Cleaning the toilet can be one of the most dreaded household chores, but it can be a quick and easy task if you know the proper way to clear up stains.
Toilet stains that are difficult to get rid of tend to be caused by limescale, which is when natural minerals in water build up over time to create unsightly yellow or brown stains.
Limescale stains often crystalise and stick stubbornly to surfaces so will not budge by simply scrubbing at them, but they need to be removed as they can become a hotspot for bacteria.
However, experts at the cleaning service The Maids have revealed a simple yet “magic” solution to break down tough limescale stains is to clean them with lemon juice.
They said: “A natural wonder in the house cleaning game, lemon juice whitens and brightens as it breaks down stains. Plus, cleaning toilet bowl stains with lemon juice gives your bathroom a fresh, clean aroma.
“The acid in lemon juice dissolves mineral deposits, and the antifungal properties kill mould, making lemon juice ideal for hard water stains and mould stains in your toilet bowl.”
It may seem simple, but lemon juice contains citric acid which will react to the minerals in limescale to dissolve them.
The natural acid in lemon juice also helps kill bacteria and germs without having to use toxic chemical cleaners such as bleach.
Bleach cannot remove limescale and will also whiten it, so will lead to more staining and build up over time without tackling the problem.
Lemon juice is better to use but is also a non-toxic, cheap and environmentally friendly method to clean your toilet properly.
How to use lemon juice to clean toilet stains
To begin, mix one part lemon juice with one part water in a empty spray bottle.
Spray a generous amount of the solution on the toilet bowl and underneath the toilet srat.
Next, simply leave the lemon juice mixture to sit on the toilet for at least 20 minutes. This gives the cleaning solution time to break down the stains.
Then, use a toilet brush to gently scrub at the stains and they should wipe away easily.
Flush the toilet and it should now be completely clean and stain free using only a simple natural cleaning solution.
