gloves either, and I agree the kitchen has more yukkies anyway! I hope you don’t feel bad over it! People can be TOO honest sometimes…lol. You Go Girl!!

    131. Denise

      Amazing to see the # of responses just because of a dirty toilet! Lots of good info. I use Bar Keepers Friend. It is great, but I try to do this when out of town. I sprinke the cleaner in the toilet before we leave for a few days.

      My biggest problem/soap buld up on glass shower doors. They are 2 years old.
      Really do enjoy your blog. Enjoy your new adventure and can’t wait to see the transformation!

    132. Pam Clark

      Gloves, YES, usually. But not so much because I’m afraid of germs, but because I don’t like my hands being wet. I ALWAYS wash dishes with gloves for that reason.

    133. Marie Claire

      Well, Marion, I think 162 comments about cleaning toilets with or without gloves tells you something about your readers, doesn’t it? You may have to add “practical homemaking skills” to your regular topics!

    134. Donna

      Who would have thought that you would get all these comments from a post of cleaning toilets…lol. Yes, after two babies with cloth diapers, my fears of sticking my hands in the toilet went away. I do not use gloves, for the most part I use a toilet brush for inside, but I do clean around without gloves. I am going to order one of the pumice sticks….awesome! I want to note also about Vinegar, it is amazing, and will dissolve hard water crystals, but be wary, it will also corrode away chrome. I’ve used it around stainless steel and a chrome faucet, major buildup, oh it ate the build up, but also the chrome. And use that trick on my shower heads, ziplock bag with vinegar.

    135. Lindy

      Just a quick note Miss Mustard to prevent anyone from voiding the warranty on some of the newer toilets if full replacement is required. Certain cleaners void the warranty so check the policy please everyone. There is now a special coating used to help keep toilets “cleaner” in between the times we stick our hands in our toilets. For the record I used to do my own toilet barehand but never any other (waitressed as a youngster)! Now my skin is a touch thinner with age so disposables it is if I have to use anything stronger than baking soda. Remember to enjoy the summer as you create your lovely home around you. We are enjoying your new adventure.

    136. Julie

      I never wear gloves either…. Great tip on the Dishwasher tablet!!!! Pumice stone works great, hopefully that will be the LAST time you will need one! Excited to see the house come to life and what you do to your Arch and Tub area!!!

    137. Jill Woodruff Foster

      I am a non glove cleaner but I still get totally grossed out and I’m a little OCD so I wash my hands vigorously multiple times after I am finished! Congratulations to Jeff on his new job and I am excited to read about this new chapter in your lives! Can’t wait to see pictures of the home transformation!

    138. nancy

      As a nurse I did cringe a bit at the site of bare hands in the bowl.. however, if anybody remembers the BBC show Ḧow Clean is Your House? with Kim Woodburn and Aggie McKenzie, I do remember them being right up in there scrubbing the toilet glove free. I used to watch that show when I was home with my 3 babies, it made me feel like my level of mess was doable compared to the ones they were cleaning up. That being said, like you, toilet improvement protocol is first on my list whenever we move (thorough cleanse, new seats).
      Congrats on the new abode!

    139. Suzan

      Since I live alone and I am pretty efficient and regular with bathroom cleaning, I never wear gloves. I use a toilet brush on the inside and actually clean the rest with Windex and microfiber towels. One thing that I absolutely do when I move to a new place is to replace the toilet seats. I pull the old seat off, thoroughly clean everything and then pop on a new seat. They are not very expensive and my peace of mind is worth every penny!

    140. David

      Marian
      My thought, if you want to go macro on the potty,
      So be it…
      There is a great salon next to my wife’s studio to smooth your hands (where she does the chic and shabby thing on furniture ).
      I’m a bit more interested in your transforming the tract house to farmhouse.
      But I must say my wife has to police the bathroom too for I’m not the best house citizen.
      Anyway , good luck on your new endeavors.

    141. JolieAnne

      I would always wear gloves for anything to do with toilets, bath tubs, but I am glad you said you bleached it first. I am all for santitizing as much of a bath as I can. Good to know about the pumice stick. I would also buy new toilet seats…but the house was vacant for awhile so I understand. I was wondering why the house wasn’t cleaned first by the previous family, but you explained it, Marian. It looks like a lovely home to put your touch on so I wish you all the best for a happy new life in your new home!

      • Rainy

        Yes I do wear gloves ? i seem to always have some kind of cut on my hands and it’s a great place for entering of some kinda of germ. Also my hands are sensitive to all the chemicals and they burn my skin. Everyone do what pleases them but we do have many germs MRSA-c-diff and who wants cellulitis. I know this is extreme but I work in a hospital and they are out there ! Wash in and wash out is so important even at home.

    142. Judi Yingling

      No gloves here for cleaning or gardening…..unless of course thorns are involved. Enjoy settling in to your new home.

