Limescale buildup in the toilet bowl can be a persistent issue, leaving it looking perpetually unclean despite rigorous cleaning efforts.
The stubborn brown stains cling to the bowl’s bottom and sides and often resist even bleach, which only temporarily masks the problem.
Limescale is a hard mineral deposit that adheres to any imperfections on the surface of the toilet bowl and builds up over time.
In search of a solution, one exasperated cleaning aficionado took to the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook page for advice. They posted a picture of their toilet bowl plagued with black limescale and pleaded: “Help! I clean my toilet regularly with different types of bleach products, has anyone got any more tips to be able to remove this stubborn limescale-type staining?
“I have in the past removed the water completely and scrubbed it by hand but it just comes back? I live in a very hard water area. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.”
Several members of the group recommended Harpic toilet cleaner as an effective remedy. Julie Mead advised: “Black Harpic, leave overnight and get as much water out as you can”, reports the Express.
Sarah Daines suggested: “Black Harpic. Scrub with a brush then leave for as long as you can, then flush. Bleach won’t get rid of limescale.”
Debbie Allen also endorsed Harpic Black, saying, “Leave it overnight to soak, and it will come straight off in the morning.”
For those who can’t wait overnight and want quick results, a common household item is being hailed as the solution – citric acid. Sarah Newman recommends: “Citric acid powder, followed immediately with a kettle of boiled water. You will literally see it disappearing in 30 seconds. No harmful chemicals and toxins either.”
Faye Finch suggests: “Pump most of the water away with a loo brush, then put a couple of tablespoons of citric acid down there. Add hot water and it will dissolve easily. Bleach won’t clear it. It whitens, but doesn’t remove.”
Sonya Sheppard adds her voice to the chorus, saying: “Bleach whitens, it doesn’t remove your limescale. Get yourself some citric acid and a kettle full of boiled water, put a good amount of citric acid in the loo then some boiled water and watch it fizz – honestly works wonders.”
Citric acid can instantly remove other forms of limescale, too. Try using it to clear the kettle limescale; fill it halfway with water, add one to two tablespoons of citric acid powder, boil the water, and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
Thoroughly rinse the kettle with clean water. You might need to repeat the process or let it soak longer if there is heavy limescale. Always rinse before use.