Limescale can quickly build up on your porcelain toilet, making it look dirty. Limescale is a hard, chalk-like deposit composed of minerals from evaporated water. If left unchecked, limescale can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Over time, it can accumulate in pipes, increasing the likelihood of blockages.
However, it can be incredibly tough to remove as it adheres firmly to surfaces. Bleach might seem like the go-to solution, but it’s a disinfectant that doesn’t break down limescale. What’s more, it can react chemically with materials in toilets, leading to permanent yellow stains.
Instead, the experts at Purdy and Figg suggest a more natural approach to tackle toilet limescale. They recommend ditching chemical products altogether.
They advised: “Ditch the harsh chemicals from a bottle, forget the toilet gels, bombs and sprays that leave your eyes watering and head for our favourite cleaning ingredient. Citric acid.
“Often hailed as one of the most diverse natural cleaning agents, citric acid is the perfect addition for cleaning your toilet. Its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, de-greasing and whitening power has been used by thousands of people across the globe.”
The most effective way to eliminate limescale is by utilising a natural acidic substance such as citric acid, which can eradicate stains while also being gentle on the toilet surface so it does not cause any damage.
Citric acid is naturally present in fruits like lemons and will chemically react with the minerals found in limescale to swiftly dissolve it. Not only is citric acid highly efficient, but it is also inexpensive and can be found in most supermarkets.
To use citric acid to remove toilet stains, start by boiling the kettle halfway, putting on a pair of gloves and getting a large bucket or container.
Pour a bucket of hot water down the toilet as the heat will help loosen up the limescale sitting at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Once the water has cooled down slightly, pour a generous amount of citric acid down the toilet as well.
Allow the solution to sit without flushing the toilet for at least 10 minutes, but longer if the limescale is particularly stubborn.
After the time is up, most of the limescale should have dissolved and be easy to wipe away. If there is still any limescale, then pour the hot water and citric acid solution down the toilet again and leave it to sit for longer this time.
Your toilet should be gleaming clean and stain-free without having to use bleach or any other chemical solution.
The experts stated: “As a natural cleaning agent, [citric acid] doesn’t come with superhero powers, but it’s certainly better than bleach.”