    143. liz

      I have to wear gloves for these sorts of things and then I wash my hands when I am done! Also, if the cleaning issue is really gross, I have to lie down afterwards to recover!
      Im so glad you are getting new toilet seats etc.
      🙂

    144. Diane

      I’m with you. Get the cleaning done first, so you can start with a fresh slate. It’s so much more fun to get on to the pretty stuff, but a good foundation is more important. I can tell you are going to have so much fun!! It actually makes me want to move a little:)

    145. Amber

      I never wear gloves. Ever. 😉 I figure I’m boosting my immune system. (I have on occasion put plastic grocery bags over my hands and thrown them away along with the offensive reason for the bags … but only for an extreme level of grossness that toilets don;t even begin to register on that scale for! Happy home to you and many congratulations! Moving is the pits, but it sure seems that you have done so with grace! We moved almost 2 years ago and I’m just getting past the PTSD of that move! 😉 I remember the night after we moved, sitting in my new tub and noticing my foot soaking was bloody and completely missing my big toenail! Hadn’t even noticed in the crazy, hectic, frantic day! I think I was in shock. Fast forward and now it feels like we are home and it feels like peace here.

    146. Patti

      I’ve owned a cleaning service for the last 25 years, we specialize in hoarder homes. My number one tip here is to remove that toilet seat and you’ll be shocked at what’s lurking under those clips. One teaspoon of bleach in a gallon of warm water and you’ll kill any germs left from the last tenant, E-coli is one. While I love essential oils and natural products they will not clean everything and unless you have your home swabbed and tested you don’t know what’s there. ( ATP meter ) You’ll also remove any smells that you’ll eventually start noticing. Blessings in the new home!!

    147. Judi

      As long as you go from dishes to toilets and not the other way around!!

    148. Kelly

      I get the toilet thing. Bare handed here. The only difference is I would have unscrewed the “hinges” and cleaned both sides separately. Lots of crud hides there. Love your blog!

    149. Ramona

      Bought the stick today at my local Wal*Mart. Can’t wait to try it out!

    150. Cindy Brown

      I don’t use gloves because I am a tactile person who needs to “feel” what I am doing. Besides, I figure all the cleaners keep me pretty safe.

      • Marian Parsons

        I think that’s what it is for me. I only wear gloves when staining, because it seeps into my skin! Otherwise, I just to feel what I’m doing with gardening, cleaning, and DIY projects.

    151. Sandi

      Definitely a rubber gloves person, especially when cleaning the bathrooms. I wear them when washing cupboards and walls, because I use really hot water. I also use a pumice stone for hard water buildup. Good luck in fixing your new house. I know it will look nice and can’t wait to see what you do.

    152. Vickie Tart

      About that jetted tub……those things around the jets unscrew and you can clean in there where the cleaning you described in your post doesn’t get. I use an old toothbrush and the original granular cascade. Love your blog, so enjoyed meeting you in Memphis earlier this year and wish you and your family the best in your new location.

    153. Kimberly Bruhn

      I actually use the Clorox ToiletWand cleaners (they are disposable) that come with a thingy (technical term, here) and you don’t even have to touch the toilet or cleaner because it has a button on the top of the handle that pushes the disposable cleaner out into your trash can. I don’t like having the icky scrubber sitting on the bathroom floor or under the sink… I am not a “germaphobe” but I have a load of autoimmune diseases that necessitate me taking chemotherapy to suppress my immune system so I guess I’ve tried to avoid some stuff over the last years of my treatment. I also use the Mrs. Meyer’s products for other cleaning and have a new Pumie Stone sitting on my counter waiting for me…

    154. Julie

      Congrats on the new house! It looks gorgeous! As far as wearing gloves, I think it’s more about not absorbing toxic chemicals into your body through your skin. Mrs Meyers actually is a toxic product. I just discovered Thieves essential oil cleaner from a friend of mine and I will never go back. Smells incredible and is actually good for you…and it really works! I got rid of all of my other cleaning products.

    155. Marla

      Sooooo happy for you and the family! You will make that house a home in no time! I have learned so much over the years with all of our moves! This verse always comes to mind! …..
      By wisdom a house is built,
      and by understanding it is established;
      by knowledge the rooms are filled
      with all precious and pleasant riches. ~ Proverbs 24 3-4
      As far as toilet cleaning is concerned…..I actually wear the blue surgical gloves and toss them when I am finished….AND….I use the same pumice stone! It cleans that hard water ring like magic!

    156. Carolyn

      Always wore gloves until we gutted our bathrooms and replaced all fixtures. Now no need to wear them they are “in the family” germs, HA! Add a chlorine pool tablet to toilet tank to keep fresh.

    157. Cindy Redman

      I LOVED this post! Way to attack that toilet Marian!

      Cindy

    158. Rebecca M

      No gloves for this lady, a good hand scrubbing takes care of the germs! No gloves when I garden either.

