Limescale is a substance that forms when rain, which falls as soft water, seeps through porous rock and picks up minerals like magnesium and calcium.
These impurities cause limescale buildup in the bathroom and other areas of the home, including around taps, showers, washing machines, and kettles.
Toilets are also prone to limescale buildup due to the constant presence of running and standing water.
Not only does limescale look unsightly, but if left unchecked, it can also affect the efficiency of your toilet.
If allowed to accumulate, limescale can clog the water portholes under the toilet rim, resulting in slow and weak flushes.
Fortunately, removing limescale is relatively easy with the right home remedy, which doesn’t involve bleach or white vinegar.
Cleaning influencer Jo Taylor-Tunnicliffe shared a “great naturally powerful” household item for removing toilet limescale in her video on her Instagram page @jottiesjournal – citric acid.
She stated: “Citric acid is a great naturally powerful product to remove both limescale and mould, making it perfect for our toilets.”
To clean the toilet rim, Jo mixed two tablespoons of citric acid with warm water and poured it into a spray bottle. After spraying the product, the cleaning pro recommended leaving it to sit for 15 minutes.
In the comment section, cleaning enthusiasts shared their thoughts on this limescale removal strategy. @cleanwith_jade said: “Citric acid is such an incredible product.” @laofrenchie chimed in: “Love this hack.”
@sabs.home was surprised: “Never would have thought to do this.” @allthingsfi_ added: “Definitely need to try the citric acid in the spray bottle, fab tip.”
One savvy user dubbed citric acid a marvel for banishing kettle limescale. @juneade2 advised: “Brilliant at getting rid of limescale in the kettle too! Boil a full kettle, place near the sink and pour in two teaspoons of citric acid.
“Just watch it fizz and eradicate every trace of limescale. And because you’ve bypassed any nasty chemicals, a simple rinse out is all that’s needed after.”
Cleaning queen Lynsey Crombie also swears by citric acid for tackling toilet limescale, dubbing it superior to bleach.
She said: “Citric acid will break down limescale and remove the brown marks. Bleach just masks these marks for a few days and doesn’t actually remove it.”
For those seeking an alternative method, pumice stones come highly recommended by Jen Needham, who is known as the “Cleaning Fairy Godmother”, as the top tool for limescale elimination.
She advised: “Remove the water from the bottom of the toilet by pushing it out with a toilet brush. Then, gently go over the marks with a pumice stone and it will get through them perfectly.”
