Lysol Cling Max Coverage Toilet Bowl Cleaner Stained My Toilet Blue

Below you'll find lots of stories, experiences and reviews from readers who've used Lysol Cling toilet bowl cleaner.


This toilet bowl cleaner comes in a variety of colors (different scents), and apparently many of them have extremely strong dyes within the cleaner, and these dyes have been staining parts of the toilet when they're squirted into the bowl to get it clean.

As you can imagine, people are pretty aggravated about it, because they're using a product to clean something, and that cleaner ends up causing stains.

This page started as just a couple of people complaining, but it has morphed into a large group of people complaining about this exact same issue. What you'll see is a progression of complaints, my responses, and over time learning more and more about the issue.

If you've had this experience, along with reading these complaints about it (which you can scroll down and see below), but I've also created a second page which has tips and ideas from readers on how they removed these stains, sharing what worked, and what didn't, for them.



We'll start with Paul's review, and then scroll down to read even more.

Paul says:

I have used and preferred the Lysol Cling for years; however the new "improved" Max Coverage one with very dark blue color has caused severe staining in my fixtures.

The manufacturer suggested Lime Away to remove built up calcium stains. It had no effect. Bring back the original formula!!!

Taylor says:

Thanks Paul for sharing your experiences with this type of Lysol toilet bowl cleaner.

You are actually not the first person to tell me they had this problem with Lysol Cling. In fact, another person writing in asked me how to remove the blue stains the product caused.

Now that you've written in too Paul, I decided to look into the issue even further. I was very surprised to find on Lysol's own website, for this product, that there were many complaints about the new formula staining the toilet blue. It really does seem to be a widespread problem!

Apparently along with the popular blue formula which is what is causing the blue stains there is also a lemon scented version which has very yellow dye, which at least one person complained turned their toilet yellow!

***Update - below I've also got complaints about a teal and a purple formula too!*** Seems like they have put way too much dye in this new formulation of Lysol Cling!

Based on what Paul said, it appears that the people at Lysol are now telling customers to try products to remove lime scale, which is what may be absorbing the dye and causing the staining issue. That was one of my guesses from before.

You can see even more stories below.

Picture Of Streaks Left By Max Coverage Lysol Cling Gel Lavender Field Scent

by Janice
(Lexington, NC)

Janice shared this picture of how this toilet bowl cleaner stained her toilet.

Janice says:

I purchased my first bottle of Lysol MAX coverage Cling Gel Lavendar Field scent today (and my last)!

My toilets now have purple stained streaks running down them. Not a happy camper at all.

Taylor says:

Thanks for the picture Janice, but sorry this happened to you.

I'm in the process of publishing several tips from other readers sharing how they removed these stains from their toilet, so hopefully they'll help you too to clean yours up as well.

I'd also love to hear from others, with their stories and experiences, either about this toilet bowl cleaner, or any other brand or type. You can share your toilet bowl cleaner reviews here, or read many others that have already been submitted.

Staining From Lysol Cling Has Mainly Faded Except On Toilet Seat

by Judy
(SR101 Reader)

Judy has shared what happened, over time, once this product stained her toilet.

Judy says:

The product works to sanitize the toilet bowl, but leaves an ugly blue stain in the toilet.

That stain wears away over time, but a spot on the toilet seat where the product dripped is still stained after several weeks and many attempts to remove it with different products.

Taylor says:

Thanks Judy for sharing your experience.

I guess it is good to hear that with time most of the staining fades, and that may comfort some people.

However, it sounds like you've still got some tough stains to remove on the toilet seat.

You may want to check the article I referenced above with suggestions for removing these stains.

Unfortunately, your toilet seat is not made of as tough of material as the toilet bowl itself, so you have to be very careful in how you clean it so if you use anything abrasive do it very carefully, and test first in an inconspicuous place.

Lysol Max Coverage Stained My Toilet Seat

by Jack
(SR101 Reader)

Jack has also shared how this product stained his toilet too.

Jack says:

Max coverage Lysol toilet bowl cleaner has stained my toilet seat. I believe Lysol has gone too far with this product and it should be removed from the store shelves.

