This Hack Will Keep Your Toilet Hardware From Rusting

Cleaning a toilet is not on anyone's list of favorite household chores, so it makes sense to make this task as painless as possible. There are so many surfaces and nooks and crannies to clean in order to be sure that you're getting the toilet as spotless as possible. And there are some things that can make a toilet seem grubby even after you've just cleaned it. One of them is the toilet seat, or, more specifically, the screws that secure the seat to the hinges.

Over time, untreated metal screws end up rusting and flaking, and sometimes even stain the seat. Not only does it look messy, but that rusty, pitted surface provides places where bacteria and odor can collect, no matter how thoroughly you've cleaned the seat. But you're in luck because one simple trick can prevent toilet seat screws from rusting, and it only takes a few seconds to accomplish.

The easiest way to keep toilet seat screws from rusting is to seal them. And the great news is, you don't need to go out and get some specialized item to do it! If you have a bottle of clear nail polish around, that's all you need, according to Reader's Digest. If you're putting on a new toilet seat, simply brush a light coat of clear nail polish on the screws first and let it dry, then install the toilet seat as usual. The nail polish will seal the screws, preventing rust from forming in the first place.

You can also seal the hardware on a toilet seat that has already been installed, there are just a couple of additional steps to follow. First, give the hinges a thorough cleaning, paying special attention to the screws. You'll want to get them as clean as possible so the nail polish adheres well. Let the area dry completely, then, once the screws are dry, apply one to two thin coats of clear nail polish, letting the polish dry between coats. It's that easy to seal toilet seat hardware and keep it from rusting. How long will this hack last? It's probably a good idea to give the screws a fresh coat of clear nail polish every couple of months. As you do your regular cleaning, it will inevitably wear away, so re-applying the polish regularly will ensure that the screws stay sealed and your toilet remains tidy.