Whilst it might appear straightforward to maintain a spotless toilet by simply pouring bleach down the bowl, this potent cleaning agent proves ineffective against discoloured marks on the porcelain. Limescale forms a stubborn deposit from minerals present in hard water, creating a firm bond with surfaces that cannot be shifted through scrubbing alone.
Whilst bleach does disinfect and may temporarily brighten limescale marks, it fails to eliminate the actual build-up, which continues to house bacteria and renders the toilet unsanitary, reports the Express. Nevertheless, Francesca, a cleaning specialist and founder of Thoroughly Modern Grandma, has revealed that tackling limescale stains is remarkably straightforward provided you use citric acid on your toilet. Francesca explained: “Once a week; if you don’t have hard water this can be less often, just as and when required; give your loo a clean with Citric Acid to remove the mineral/limescale deposits.”
Citric acid occurs naturally in lemon juice and other citrus fruits, though a more potent version is available in the cleaning section of most supermarkets.
Limescale represents an alkaline stain that requires an acidic solution for removal, and citric acid will rapidly dissolve it from surfaces, making cleaning considerably easier.
Beyond being far more effective, citric acid is also non-toxic, making it considerably safer for bathroom cleaning as you won’t inhale harmful chemical vapours. Citric acid is also a cost-effective solution, with a 250g box priced at £1.75 in Tesco and ASDA.
B&Q offers it for £2.25, while Lakeland sells a 50g tub for a mere 49p.
To use citric acid to eliminate toilet stains, allow the citric acid solution ample time to dissolve the stains by leaving it for at least an hour. But for optimal results, let it work overnight.
When you’re ready, gently scrub the toilet with a brush and flush. The stains should be completely eradicated.
Limescale accumulates gradually, so if you reside in a hard water region, particularly in the South East of England, it’s advisable to use citric acid on your toilet weekly to prevent future staining.
For those living in soft water areas like Northern England, Scotland, and Wales, using citric acid approximately once a month should suffice to keep limescale at bay.