Taylor says:

I'm sorry to hear this Jack, but thanks for telling me about it.

You are not the first person to complain that the product dripped on your seat and permanently stained it. In fact, I could see how these drips could easily happen during the cleaning process so I doubt, unfortunately, that your story is that uncommon.

Has anyone else had this happen to their toilet seat from using this product? If so, I would love to hear what you did, if anything, to remove the stain and if you had any success. It could help Jack, Judy (above), and probably many others who have experienced this same issue. You can share your tips and experiences here.

Lysol Max Coverage Cling Gel Lavender Field Stained My Toilet Purple!

by Amber
(Tennessee)

Amber has shared her experience with Lysol's lavender version of the Max Coverage Cling formula, and it wasn't pretty!

Amber says:

The thick formula has stained my toilet purple! Even bleaching it hasn't gotten the stains out. Very disappointed in Lysol!!

Taylor says:

Amber, I'm so sorry to hear this!

Apparently all the formulas of this toilet bowl cleaner seem to stain, and the stain color just depends on what scent you choose, from purple, yellow, blue, etc. You could create a rainbow! ;)

I know, not so funny when it is your toilet that's gotten stained.

Has anyone else experience this problem with Lysol Cling, and if so, how did you remove the stains, if at all, or do you still have a rainbow colored toilet? Please share your experiences with me here.

Update: A reader wrote into share that she too had gotten stains from the purple Lysol Cling. She says:

I used the purple lilac scented and it too stained my toilet and toilet brush.

In addition, here's another comment from Steve Rogalinski. He says:

Yes, I have Lysol Lavender Field and the first time I used it, it left a purple stain! I cannot believe a company of this size would put out a product without testing it first

Well, unfortunately, it seems to be a widespread problem. Anyone have a solution they've figured out?

Lysol Max Coverage Cling Gel - I Really Hate This Product!

by Laura
(Washington)

Laura has also shared her experience with this toilet bowl cleaner, and continues the unfortunate trend of many SR101 readers that it has stained her toilet.

Laura says:

I REALLY don't like this product!! It stained all three of our toilets, which, by the way, are not even 10 years old.

I had used Clorox products for years and never had this problem. I am TOTALLY SORRY that I ever tried this Lysol product, and I will likely never use a Lysol product again.

It did not even clean well, in addition to the fact that I had to use a scrubber to remove all of the blue dye from the bowl. This is the WORST toilet bowl cleaner ever created!

Taylor says:

Laura, sorry to hear you've had this same problem with Lysol Cling staining your toilets, although I'm sure you've seen from these other reviews that you aren't alone.

I am glad to hear that you could remove the stains with a scrubber though. This information should help some other readers who are experiencing this problem figure out what to do about it. I had previously recommended people use a toilet pumice stone or a scrubber, such as a Dobie pad to clean it up. I would be curious to hear what scrubber you used, if you happen to remember.

My Toilet Bowl Is Now Stained Purple!

by Liz Menard
(New Iberia, LA)

Liz also shared her problem with this toilet cleaner.

Liz says:

My toilet bowl is stained purple from the Lysol cleaner.

I am furious with Lysol! I have thrown away the cleaner and will not buy their products again.

Has anyone found a solution to removing the stains?

Taylor says:

Sorry to hear you had this trouble too Liz.

Several readers have written in, sharing what has worked for them in removing these stains, and I've compiled a page with their tips for Lysol toilet bowl cleaner stain removal here. Hope that gives you some good ideas for how to clean up the mess.

***Update: Another SR101 reader commented about the Lavender Fields formula saying:

As other posts indicated, my toilet was left with a purple ring stain at the water line.

***End Update

Citrus Scent Lysol Cling Gel Toilet Cleaner Made My Toilet Seat Yellow

by SR101 Reader

Here's another staining issue reported by another SR101 Reader, this time with the yellow colored formula.

SR101 Reader says:

I love it but it turned the bottom of my toilet seat yellow.

I am now using two cleaners, one for the seat and in between seat and tank and Lysol gel cling for the bowl.

I guess I will have to buy some Lime Away to get rid of the yellow stain.

