According to experts at the cleaning company Top Cleaning GB, limescale is caused by the high mineral content found in UK waters. When the hard, chalky substance hardens along the toilet bowl, it appears unsanitary, and while bleach might seem to get rid of it, apparently, it doesn’t.
The experts explained: “Many people believe that they can easily remove limescale with bleach… [but this] will only change the colour of the limescale that is already there.” Emphasising that bleach “won’t solve the problem”, one item that is much better than bleach is white vinegar. “There are a few ways to use white vinegar,” the experts noted, depending on the size of the limescale deposits.
“If you only need to clean a small area, combine [the same amount of] water and vinegar in a spray bottle and apply the solution to the affected area before you scrub it.”
For larger areas of limescale deposits, “simply pour white vinegar over the entire surface” just before you go to bed.
The experts explained: “It’s best to do this last thing at night so it can seep into the limescale and destroy it completely.
“When you return, use the toilet brush to remove any remaining limescale deposits before flushing the toilet to remove them.”
One cup of white vinegar can also be combined with one cup of baking soda to remove limescale from inside the toilet bowl.
“Leave it for 10 minutes,” the experts instructed, adding that “it’s a good idea to use gloves and wear eye protection” during the cleaning process.
For tougher marks, leave the white vinegar and baking soda combination on for “another 25 minutes before you flush”.
How to stop limescale from returning
To stop limescale marks from resurfacing along the toilet bowl, it is beneficial to adjust your cleaning routine.
By simply pouring “a tiny bit” of white vinegar down the toilet bowl every month, the acidic nature of the vinegar can “help prevent limescale build-up”.
The experts added: “The acidity can assist in washing away any tiny limescale deposits without the need for scrubbing.”
Another solution is to install a water softener in your home, albeit that would be the more costly option.
“The minerals in hard water will be filtered out by these tools, so limescale won’t build up in your toilet,” the experts explained.