A professional cleaner has unveiled her remarkably straightforward technique for eliminating stubborn limescale deposits that commonly accumulate inside toilet bowls across British households.
The Persistent Problem of Limescale
Wherever you reside in Britain, you are likely contending with hard water that contains high concentrations of minerals. These minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium present in the water supply, gradually transform into crusty, unsightly limescale deposits.
Within the toilet bowl, these accumulations often appear as grey or brown stains, leaving bathrooms looking unclean and neglected despite regular cleaning efforts.
The Professional's Preferred Solution
Self-proclaimed professional cleaner Annie, who operates the popular TikTok account thecoastaltouch, has demonstrated what she describes as "the easiest way to remove limescale build up in your toilet."
Her method involves using Black Harpic toilet cleaner, which is readily available in most major supermarkets including Asda and Waitrose. The process is simple: squeeze the product along the toilet rim, then use a toilet brush to scrub it in thoroughly.
"Let it do its magic for up to 30 minutes," Annie advises her followers. For particularly stubborn stains that resist this treatment, she suggests employing a pumice stone as an additional tool.
After the half-hour waiting period, Annie instructs viewers to "give your toilet a flush and see how amazing this product works - abracadabra."
Community Validation and Alternative Approaches
Several commenters on Annie's TikTok video confirmed that Black Harpic represents their preferred toilet cleaning solution. One user, Tinkzzzz, wrote: "I swear by this stuff [Black Harpic]."
Another commenter, OptimalCleaningDivision, added: "Harpic Black – always our go-to as well."
The discussion also revealed several alternative toilet cleaning methods favoured by different households. Stay.warwick recommended: "Big bottle of cheap cola [and] leave overnight." This suggestion received support from Bronwyn Pearce, who confirmed: "Yes, it works."
Bronwyn elaborated with a personal experience: "When we bought our house the toilet had bad limescale and nothing helped, until we were told to pour a two-litre cola into the toilet and leave overnight, then scrub in the morning and everything was removed."
Another user, Sinead Garvey, revealed they rely on "denture tablets, every time" for toilet cleaning. This suggestion prompted cleaning expert Annie to respond: "Ooo, good idea."
Expert Advice on Toilet Cleaning Frequency
Delia Cannings from the British Cleaning Council has provided guidance to readers of Which?, the UK's consumer champion publication, regarding appropriate toilet cleaning frequency.
"You need to clean [the toilet] regularly," Cannings emphasised. For a typical five-person household, she recommends "a thorough clean once a week" in addition to quick wipes as needed between deeper cleans.
Cannings also highlighted the importance of cleaning the exterior of the toilet, which rapidly accumulates dust and bacteria. "The dirtiest parts are the areas people come into contact with most," she explained, adding: "That would include the flush handle, the lid and the toilet seat."
Regular attention to these frequently touched surfaces helps maintain proper hygiene standards throughout the bathroom environment.
