Toilets often become stained due to limescale buildup at the bottom of the bowl (Image: Getty)
Cleaning the is one of the most dreaded household , as no one enjoys scrubbing at the bowl, but there is one item that can get rid of unsightly quickly. The brown stains at the bottom of the toilet are usually a tough substance called , which is made up of minerals from water evaporation that accumulates over time.
Limescale can make toilet frustrating as it will stick stubbornly to a surface, so scrubbing it away with a toilet brush can be difficult. Bleach will also not work as it cannot break down the mineral deposits and will merely whiten limescale rather than remove it.
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Citric acid orginally comes from fruit juice but a more powerful version can be found in most supermarkets (Image: Getty)
However, Clare Austin, an expert from , has shared that the best way to clean a toilet is to ditch chemical cleaning solutions and opt for a natural product instead.
Clare said, “Whip up a DIY solution and watch as those stains fade away. Citric acid is another natural powerhouse that’ll leave your toilet gleaming. Mother Nature approves!”
“Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits. It can be very effective in treating limescale in a toilet.”
The key to getting rid of limescale is using an acidic substance and heat, but you do not need a harsh product to clean it; citric acid and a bit of warm water will do.
Citric acid reacts to the minerals in the limescale and begins to dissolve them quickly, helping to get your toilet sparkling clean without having to scrub at the bowl for ages.
Many supermarkets sell a more concentrated and crystallised version of the citric acid found in citrus fruit, usually found in the cleaning aisle. At ASDA and Tesco, citric acid can be bought for only £1.75.
All you need to do is mix citric acid with some warm water (Image: Getty)
How to use citric acid to clean a toilet
All you need to do is put on a pair of gloves and mix some citric acid in warm water until it dissolves. Then, you have a cleaning solution.
Pour the citric acid into your toilet bowl on the stained area and place some under the rim.
Leave the cleaning solution to sit for at least 30 minutes, but it is best left for an hour or overnight, depending on how stained the toilet is. This gives the citric acid time to break down the stains.
When the time is up, use a toilet brush to gently wipe the limescale stains, and they should come away easily. For tough limescale buildup, you may need to add more citric acid. Keep repeating this process until the toilet is completely clean.
Little scrubbing is required for this cleaning hack (Image: Getty)
Next, flush the toilet to rinse away any loosened debris. The stains should now be gone without needing to be scrubbed or bleached.
It should be noted that citric acid is generally quite a gentle cleaner, but like with any acidic substance, spot-test it before using it on your bathroom surfaces.
Clare said: “Using citric acid to clean your toilet is effective, environmentally friendly, and safer than some commercial cleaners that contain harsh chemicals.
“However, be cautious when using it on surfaces that may be sensitive to acids, such as marble or certain types of metal. Always test in a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface.”