Stop using bleach to remove toilet limescale as 2 natural ingredients work like magic

Bleach may seem like the go-to choice for cleaning toilets, but experts warn it won't solve one of the most common bathroom problems - stubborn limescale. Limescale stains are often caused by hard water, and can build up inside the toilet bowl and under the rim, especially in areas that are difficult to reach.

These stains often return quickly, even after a deep clean, leaving toilets looking dirty and discoloured. But according to cleaning professionals, the real issue is that bleach only masks the problem and doesn't actually remove it. Instead, experts say there's a simple, natural way to tackle limescale for good, using just two common household items.

Chris Wootton, the Managing Director of cleaning firm Poppies, said: "The golden rule for cleaning toilet bowl stains is to use non-alkaline products.

"Most toilet bowl stains appear in hard water areas, so it's important to remember that bleach won't work, and you will need to use an acid-based product such as limescale remover."

He added: "While bleach doesn't get rid of limescale, it does make it invisible which blends in with the colour of the toilet bowl. That's why toilet bowl stains appear to come back quickly, as they never actually went away."

His recommended solution? A mix of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.

Chris explained: "Making a vigorous acidic solution is best done by using white vinegar. Pour a half cup of bicarbonate of soda into and around the bowl and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

"Then, apply white vinegar over the baking soda. This produces a fizzing reaction that activates the acid and can break down the most stubborn build-ups of limescale."

After 10 minutes, scrubbing the bowl thoroughly and flushing should leave the toilet looking fresh. He also suggested using lemon juice for extra deodorising power on lingering marks.

Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie, known as the Queen of Clean, also recommends a similar trick.

She explained: "To clean the unsightly brown stains in the toilet, I make up my toilet cleaning powder using citric acid and bicarbonate of soda."

Her method involves mixing two scoops of bicarb with one scoop of citric acid and adding a few drops of tea tree essential oil for its antibacterial properties.

"Pour directly down the toilet. Leave for 20 minutes before flushing, and stains are gone," she said.

If you want a no-scrub option, she suggests plunging out some water, pouring in 250ml of vinegar and leaving it overnight before flushing in the morning.

Experts say regular cleaning and using acid-based solutions is key, especially in hard water areas.

Tony Jones, from Harvey Water Softeners, added: "Limescale can take on a host of colours depending on the different compounds that can be found in the water and slowly stains build layer by layer on the inside of the toilet bowl."