We can all agree that caulking around the toilet floor comes with many benefits. Not only does caulk secure the toilet to the floor, but it also seals the gap around the base thus improving the aesthetics.
However, like all other projects, there are a few things that may go wrong with caulking around the toilet. For instance, you may notice the white caulk turning brown.
This is usually caused by several problems which I will be discussing in detail and sharing the best solutions.
What Causes Caulk Around the Toilet to Turn Brown?
1. Leaking
A leaking toilet is the number one culprit behind a caulk that has recently turned brown. If human waste, more so, urine comes into contact with caulk, it decolorizes it from white to brown.
Sometimes, the caulk can also turn yellow. The decolorization is usually the first sign of a leaking toilet.
Eventually, when the caulk has absorbed more waste than it can handle, you’ll start noticing a foul urine smell whenever you walk into that bathroom.
The Solution
The only remedy here is to diagnose the source of the leak in your toilet. Most of the time it’s usually the wax ring.
This needs to be removed and replaced with either another wax ring or a rubber seal which is more effective at preventing leaks.
Fixing a leaking toilet isn’t a simple DIY plumbing job. Therefore, if you don’t have a lot of experience with such, I’d advise you to hire a professional plumber. This will save you a lot of headaches and time.
2. Mold
The second reason why the caulk around your toilet may be turning brown is due to mold. Unfortunately, most toilets often lack proper ventilation.
Therefore, the high humidity creates the perfect environment for mold to breed and grow. As a result, you may notice brown or dark spots along the caulk surrounding your toilet base. These spots often spread if the mold isn’t addressed.
The Solution
To get rid of mold that’s causing the caulk around the toilet to turn brown, you’ll need to prepare a vinegar solution and spray it on the caulk.
Then while wearing gloves and a respiratory mask, wipe off the mold from the surface of the caulk. That should get rid of the brown mold and reinstate the white color of the caulk.
To prevent this problem from occurring in the future, ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated, or you can invest in a dehumidifier.
3. Dirt Buildup
Insufficient cleaning of the toilet and its surrounding areas can lead to the decolorization of caulk. Dirt buildup will eventually turn white caulk into brown. And this effect can be irreversible if you don’t make any changes soon.
The Solution
If dirt buildup is what’s making caulk turn brown, then a thorough cleanup should fix this solution. Grab a hard thistle brush and use some warm soapy water to scrub the base of the toilet. Once the caulk dries, it will return to its original color.
4. Exposure to Hard Water
If you live in an area where you’re only supplied with hard water, then it’s inevitable for the caulk around your toilet to turn brown. Hard water is rich in minerals which can stain white caulk and give it a brown-yellowish appearance.
The Solution
Cleaning the surface of the caulk can get rid of the mineral deposits. But this isn’t a long-term solution. The best way to get rid of this problem for good is by switching to soft water.
5. Aging
Caulk will not have that white finish forever. Eventually, it will wear out and one of the signs of aging is discoloration.
Caulk that has been around your toilet for decades will eventually give in to the effects of being exposed to soap, hard water, chemicals, and even dirt. Therefore, it will turn from white to brown.
The Solution
If the caulk around your toilet has turned brown after years of service, it’s time to apply a fresh batch. In such scenarios, the discoloration is usually beyond the surface level. So, cleaning it won’t work. The best solution is a replacement.
6. Using a Low-Quality Caulk
If you use low-quality caulk, you can expect it to discolor prematurely. And that shouldn’t be your only worry. Low-quality caulk isn’t durable and it may crack sooner than you anticipated.
The Solution
Always use high-quality caulk. Before buying caulk from a certain brand or manufacturer, engage in thorough research and read reviews to find out if it is indeed the best in the market. That’s how you can easily avoid disappointment.
Can Cleaning Products Accelerate the Browning of Caulk Around Toilets?
Apart from leaks and mold, did you know that some cleaning products can cause the caulk around your toilet to turn brown?
Some cleaners, especially those that contain harsh chemicals, are known to weaken caulk and make it more vulnerable to discoloration. If used extensively, these cleaners can completely discolor white caulk into brown or yellow.
You should also be mindful of abrasive cleaners. Caulk isn’t designed to be scrubbed after installation. You just have to clean the surface and it will look as good as new.
Continuous use of abrasive cleaners can also weaken the structure and make it easier for dirt to be absorbed, thus making it turn brown.
A word of advice: please keep harsh and abrasive cleaners away from your toilet. If you must use a strong cleaner to kill bacteria, make sure that you dilute it and clean the surrounding areas with water afterward.
Also, if you could stick to eco-friendly cleaning products, you’re less likely to accelerate the browning of caulk around the toilet.
Are There Some Types of Caulk that Are Resistant to Discoloration?
There are some types of caulk such as those made out of silicone which are resistant to discoloration, mold, and fading.
If you never want to worry about caulk around your toilet turning brown, go for silicone caulk. It boasts of an advanced formula that can withstand most of the culprits I have discussed above.
Also, if you stick to caulking that has been formulated for bathroom use, these options are highly resistant to discoloration. The same applies to high-quality caulk manufactured by reputable brands.
Does The Frequency of Toilet Usage Impact How Quickly Caulk Turns Brown?
Unfortunately, the higher the frequency of toilet usage, the higher the chances are for the caulk to turn brown. Let’s focus on this situation a bit closer.
A high-traffic toilet will be continuously exposed to moisture. Therefore, mold is more likely to grow and discolor the caulk.
Also, toilets that are used frequently have to be cleaned regularly. Continuous exposure to harsh cleaners puts the caulk at a higher risk of discoloration.
If you’re anticipating that the toilet will be used frequently, you should invest in a high-quality caulk that’s more resistant to discoloration.
You should also be more vigilant of leaks, mold, or any other thing that can contribute to the caulk around the toilet turning brown.
Also, as long as you take measures such as ensuring proper ventilation and using gentle cleaners, you can still prevent caulk from turning brown even if the toilet experiences frequent usage.