How To Clean Rim Jets in Toilet Bowls

You may notice that your toilet bowl flush isn’t working as well as it used to, or that a ring appears no matter how often you clean.

The answer lies beneath the rim. The toilet rim jets—tiny holes tucked under the bowl’s edge—play a crucial role in directing water flow for a clean and efficient flush.

However, over time, they can become clogged with mineral deposits, dirt, grime, and bacteria, which can affect their performance by interfering with the water flow, compromising the cleanliness of your toilet, and leading to unhealthy conditions.

Continue reading the article to learn more about how to clean rim jets in a toilet bowl, using Lysol^®, and achieve a powerful water flow, an efficient flush, and a cleaner toilet bowl.

Importance of clean rim jets

The rim jets located beneath your toilet bowl play a crucial role in distributing water during flushing. Over time, dirt, dust, debris, mineral buildup (limescale), and bacteria can accumulate, eventually blocking the small openings in the rim jets and preventing them from properly directing water into the bowl during a flush. This can compromise the cleanliness and hygiene of your toilet, leading to unhealthy conditions.

How to clean toilet rim jets

Follow these step-by-step instructions to clean the rim jets effectively:

1. Locate the shut-off valve, typically situated near the bottom of the tank on the left side, and rotate it clockwise to shut off the water supply. Next, flush the toilet to remove any loose debris and prepare the rim jets for cleaning. This will enable the water to drain, allowing for improved access to the jets.
2. Apply Lysol^® Toilet Bowl Cleaner - Deep Reach^® directly under the rim where the jets are located. This toilet bowl cleaner provides maximum bowl coverage with 10 times the cleaning power, eliminating toilet bowl rings, tough hard water stains, rust stains, and mineral deposits. The angled bottle also helps target hard-to-reach areas, such as the toilet rim jets.
3. Let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes before using a toilet cleaning brush or an old toothbrush with stiff bristles to scrub each jet opening thoroughly. Focus on dislodging and eliminating what has been softened by the cleaner. Be sure to reach all the way under the rim to ensure complete coverage.
4. Finally, turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise to restore water flow. Once the tank fills, flush the toilet a couple of times to thoroughly rinse away any remaining cleaner and debris. Check that the rim jets now produce a strong, even stream of water when flushed.

FAQs

How do I know if my toilet rim jets are clogged?

Some of the most common signs of clogged toilet rim jets include weak or uneven water flow during flushing, light-colored, scaly buildup (mineral deposits), or orange or black spots (indicating bacterial growth). You can also try Lysol^® Toilet Bowl Cleaner - Hydrogen Peroxide Action^TM, which powers through tough toilet stains with hydrogen peroxide.

Can I clean rim jets without turning off the water supply?

Yes, but turning off the water supply and draining the bowl is generally more effective and safer, as it provides better access to the jets and avoids accidental splashes or spills during cleaning. 

How often should I clean the toilet rim jets?

You should clean your toilet rim jets as needed, which is generally once a month, but more frequently if you notice a buildup of minerals or stains.

Can germs build up in toilet rim jets?

Yes - rim jets can collect hidden buildup from hard water, mineral deposits, and bacteria over time. Even if the toilet bowl looks clean, germs can linger inside the jets and spread with every flush. With Lysol^® Toilet Bowl Cleaners, you can kill up to 99.99% of bacteria and viruses when used as directed.

Will cleaning toilet rim jets leave a strong chemical smell?

Not with Lysol^®, our toilet bowl cleaners are formulated to fight tough stains and eliminate germs, while leaving behind a fresh scent. So you can enjoy a clean bathroom that smells just as good as it looks.