Limescale in the bathroom is a common headache, but there’s one item which works better than vinegar and baking soda at banishing it
Limescale can be a real nuisance in the bathroom, particularly affecting taps, shower heads, and more stubbornly, toilet bowls. The unsightly white chalky substance consisting of calcium and magnesium becomes a bane when it forms in toilets, often appearing far more unappealing than when found on taps or kettles.
This could result in frustrating brown stains that make even a recently scrubbed loo appear filthy. Upon exasperation with failed attempts to eliminate the “thick” limescale from her toilet bowl, a woman sought advice on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips and Tricks Facebook group, reports the Express.
Sharing an image of her toilet stained with dark brown, almost black marks, Tia Frances Caiger pleaded: “Anyone able to suggest anything to me?
Recounting her struggle she continued: “My toilet has had thick limescale since we moved in last year, I have got the worst of it off with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Sadly this is the end result and no more will come off! It looks awful and I hate it! Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated.”
Numerous comments echoed a similar sentiment; baking soda and vinegar didn’t quite cut it but pointed towards another solution – citric acid. In testament to this method, Maria Louise commented: “We used everything and literally the only thing that cleared it up is using citric acid.”
Matching her experience, Abbie Marsh shared: “I had the exact same and couldn’t seem to shift it with baking soda and vinegar. What worked was removing as much water out of the toilet as possible and leaving it as long as possible with citric acid.”
Abigail Heard advised: “So empty the water out of the toilet, fill it with citric acid and leave it overnight and when you flush the toilet it will all come off.”
She added her personal experience, saying: “I did it to a toilet last week and I was so shocked by how easy it came away lol. I used to use white vinegar and baking soda but it never worked as good.”
Donna Jones shared her own tip: “I live in a very hard water area and this can happen so easily if not kept on top of. But when it was that thick the only way I could get rid was to use citric acid and using it regularly has kept it away.”
For those seeking an alternative to citric acid, fans of cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch have suggested Harpic Power Plus, available in gel or tablet form. Louise Anne recommended: “Harpic in the black bottle! Put it in overnight, it peels off the next morning. So satisfying.”
Emma Ross endorsed the same product, recounting: “Black Harpic 100 percent. I couldn’t believe it when I used it. Would have turned out better if I drained the toilet first though.”
Lorraine Shepherd emphasised the importance of preparation in tackling limescale, stating: “Whatever you use empty the water first it will always work better without the water in there.”