Taylor says:

Sorry to hear you are having stain issues too.

I went again to the Lysol website to research this issue, and first noticed they no longer mention the citrus scent version of the Lysol Cling toilet bowl cleaner in their product materials, so I am guessing that this scent has been discontinued (although I haven't confirmed that for sure).

In addition, I continued to read complaints about how Lysol does not really help people when they experience these staining problems. Apparently when you complain you get a coupon for another bottle of the same staining stuff.

I'd really love to hear from people who have experience this issue, and hear first hand what response they received from Lysol. You can share your experiences here. In addition, if you've figured out a way to remove the stains I would love for you to share that information, because people really are searching for a solution.

(Please recall that I have made some suggestions for what to do here -- tell me if they actually work!)

Lysol Toilet Cleaner Stains Bowl

by Dodie

Dodie has also shared her experience with Lysol Cling.

Dodie says:

I have also used Lysol toilet bowl cleaner for years with no problem. Like many others, I found the new formula stains rather than cleans.

Lysol needs new chemists because this is NOT an improvement. It wasn't broken so why tamper with it?

I took my two bottles back and got a refund. I advised the store to remove the rest of their stock from the shelf to protect unsuspecting customers. Do everyone a favor... recall this very bad product. You have lost another customer.

Taylor says:

Thanks for sharing your experience Dodie, although I'm sorry the product has been causing staining issues for you too.

As always, I'm interested in any methods people have found for removing these stains from their toilet caused by the Lysol Cling toilet bowl cleaner.

Please share your tips and experiences with this cleaner here, or read other reviews which have already been submitted.

Lysol Complete Clean Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner Stained My Toilet

by Beth

I have used the regular light blue Lysol toilet bowl cleaner in the past and it worked fine.

Just tried the new Max Coverage Lysol Complete Clean Power toilet bowl cleaner (dark blue liquid) and it has left blue streaks all around my toilet bowl!

Although the stain is not dark blue as some of the previous photos, it is still noticeable.

I have contacted the manufacturer via email to see what information they may have available.

Lysol Cling Is Horrible! I've Got Purple Stains Now Too

by Tom

Abolutely horrible! I can't believe they are selling a product that is supposed to remove stains that actually creates stains!

I sure hope they stopped selling this stuff or fixed it at least.

Unbelievable, they should issue refunds as well, I got purple stains now.

This Toilet Bowl Clean Is Counter Productive Since It Stains Instead Of Cleans

by Jersey Girl

I have the same problem with the purple Lysol Cling.

You can clearly see the purple tinge on my white toilet with darker drip marks under the rim going all the way down to the water line.

Soft cleanser took most off, but I can still see it.

This product needs to come off the market. It is counter productive. Staining instead of cleaning.

How I've Learned To Avoid Staining My Toilet With Lysol Cling

by Joyce

Joyce shared her tip for how to avoid staining your toilet with this product in the first place, if you want to continue using it.

Joyce says:

I had the staining problem at first, but since noticing it I have taken the toilet brush and cleaned the bowl immediately when adding the Lysol Cling gel, no matter what color. I then gently swirl the brush all around the toilet bowl until it is mixed very well, almost where it is just a very light color and have not noticed a staining problem at all.

Note, I used to purchase the cling gel in the yellow bottle, but the stores in our community no longer carry it, sad to say, as I liked it the best of all the Lysol toilet cleaner brands as it made the toilet bowl smell very clean.

Does Lysol make that scent any more?

Taylor says:

Thanks Joyce for your tip on how to keep the toilet cleaner from staining the toilet in the future. Anyone else do this to prevent staining? I'd love to hear from others to share if this trick has worked for you, or not.

In addition, I did some research Joyce and it does not appear the yellow version of this product is still made by Lysol. It appears they've discontinued that particular scent.



Has anyone else had experience with this particular brand and type of toilet cleaner? If so, please tell me in the comments below about your experiences and reviews of the product.

In addition, make sure to check out more household cleaners product reviews here on the site, or share your own about a bathroom cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, floor cleaner or whatever! I'd love to hear from you, or help you find what others really think of various cleaning products.

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