It may work for birds and using it in a closed container...
But in the present case, it won't...

You're working with a siphon here. If you put a rock in it, water will first rise, then fall to its previous level because of the evacuation on the other side.

Yeah, if you want it to be soaking in cleanser, get some toilet paper soaking wet with that cleanser, and stick it to the stain.

of course, that depends on the level of the stain, relative to the normal water level. If it is too high and still doesn't get wet, then I can have any of my teenagers come over and have them raise the water level to the rim, if needed.

... or if the plastic bag is filled with sand it will effectively seal the bottom and raise the water level.

more such advice. http://www.accouters.com/how-do-i-re...my-toilet.html

why not LOWER the water level (to dryness) and apply a coat(s) of special paint? takes the fixture out of service for a short while, a few days at most, but you have a new surface. there are things to figure out mentioned in the link like is it porcelain or china, etc. quite doable though.

If it were me, I would just put a dimmer bulb in the bathroom.

FTW!
Thanks for playing, better luck next time.

Wait, that's from Fingerbobs, isn't it?
Neither currantly (see what I did there?) consumed in this household.
Monster's got the family dynamics right. Except Mum would never agree with that approach. She's no shrinking violet. She'll just be all acid and venom, leaving Dad with NO idea what he's done wrong this time, despite heavy hints. I expect lots of bitchy personal comments along the lines of "I'm not surprised you didn't clean the table properly, you're willing to put up with a filthy toilet" and "No of course you didn't hear me deafo! You can't see that the toilet is filthy either!"
If I were living with you HLJ, I would BAN dimmer switches. Kiss kiss.

Sometimes I think dropping a rock on Mum's head would be the best solution.
But then who would clean the toilet?

But srsly, SG, ifn you know these bitchy comments come from the toilet bowl scenario, can't you just ignore them? (Your dad must have his own coping mechanism by now, I suppose ...)

This seems like the best advice to me, especially since it sounds like something wrong with the finish, not particularly a stain. Then again, I can't see it.
here is an example I found: http://www.discoveredit.com/procalib...nishspray.aspx

In alternative to replacing the toilet with a new one, do y'all only have the 1 bathroom? Could y'all switch it with another bathroom? One that the guests don't see? She will still have the "dirty toilet" (thank god your mum will never visit me) but at least her friends won't see it to be all judgmental about it.

Can you post a picture, Sundae?

Thanks for ALL the comments. Turns out Casi was right in the first response - Dad went out and bought bicarb of soda this morning and she was already working it by the time I got home today! And it IS working. Are calcium deposits different to limescale? Her toilet cleaner is a 100% limescale remover, apparently...? Which is why we were wandering down the damaged ceramic route.

Dad just lets them go.

I'm FAR better than I was, but something inside me lets her get to me every time. Afterwards I can rationalise it - she's upset and angry and it's not my fault. But I spent a childhood of her being upset and angry and it WAS my fault.

The thing that still scares me is that she brings things back up from previous situations. I'm always terrified that she will start talking about times I have made her ashamed, and embarrassed her. She told me just last year the reason my husband left me was because I didn't keep a clean house. Despite the fact I left him. That was a low blow, dredging up something that I'm still torn by and happened over 10 years ago.

On the one hand she worries about me blaming myself too much for the divorce, and yet when she is in a pissy mood she has no problem bringing it up again to smack me with. The issue was a moot one anyway - I wasn't helping Dad in the garden. I'd asked him the day before and he said he'd rather do it himself.

Meh - I'm too defensive says Mum.
Maybe I am.
But I'm also lazy, spiteful, bitchy, argumentative and live in an airy fairy world of my own. According to her.

Anyway.
This is a GOOD NEWS THREAD!
Toilet is cleaner, she will continue with the treatment.
And she is very pleased and proud of both the difference and of me.
And I cooked a lovely meal of chicken wings tonight.
So I am well in favour, which I owe to the Cellar.

just for perspective:

£200 for a toilet that lasts 40 years=

£5 /year or £.0137 / day

Assuming three people using the toilet an average of 3 times per day (9 times /day)
that comes out to £0.001522 per use.

obviously that doesn't include the cost of water, sewage, or toilet paper.

I'd say £200 is a pretty good deal considering the convenience of a having a toilet in one's home and the alternative.

And, gives a new meaning to "spending a penny"

ps, I'm happy about ur baking soda

I'm happy about ur toilet, too. :)