If you’ve been relying on bleach to clean your toilet, you’re only scratching the surface—literally. While bleach might sanitize and lighten stains temporarily, it does little to remove stubborn limescale, especially in hard water areas.
Limescale is a tough mineral residue left behind by hard water. It clings to your toilet bowl, creates unsightly discoloration, and can even harbor bacteria, making your toilet less clean than it appears.
But cleaning expert Francesca, founder of Thoroughly Modern Grandma, says there’s an easier, more effective solution: citric acid.
“Give your loo a clean with citric acid once a week,” Francesca advises. “If you don’t have hard water, you can do it less often—as needed.”
Citric acid, a natural compound found in citrus fruits, works as a powerful yet non-toxic cleaning agent. It’s especially effective on limescale because it’s acidic, which helps dissolve the alkaline buildup that bleach can’t touch.
How to Use Citric Acid to Remove Toilet Limescale:
- Pour citric acid into the toilet bowl.
- Let it sit for at least one hour—overnight is even better.
- Scrub with a toilet brush.
- Flush. The stains should be gone.
Citric acid is widely available in supermarkets, typically found in the baking or spice aisle, and costs around $1.75–$2.25 for a 250g box.
Not only is it safe and affordable, but it also leaves your bathroom fresher without the harsh fumes of chemical cleaners.
Tip:
- Hard water areas: Clean with citric acid once a week to prevent buildup.
- Soft water areas: Once a month should suffice.
Experts agree: if you want a sparkling toilet bowl without the chemicals, citric acid is your new go-to weapon.
