How to Clean the Rim Jets on a Toilet Bowl

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0-5

Knowing how to clean toilet jets on the underside of a toilet rim can rid your bowl of clogged dirt, bacteria, and mineral deposits. Colonies of bacteria forming there can become a health concern, and mineral deposits clogging the toilet jets can interfere with the flow of water. Here are tips on how to clean a toilet under the rim to help you avoid these problems.

The Role of the Rim Jets

The rim jets are the openings through which water from the toilet tank flows down into the bowl to start the flush cycle. If you've noticed how the water flows down in a circular direction into the bowl, this is because the water jets are angled in a way to create a circular direction of flow. This circular motion makes for a more effective flushing action. 

Symptoms of Clogged Jets

When the rim jets on your toilet get clogged, usually with mineral deposits such as lime and calcium scale, you may notice that the toilet does not flush completely, or that it takes an unusually long time for the water in the tank to empty down into the bowl. Or, you may notice that the normal diagonal flow of water from the jets has become vertical.

With calcium deposits clogging the jets and slowing the water flow, bacteria are more likely to form inside the hollow rim of your toilet. Thanks to the constant flow of water, a toilet is not the dirtiest part of your home (kitchens actually have more bacteria than most bathrooms), but any time a toilet stops flushing efficiently, the chances of bacteria growth are increased. And a toilet that gets used rarely is more likely to find its jets clogged with bacterial growth.

Tip

Before cleaning the jets, do a thorough basic cleaning of your toilet both inside and out, seat and all, so you can have a more comfortable experience with this task.

Inspecting the Jets

It's fairly easy to determine the condition of the toilet jets using a small mirror. Place the mirror under the rim and look at the jet holes. If you see dark orange or black spots then you have a bacteria problem. If what you see looks scaly and light in color, then mineral deposits are your problem. You may, of course, have both problems. 

selective focus of a person using a mirror to inspect toilet jets

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija 

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Large bowl
  • Measuring cup
  • Safety goggles and gloves
  • Wire hanger
  • Small mirror
  • Scrub pad

Materials

  • Chlorine bleach
  • Commercial toilet bowl cleaner

Instructions

ingredients used to clean toilet jets

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija 

How to Clean Out Bacteria

Ridding the toilet bowl of bacteria requires that you kill as much of it as possible. In addition to what’s lurking in the bowl, focus your efforts under the rim and in the jet holes.

Warning

Before beginning, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Be sure your bathroom is well-ventilated, as bleach in close quarters can create harsh fumes.

  1. Mix Bleach and Water

    Make a bleach solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water.

    person making a bleach and water solution

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija 

  2. Pour Solution in Overflow Tube

    Remove the tank lid and pour the solution into the overflow tube in the center of the tank. The overflow tube is a rigid plastic or metal pipe running vertically, usually with a small flexible rubber or plastic tube clipped into the top of it.  

    person pouring bleach solution into the overflow tank

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija 

  3. Let the Cleaning Solution Sit

    Let the bleach solution work its magic for about five minutes, then flush the toilet.

    toilet flushing

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija 

  4. Clear Out the Jet Holes

    Clean out the jet holes with a piece of wire. Scrape out each jet hole, using the hand mirror to make sure you get them all. It's a dirty job so wear protective gloves and eyewear for potential splatters.

    person using a wire and a mirror to clean out jets

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija 

  5. Clean with Bowl Cleaner

    Clean around the jets with a chemical bowl cleaner and a scrubbing pad.

    person cleaning out a toilet bowl

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija 

  6. Add Bleach Solution

    Pour more bleach solution into the overflow tube. Let the bleach sit for about five minutes, then flush a final time.

    Warning

    If bacteria build-up is a reoccurring problem, put a tablespoon of bleach into the overflow tube periodically. Never attempt to remedy the problem with in-tank cleaners. The chemicals will deteriorate rubber parts in the tank, like the flapper or tank ball. Using these chemicals can also negate any manufacturer’s warranty for the toilet or its parts.

    person flushing a toilet for the second time

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija 

How to Clean Out Mineral Deposits

Removing mineral deposits is similar to the method for cleaning out bacteria, with slight variations. Instead of a bleach mix, vinegar will be used. Vinegar works better at breaking up deposits when it’s heated. It doesn’t have to be boiling—around 120 degrees Fahrenheit will do.

Warning

Never mix vinegar and bleach in the same cleaning step, as the combination makes lethal chlorine gas.

  • Heat up 8 to 12 ounces of vinegar so it is warm to the touch but not scalding. 
  • Pour the liquid into the overflow tube.
  • Allow the vinegar to sit for about 30 minutes, and then flush.
  • Clean out the jets one at a time, using Allen wrenches. Start with a small wrench and as you clean out the jets, increase the size of the wrench. Periodically flush the toilet as you work to remove debris that has been chipped away. Be cautious when using the wrenches, as porcelain chips easily.
  • Use a hand mirror to check your work.

If the problem persists, it is a good indication that you may need to install a water softener to reduce the levels of minerals in the water. It would also be helpful to try a hard water toilet tank tab if the problem continues.

FAQ
  • What is the best cleaner for toilet bowl jets?

    The best cleaner for toilet bowl jets is a mix of bleach and water followed by a chemical bowl cleaner. However, the best cleaner for toilet bowl jets caked with mineral deposits is hot vinegar. Do not use bleach and vinegar together.

  • What is the black gunk under the toilet rim?

    The black gunk under the toilet rim could be mold, mineral deposits, or both, all of which require a good cleaning.

  • Can toilet jets get clogged?

    Yes, toilet jets get clogged with mineral deposits such as lime and calcium. Clogged toilet jets need to be cleared with vinegar or a descaling toilet bowl cleaner.