Mum's 15-minute toilet cleaning hack that will eliminate limescale without using bleach

Cleaning influencer Jo Taylor-Tunnicliffe has shared an easy home remedy to remove limescale which doesn't involve bleach or white vinegar.

Limescale or hard water forms when rainwater seeps through porous rock, acquiring minerals like calcium and magnesium in the process, reports the Express.

These impurities amass as limescale in various parts of the house, including around taps and showers, inside washing machines and kettles - even toilets are not spared given their constant usage of water.

Limescale, while unsightly, also impacts the efficient functioning of your toilet.

If left unattended, it can clog the water outlets under the toilet rim, resulting in weak flushes.

The good news is it's easy to remove and now, Jo Taylor-Tunnicliffe has shared a great hack on her Instagram page @jottiesjournal, a "great naturally powerful" product to wipe away toilet limescale - citric acid.

She explained: "Citric acid is a great naturally powerful product to remove both limescale and mould, making it perfect for our toilets."

Jo recommended diluting two tablespoons of citric acid in warm water to clean the toilet rim and pouring it into a spray bottle.

However, she advised placing two tablespoons of the product at the bottom of the toilet bowl to eliminate limescale, leaving it to do its work for 15 minutes.

Citric acid is available from B&Q for a modest £2.25, Robert Dyas for £3.59 or even on Amazon where a two-pack sets you back £6.99.

In the comment section, multiple cleaning enthusiasts chimed in on this limescale removal hack. User @cleanwith_jade praised: "Citric acid is such an incredible product." @laofrenchie commented: "Love this hack." @sabs. home expressed surprise: "Never would have thought to do this" while @allthingsfi_ planned to try it out, saying: "Definitely need to try the citric acid in the spray bottle, fab tip."

One commenter testified that citric acid works wonders in removing kettle limescale. @juneade2 advised: "Brilliant at getting rid of limescale in the kettle too! Boil a full kettle, place near the sink and pour in two teaspoons of citric acid."

"Just watch the bubbling reaction that takes off all traces of limescale. Since there are no harsh or dangerous chemicals used, you just need to discard the solution and give it a rinse."

Queen of Clean, Lynsey Crombie, also recommends using citric acid to scrub away toilet limescale, favouring it over bleach.

Crombie outlined: "Citric acid will break down limescale and eliminate the brown patches. Bleach only hides these marks for a few days and doesn't actually get rid of them."

Alternatively, fans of cleaning can use a pumice stone to banish toilet limescale. Jen Needham, also known as the Cleaning Fairy Godmother, asserts it's the best strategy for limescale removal.

She explained: "Remove the water from the bottom of the toilet by pushing it out with a toilet brush. Then, gently go over the marks with a pumice stone and it will get through them perfectly."

Pumice stones suitable for toilets are available at B&Q for £6.99 or on Amazon for £5.49.

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