Toilet cleaning can be a dreaded task, but with the right know-how, tackling stubborn stains can become a breeze. Persistent toilet stains are often due to limescale, a build-up of natural minerals in water that results in unsightly yellow or brown marks. These limescale stains tend to crystallise and adhere firmly to surfaces, making them resistant to simple scrubbing. However, they need to be addressed as they can harbour bacteria.
But fear not, experts from cleaning service The Maids have shared a straightforward yet “magic” solution for breaking down tough limescale stains: lemon juice. They explained: “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.”
While it may seem too easy, the citric acid in lemon juice reacts with the minerals in limescale, effectively dissolving them.
Plus, the natural acid in lemon juice also eliminates bacteria and germs, negating the need for harsh chemical cleaners like bleach.
Bleach is ineffective against limescale and only serves to whiten it, leading to further staining and accumulation over time without addressing the root issue.
Lemon juice is not only a superior choice but also a non-toxic, affordable and eco-friendly way to thoroughly clean your toilet.
To use lemon juice to remove toilet stains, firstly, combine equal parts of lemon juice and water in an empty spray bottle. Spray a liberal amount of this solution on the toilet bowl and beneath the toilet seat.
Then, allow the lemon juice mixture to sit on the toilet for a minimum of 20 minutes. This gives the cleaning solution ample time to dissolve the stains.
Afterwards, use a toilet brush to gently go over the last remaining stains, which should then be easily removed.
Flush the toilet, and it should now be entirely clean and free of stains, all thanks to a simple natural cleaning solution.
