How To Clean Limescale from a Toilet
Want to know how to remove limescale from your toilet and return it to it’s original sparkling state?
Read on to find out how…
Achieve a sparkling toilet bowl
Limescale buildup in a toilet can lead to unsightly stains, which not only dull the surface but can also be tough to clean. Over time, limescale deposits—caused by hard water—can block water flow under the rim, reducing the flushing power and allowing bacteria to thrive. Regular removal helps keep the toilet looking fresh and functioning efficiently.
What is limescale?
Limescale forms when calcium and magnesium are deposited as hard water evaporates, leaving behind a chalky, scummy residue that’s often recognised on shower screens, showerheads, drinking glasses, and taps.
The colours of limescale can vary depending on the diverse compounds present in the water entering your home. Typically, limescale appears in shades of off-white or grey.
Why do I have limescale in my toilet?
Hard water has a knack for swiftly accumulating on sinks, showers, and toilets, leaving behind stubborn rust and scale stains that pose a challenge to remove. Additionally, it wreaks havoc on household appliances, hindering water flow in pipes and impeding the performance of various devices.
Among all the areas and appliances in our homes, toilets stand out as particularly problematic. Constantly subjected to heavy use and with stagnant water often present, toilets provide an ideal environment for limescale to flourish, exacerbating the issue.
How to remove toilet stains with home remedies
Bleach may seem like a solution, but it only masks the problem temporarily by bleaching the scale, leading to a short-lived improvement before the stains resurface. The most effective approach involves using an acidic solution that can penetrate and dissolve limescale. Household staples like baking soda and white vinegar serve this purpose well.
The best way to tackle this problem is with an acidic solution, which can cut through the limescale. This can be achieved by using household products like baking soda and white vinegar.
To remove the toilet stains, you will need:
3 cups white vinegar
1 cup baking soda
Toilet brush
Do you need a water softener?
Test the mineral content in your home’s tap water.
If it’s 100ppm or above, you have hard water. A water softener can help you avoid limescale buildup, saving time and money.
* PPM stands for parts per million and indicates the concentration of dissolved limescale minerals like calcium and magnesium in water.
Latest Cleaning blog posts
Cleaning Tips
Home Care
Hidden Effects of Hard Water
There are many hidden effects to hard water…it’s a cleaner’s worst nightmare! It can leave unsightly w...
Cleaning Tips
How To Remove Limescale From A Shower: Quick Fixes For Hard Water Stains
If you live in a hard water area, chances are you’ve noticed the unpleasant stains that can build up on your shower, t...
I was sick of buying descaler for the kettle. Now I have a Harvey Water Softener I use much less of everything and it all lasts so much longer. When I wash up, I only need a drop of washing-up liquid in the bowl not a squeeze – it’s quite amazing!
Jean, Oxfordshire
Get in touch with our experts
Please fill out this form so that we can contact you about your enquiry. You can also arrange for a free personalised water analysis in your home or through a virtual online demonstration.
Explore the benefits of softened water
Softened water provides so many benefits to your home and family, from a shiny kitchen and bathroom to being soft on skin and hair.
Food and Drink
Can You Drink the Tap Water in Bristol? Safety & Treatment Options
The UK is known for having some of the highest-quality tap water in the world, and Bristol is no different. Even directl...
Food and Drink
What’s in UK Tap Water? Your Safety Concerns Addressed
Tap water is convenient, cost-effective, and 100% safe to drink in the UK. It would be difficult to get by without runni...
Food and Drink
Can You Safely Drink London Tap Water?
While it is safe to drink tap water in London, many people report feeling uneasy about doing so. This can be due to odd ...