Tips on repairing scratches on porcelain toilet bowls

Porcelain toilet bowls are strong and sturdy, but use the wrong product to clean the inside and the toilet might develop scratches. When you scratch the surface of the toilet, you reveal the layer underneath. This may not be a problem with an all-white toilet because the inside of the porcelain is white as well. If the porcelain has colour painted or coated on, the problem is much more visible. Tips on repairing those scratches make the problem disappear.

Occasionally, marks on the toilet that look like scratches aren't actually scratches. Instead, it's a thin layer of material that rubbed against the porcelain. For example, if you tried using a metal coat hanger to unclog the toilet, the metal from the outside of the hanger rubbed off on the toilet. Try using an abrasive cleaner on the marks, or baking soda. Sprinkle the cleaner on the marks and rub with a nylon scouring pad or stiff brush. Wipe away the excess powder with a damp paper towel. Always wear rubber gloves, as the powder is fairly drying to the skin.

If the problem persists, try polishing away the marks, using ordinary chalk. Apply a thin layer of the chalk to the scratch marks and rub it into the surface of the toilet with your hands or a paper towel. Wipe any leftover chalk away from the toilet.

For visible scratches on the porcelain, use something to cover up the marks. An enamel paint in the same colour as your toilet is one option. Avoid using latex paint, as this rubs off with the water constantly touching the porcelain. Apply the paint to the surface of the scratches and let sit for 24 hours. Dental chalk will also fill in the scratch marks, making the scratches disappear. Rub the dental chalk into the grooves of the scratches and wipe across the top with a damp paper towel. The paper towel rubs away any excess chalk still clinging to the porcelain.

Whatever method you use to repair the porcelain scratch marks, only do so when the toilet is empty. Turn off the supply of water to the tank and flush the toilet several times, until the water is completely removed. The water turns the powders into a thick paste that are harder to handle. Wipe down the inside of the toilet with a dry cloth or paper towel before repairing. If you decide to cover up the scratches, the water causes the drying process to take longer.