Effortlessly remove stubborn toilet limescale in '20 minutes' using 1 effective item

Toilet bowl limescale, clean toilet bowl
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In the UK, limescale is a big problem, leaving behind unsightly stains in toilets due to evaporated calcium and magnesium from hard water.

Limescale buildup occurs frequently in kitchens and bathrooms, clinging to sinks, showers, and toilets, causing stubborn rust and scale marks that are a sore sight and a menace to household appliances.

Toilets, in particular, suffer greatly due to constant use and stagnant water which creates perfect conditions for limescale to accumulate.

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Traditional cleaning techniques like bleach, vinegar or a vigorous scrub with a toilet brush sometimes fail to do the job effectively.

Although bleach appears effective by lightening limescale, it merely hides the issue temporarily, and the stains often reappear worse than before, reports the Express.

A cry for help on the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook group highlighted the severity of this issue: "Since we moved in, our toilet has had these horrid brown stains in the bowl. I've tried bleach, Viakal, Harpic toilet tablets and some serious scrubbing and nothing has shifted it so far. Any advice on what else we can try?"

In response, 223 replies hit the page within just one day, with numerous members suggesting citric acid as a saviour. Lisa Clarke recommended: "Pour in 125g citric acid and leave for a few minutes. The limescale will be gone."

Marie Robinson happily shared her success: "I will never use anything else than citric acid. It flushes away after using it."

Leah Clarkson had a nifty suggestion: "Bung two cups of citric acid down it and in 20 minutes it'll be as clean as a whistle."

She continued, "You can buy it online or from a local zero-waste store. The stuff is brilliant. My toilet was invaded by limescale and this sorted it right out."

Rachel Murray shared her plight: "Honestly, I had such a disgusting toilet, tried absolutely everything, but citric acid was my saviour. I literally look at my toilet in amazement."

It's advised that whole lemons are not effective for cleaning toilets due to their minimal citric acid content when compared with the pure form.

Given that there are just 1.44 grams of citric acid per ounce of lemon juice, a large number of lemons would be needed to have the same effect as a smaller quantity of concentrated citric acid.

Citric acid, being naturally derived, is safe and chemical-free, meaning it's an environmentally friendly choice for a variety of cleaning jobs.