Toilets can become stained due to limescale, which needs to be removed as soon as possible otherwise it can build up and be difficult to budge no matter how much you scrub at it.

Limescale is a hard chalk-like stain which can cling to the bottom of the toilet bowl or around the toilet seat as it is made up of minerals in water that have been heated up or evaporated.

It may seem simple to reach for a bottle of bleach to get rid of limescale but it will not work as it is a disinfectant and you need something acidic to break down the mineral in limescale. 

Bella Middleton, an expert from Norfolk Natural Living has shared a natural method to clean the toilet that is “just as effective and much safer” than commercial cleaning agents as all you need is white vinegar. 

She said: “Limescale buildup in a toilet can be a persistent nuisance, not to mention an eyesore. While the urge to reach for harsh chemical cleaners might be strong, there are gentler and more eco-friendly ways to tackle this issue.” 

Limescale can be hard to remove as it is a tough and resilient material which bonds to a surface which is why it is often best to use an acidic substance like white vinegar. 

It may seem odd but the the vinegar you put on your chips contains acetic acid which will have a chemical reaction with the minerals in limescale to break them down. 

When vinegar is combined with baking soda it will become a stronger cleaning solution as it will produce a fizzy bubbling effect that will lift the limescale as well as other dirt from the toilet. 

Lemon juice can also be used as an alternative to vinegar as it contains citric acid which will also have a chemical reaction any limescale it comes into contact with. 

How to remove limescale from a toilet naturally 

You will need:

• White vinegar 
• Baking soda 
• Lemon juice 

Method:

All you need to do is pour the white vinegar or lemon juice into a spray bottle, then spray a generous amount of the substance into the toilet bowl.

Let the vinegar or lemon juice sit for a few hours or overnight to give it time to break down the limescale. 

Once the time is up, sprinkle some baking soda directly into the toilet bowl, and begin to gently scrub the places with limescale buildup. 

Both vinegar and baking soda combined should create a fizzy reaction that will make remove the limescale quick and easy. 

Flush the toilet and it should now be sparkling clean with no more limescale. 

To freshen up the toilet, add some lemon juice to a spray bottle and spray it into the toilet. It will have a fresh smell as well as disinfect and help prevent limescale in the future. 

Bella said: “For an extra touch of freshness, squirt a bit of lemon juice around the inside of the bowl. Lemon juice’s natural acidity will further help dissolve any remaining limescale and leave a pleasant scent.”