If you live in a hard water area, you’ll know how difficult it can be to remove limescale from your toilet. However, there is one natural ingredient that can do the job for you – and all you need is 3 ingredients.
Limescale is a bathroom bugbear that can seem impossible to shift, no matter how much elbow grease you put in. Living in a hard water area only exacerbates the issue, as the deposits quickly accumulate on surfaces.
Despite regular cleaning, the chalky residue always seems to make a comeback within weeks.
Determined to find a swift and effective solution, journalist Shania King-Soyza of the Express sought advice from three experts who specialise in limescale. She was keen to discover their favourite natural technique without resorting to harsh chemicals – and they all echoed the same sentiment. Find out below the best method to banish limescale in under 24 hours.
How to naturally eliminate limescale
Comment from James Roberts, Director at Sanctuary Bathrooms
James said: “Cleaning limescale from your toilet bowl doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing. There are plenty of non-abrasive and effective methods to tackle those stubborn stains. Two of the most popular and surprisingly simple methods use everyday household items: vinegar and Coca-Cola.”
He explained n how vinegar specifically can eradicate limescale in under 24 hours. He said: “Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent due to its acidic nature, which helps to dissolve limescale deposits efficiently.”
James’ step-by-step guide on how to use it: Pour a bottle of white vinegar into the toilet bowl, ensuring to cover all areas, especially under the rim. Let it sit overnight to dissolve limescale, then give it a scrub in the morning.
“The vinegar should have softened the limescale, making it easier to remove. After scrubbing, flush the toilet a few times to rinse away the vinegar and dissolved limescale.”
Comment from Laurence Barwick-Smith, wastewater and drainage specialist at KEE
Laurence also recommended that white vinegar is the preferred natural approach for tackling limescale. He explained: “Toilet limescale is incredibly common, especially in hard water areas. It’s not necessarily harmful, but it can leave stubborn white marks that can make the bowl look stained.
“On stainless steel taps and other parts of the bathroom, it can get stuck on and cause chips when removal is attempted. The best way to prevent this is to remove limescale as soon as you notice it.”
To eliminate limescale, pour roughly half a bottle of distilled white vinegar straight into the toilet bowl. Allow it to rest overnight or for up to 12 hours.
Complete the process by scrubbing with a toilet brush come morning.
Should this natural approach prove ineffective, Laurence also recommends turning to a chemical cleaner. “If the limescale is heavy or has built up over time, a specialist descaling cleaner will work faster, and it’s really important you use this instead of, say, trying to pick or brush off the limescale.”
Laurence suggests opting for a phosphoric acid-based toilet descaler rather than hydrochloric acid, as it tackles scale effectively whilst being kinder to plumbing seals and fittings.
Always adhere to the product’s guidelines, but generally you’ll need to allow it to sit for 30 to 60 minutes before scrubbing and flushing it away.
Comment from Real Estate Expert, Michael Smith at Bluefield Realty Group
Michael says that limescale is the most effective. He shared: “Limescale is mainly calcium carbonate, which reacts with mild acids like vinegar or stronger descalers to break down.
“For a natural, effective method, pour 500ml of white vinegar into the toilet bowl, ensuring it covers the stains, and leave it to soak overnight. In the morning, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the affected area and scrub gently with a toilet brush, as the fizzing action helps lift residue while remaining eco-friendly.
“For severe buildup, a commercial descaler containing sulfamic or hydrochloric acid will deliver faster results, often within an hour. Always use gloves and ensure good ventilation.”
Numerous individuals are reluctant to use acidic cleaners, worried they could damage porcelain surfaces. Nevertheless, when applied cautiously and in modest quantities, both natural and chemical descalers are completely safe and perform brilliantly, Michael revealed.
For a more permanent solution, fitting a water softener or popping a limescale prevention tablet into the cistern can have a significant impact. A swift weekly clean with vinegar will also aid in preventing limescale from reappearing.
