How to remove limescale from a toilet

Aside from being an eyesore, limescale can cause damage to the different areas of your household over time, from your toilet and shower head to white goods like your dishwasher and washing machine, not to mention leaving your beloved coffee machine in need of some descaler! Limescale can leave toilet stains looking worse than ever, while shower heads can be particularly affected due to the frequency of use in a busy household. 

• With proper limescale removal, once descaled these appliances will have a longer lifespan and won’t need replacing as often. 

• Even if you keep your home sparkling or rely on a professional cleaning service, limescale stains don’t fall in the category of regular weekly chores and can’t be removed with a quick once over of your toilet, or spraying down and wiping the surface.

• Lastly, water that is softer, the term used to denote water with less limescale causing mineral deposits than hard water, is kinder to our skin, hair and laundry, as well as being eco-friendly and sometimes even tasting better! The combination of hard water and household dirt can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, and it only takes one bacterium to cause an illness.

This familiar looking residue that builds up on our toilets and around our homes occurs due to a chemical reaction. Limescale is formed when soluble calcium bicarbonate converts and becomes insoluble calcium carbonate. It can be found in areas where water is used frequently. The water dries out and evaporates, leaving limescale deposits behind on the toilet and elsewhere, despite cleaning.

More than half of UK homes are in hard water areas, with limescale causing the most problems in highly populated areas. Less densely populated areas with softer water are also likely to experience problems with limescale, though over longer periods of time. 

Discover the steps you need to take to keep your toilet looking as good as new. Here are some of the most effective ways of removing limescale from a toilet:

White vinegar

White vinegar can be used as a limescale cleaner in various different ways. It can be diluted with one part water and sprayed directly to the area, or applied using a cloth and scrubbing to disinfect and remove the limescale. You don’t need to use too much water, it can also be applied neat as a limescale remover. Saturate the area and leave to soak, for at least for a few hours or overnight, then rinse.

Bleach

Most of the cleaning products available on the market for eliminating limescale from a toilet are based on bleach. Usually a significant amount of the bleach cleaning product is required in order for it to have an impact (sometimes up to a litre), as well as leaving the product on for a period of 30 minutes to an hour or longer. This is to ensure that the surface area of the toilet below the waterline is treated too, as well as the U-bend, leaving your toilet limescale free with minimum elbow grease. Look out for the applicator nozzle designed for applying directly under the rim of the toilet bowl. Where possible, wear rubber gloves and avoid direct contact with your skin. For an alternative to bleach or disinfectant, look for products containing cationic or non-ionic surfactants or hydrochloric acid for a strong limescale remover. You can find these by checking the product information, many of which are also suitable for septic tanks.

Sandpaper

Sandpaper can also be used to remove any residue that is particularly stubborn. Take care not to apply too much pressure, potentially damaging the surface of your toilet bowl or cistern. Consider selecting a fine-grain or medium grain. Keep in mind that this could impact your warranty if your toilet has been purchased recently. 

Pumice stone

Another household staple that can be used for applying gentle pressure to the affected area. Make sure both the porcelain surface of the toilet bowl or cistern is wet as well as the stone, to avoid scratching the surface. Again, doing this could have an effect on your product’s warranty.

Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda

Roughly one cup of vinegar followed by one cup of baking soda allowed to sit on the affected areas of the toilet bowl should dissolve any limescale, leaving your toilet much cleaner. Consider wearing rubber gloves or some protection for your eyes where possible.

Lemon juice 

Another household staple, this acid based toilet cleaner can be combined with white vinegar to form a limescale eliminating solution. This method is both cost effective and kind to the environment. Soak the stain or area for around one hour to allow the acid of the lemon to break down these calcium deposits and clean limescale. Next, simply scrub with a toilet brush and flush.

Cola 

Cola is another method that can be used for removing limescale, something you might already have to hand. Pour the liquid over the stain or affected areas and allow to sit, before scrubbing lightly with a toilet brush to loosen any remaining residue and flush away.

WD 40

A lesser known use of WD 40 is that it can be used as a toilet cleaner and for removing limescale. Just apply it directly to the stain or affected areas of the toilet bowl and wait a few minutes before you clean and flush.