    159. Angie P.

      Oh dear Lord Marian… I had heart failure when I saw a bare hand in the toilet! My problem is really beacause it was a PREVIOUS owners USED toilet. My husband thinks I’m crazy (but he’s used to it.) When we have moved into a new house I buy brand new toilet seats. Old ones are removed with gloves. Toilets cleaned multiple times with gloves. I have to confess that I’m a dental hygienist. I wear gloves all day and every surface in my room has to be cleaned after every patient. Shoes are left at work. My husband is sure it has warped me into total germ-a- phobe. You’re a sport for sharing. The disclaimer at the beginning of the post cracked me up! Many blessings in your new home!

    160. Karin

      So funny that you apologize at the end of the post about talking about toilet cleaning while a reader might be having their morning coffee. Well . . . I AM enjoying my morning coffee and I completely appreciate this post. I will run right out for the pumice stone thing!!! Awesome info!!!

    161. Perri Geaux Tigers Williamson

      I am so upset you watermarked the ‘before’ toilet picture. I was totally planning on pawning it off as my own. Unfollowing. ?????

      I LOVE how you never take yourself too seriously. Probably why you have so many fans!

    162. Loran | Old World Kitchen

      No gloves for me either! Like you, after cleaning poopy diapers, throw up, and who knows what else… cleaning a toilet without gloves is just not going to choke me up. BESIDES those yellow rubber gloves are just 100% gross anyway… All limp and sticky and you know covered in germs too! Bleh! Give me some bleach and a sponge and I’m good to go.

    163. MaryLisa Noyes

      great tips….thank you

    164. Linda

      We have trouble with rust getting in our toilets and I have found a miracle toilet cleaner. Give Lysol Lime & Rust toilet cleaner a try. It is a miracle worker!

    165. Diana Gibbs

      I wear gloves when I clean the toilets, but I was more worried about you scratching your pretty rings on the pumice stone. I am loving the new house, can’t wait to see more posts. Hugs, Di

    166. Denise

      May I say how impressive it is that you can scrub a toilet bowl while photographing your efforts at the same time. I would have dropped the camera into the toilet…ha! Welcome to the Midwest! Your family is going to love it here. Excited to see how you make your new house a home.

    167. Judy

      Hi Rebecca, we have high iron content in our water and the rust buildup gets bad. I use a product called Iron Out. It works great.

    168. Gail Martin

      Haha! Wow I’ve never commented but this is too good to pass up! Loving & laughing my way through the comments! Amazing what sparks conversation.

      Yes I have found that if you wrap a plastic bag or soak a bath or shower head in vinegar it works great. Also can use vinegar, baking soda & elbow grease to clean most anything. I’ve used a scouring/pumice stone on toliets and I tried to be careful not to scratch the surface so do it with care. I usually use gloves but thy canget gross too so chsnge them often.

      If people think bathrooms & kitchens are germy they’d be really grossed out by what is on cell phones, ATM machines or payment buttons at check out, on steering wheels and more, yikes!

      Happy painting & decorating your new home.

      I did discover what your Mom said dishwashing detergent cleans most anything too. I use the powder kind and sprinkle it in the tub & toliet and it shines again.

      Also dishwashing detergent works in other “pots” ? I have burned more than one cooking pan or crockpot. I heat the pan with water & some dishwashing powder and “cook” it for a bit then leave it cool or sit until morning…it cleans like a miracle. If it’s really bad you may need to to repeat.

    169. Dee

      Love the peeks of your new home! No gloves for me either – if you work at a school like I do, toilets are probably one of the least germt surfaces to come in contact with!

      And…a bit of dishwasher detergent in the laundry really brightens up the no-chlorine-bleach whites!

      Have a great day!

    170. Lanell

      We have iron in our water and I found a product in the home repair department of Walmart (not all have it) called Iron out that works really good. (Get the spray) I do have a faint line that I need to try the stone on though.
      As far as gloves…. if my hand is going down in the water I’m wearing disposable! Otherwise I’m a non-glove wearer

    171. Debbie Fisher

      We have hard water too and I use a pumice stone as well. And I do not wear gloves, they just make my hands sweaty. LOL

      definitely going to try your vinegar tip on our faucets. thanks for sharing

    172. Ines

      I loved your comment about having to lie down to recover!! ???
      That is me to a T.

    173. Gma

      You need a new toilet seat of course. Trip to Home Depot!!!!

    174. Kayla Peloquin

      This very well known and effective cleaning product which is 1st choice for our home remedies. Thank you very much for sharing this awesome post.

    175. MLongmuor

      Thankyou
      This does work on newer calcium but not older deposits. The bottle design is terrible because the tiny hole clogs immediately (I have purchased several bottles) and needs redesigned. It also is way overpriced for what you get. It really should be half the price it is.
      Thanks for any help!

      • Marian Parsons

        I’m not sure which bottle you’re referring to, since the product I was showing was a pumice stick. I’ve had it work on toilets and sinks in all sorts of conditions.

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