Cleaning expert Sophie, founder of Sustainably Lazy, has found that citric acid outperforms bleach and vinegar for removing toilet limescale, offering a cheaper and more effective natural alternative.
Limescale, a mineral deposit left by evaporated water that solidifies progressively, can make toilet cleaning demanding. While bleach destroys bacteria, it falls short against limescale and may harm the toilet bowl due to its abrasive characteristics.
Why citric acid works better
Sophie explained: "The trick to removing limescale is with acid and heat. Commercial cleaners often 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."
Citric acid's acidic nature dissolves the alkaline minerals within limescale, prompting it to break down swiftly. Sophie observed: "Alternatively, you could use white vinegar, but I find citric acid is more effective and works out cheaper and better."
How to clean toilet limescale overnight
Sophie suggests cleaning the toilet in the evening to give the agent time to work. 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 boiling the kettle, switching it off just before it reaches a rolling boil, and carefully pouring the heated water into the toilet bowl. Then tip half a box of citric acid into the toilet and leave it overnight. In the morning, a brief scrub with a toilet brush should shift lingering stains.
Preventing future build-up
For stubborn limescale, Sophie noted the process may need repeating for another night. She 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."
