Limescale buildup in the toilet bowl can leave it looking dirty constantly, no matter how much bleach or scrubbing you apply.

The unsightly brown deposits at the bottom and sides of the bowl can seem impossible to remove, and while bleach may appear to work, it merely whitens the limescale temporarily, only for it to return, often the very next day.

So, what exactly is limescale? It’s a tough mineral deposit that clings to any imperfections on the toilet bowl’s surface and accumulates more over time.

One frustrated cleaning enthusiast, having tried bleach and scrubbing to no avail, turned to the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook page for help.

Sharing a photo of their toilet bowl covered in black limescale, they asked: “Help! I clean my toilet regularly with different types of bleach products, has anyone got any more tips to be able to remove this stubborn limescale-type staining?

“I have in the past removed the water completely and scrubbed it by hand but it just comes back? I live in a very hard water area. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.”

Many group members suggested using Harpic toilet cleaner, with Julie Mead recommending: “Black Harpic, leave overnight and get as much water out as you can.”

Sarah Daines suggests: “Black Harpic. Scrub with a brush then leave for as long as you can, then flush. Bleach won’t get rid of limescale.”

Debbie Allen recommends: “Harpic Black; leave it overnight to soak and it will come straight off in the morning.”

However, for those seeking immediate results rather than waiting overnight, some advocate for a common household item – citric acid.

Sarah Newman advised: “Citric acid powder, followed straight away with a kettle of boiled water.

“You will literally see it disappearing in 30 seconds. No harmful chemicals and toxins either.”

Faye Finch said: “Pump most of the water away with a loo brush, then put a couple of tablespoons of citric acid down there. Add hot water and it will dissolve easily. Bleach won’t clear it. It whitens, but doesn’t remove.”

Sonya Sheppard explained: “Bleach whitens, it doesn’t remove your limescale. Get yourself some citric acid and a kettle full of boiled water, put a good amount of citric acid in the loo then some boiled water and watch it fizz – honestly works wonders.”

Express.co.uk has previously demonstrated how citric acid instantaneously tackles kettle limescale, which could indicate its effectiveness in combating toilet limescale too.