Remove limescale from toilets with 1 natural item that’s ‘better’ than bleach and vinegar
Cleaning the toilet is a job that few people enjoy, but a build-up of limescale can make it even more of a headache. To tackle the job without resorting to using bleach, a cleaning enthusiast has shared the most effective option.
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Toilets are prone to becoming filthy with persistent limescale, a residue of evaporated water minerals that hardens over time, making cleaning an arduous task. While bleach is effective at killing bacteria, it falls short in dissolving limescale and can even harm the toilet bowl due to its abrasive nature.
Sophie, a cleaning expert and the brains behind Sustainably Lazy, has discovered that citric acid outperforms bleach in banishing limescale, thanks to its natural occurrence in lemons. She explained: “The trick to removing limescale is with acid and heat. Commercial cleaners tend to use hazardous substances such as hydrochloric acid or sulphamidic acid, which are toxic to aquatic life and unpleasant to inhale. They are definitely not the sort of chemicals I want in my home now that I have children. The acid of my choice is citric acid.”
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Its acidic properties mean citric acid can dissolve the alkaline minerals in limescale, causing it to break down swiftly.
While vinegar and cola are commonly touted for limescale removal, Sophie has concluded that citric acid is the superior, more economical option.
Sophie noted: “Alternatively, you could use white vinegar, but I find citric acid is more effective and works out cheaper and better”.
Sophie suggests that the optimal time for toilet cleaning is in the evening, allowing the cleaner ample time to dissolve the limescale.
She advised: “Before you go to bed, make sure everyone has got an empty bladder. If you need a pee in the night, then don't flush until the morning.”
Begin by heating water in the kettle, but halt it just shy of boiling. Carefully pour the near-boiling water into the toilet bowl.
Next, sprinkle half a box of citric acid into the toilet and let the mixture sit overnight. Come morning, a quick scrub with a toilet brush should easily remove any lingering stains.
For stubborn limescale, Sophie noted that you might need to apply this method for an additional night, but soon enough, your toilet will be gleaming once more.
Sophie recommended: “To prevent it from getting bad again, keep a box of citric acid near your toilet. You can keep it in a plastic tub or jar - anything really. Add a spoonful in there each night before you go to bed.”
