How to clean the toilet of limescale: effective chemical and folk remedies

One of the indicators of a well-kept apartment is a clean toilet. Unfortunately, colored spots appear on the walls of any plumbing from time to time. In most cases, we are dealing with a raid of lime, which is difficult to remove.

Agree, changing because of the poor appearance of the toilet is impractical, but using a contaminated closet is unpleasant. There is only one solution to the problem - to choose an effective cleaning agent and to prevent the appearance of old, difficult to remove stains. Not sure how to do this? We will help you understand these issues.

In the article we described the most effective ways to combat pollution, listed how to clean the toilet of limescale, and also gave tips on maintaining cleanliness in the bathroom.

How is limescale formed?

First, find out where this very raid comes from. Most often, it manifests itself in the form of yellow spots, especially at the place of flushing, gradually settling on the surface of chrome and ceramic products.

There are several reasons for plaque formation. Let's consider them in more detail.

Reason # 1. Water flowing through pipes. It contains minerals (calcium, magnesium), salts, particles of soil - it is they who make the water hard.

Minerals found in tap water stain it in an unpleasant yellow or orange color. Sediment, first of all, settles on the walls of the tank

Reason number 2. The build-up of lime is facilitated by a faulty flushing tank, which flows continuously, so it is so difficult to get rid of a piled layer. When water enters the plumbing, mineral particles accumulate.

Reason # 3. Non-observance of simple rules of cleanliness in the toilet. For example, if you flush the toilet with insufficient water or forget to do it at all. From here and bad smell, and a yellow coating.

Reason No. 4. Due to the use of metal brushes for cleaning, small cracks and roughness occur on the protective enamel, which covers almost all toilets.It is on them that plaque settles, gradually absorbing into the material of the product. Over time, it becomes impossible to wash such plumbing white.

Reason number 5. Old Soviet toilets have a porous structure and are not coated with enamel, so quite a lot of limescale can accumulate on them.

Limescale has an unpleasant yellow color and appears most often in places of flushing. If he didn’t have time to become old, then elimination will require 1 or 2 cleanings by any powerful means

Hot water can also damage the protective layer if it is systematically poured into the toilet. After the purchase and toilet installation, be sure to read the recommendations regarding the rules for caring for him.

These are the main reasons due to which a plaque may appear. And how to dissolve a coating of lime on the walls of the toilet will be discussed further.

Methods for cleaning the toilet

To carry out cleaning, you can use the means at hand. Before using any of them, you must: clean the sewerGet rid of water in contaminated places. To remove stagnant water, use a plunger or a regular plastic cup. And then apply the cleaning agent.

Method number 1 - folk cleaning products

If a raid has just appeared or if you do not want to use chemicals for any reason, then magic folk mixtures will come to the rescue.

Lemon acid. Put a mixture of 2-3 sachets and water on the coating and leave it overnight. Leave the cover closed. Calculate the required amount of acid depending on the degree of contamination. In the morning, rub with a damp cloth or a brush and rinse with plenty of water. If the contamination has not disappeared, then the procedure can be repeated.

Oxalic acid is a powerful cleanser, it acts as the main component in some products. Concentrated acid can be purchased in powder form

Technical oxalic acid. It was used by our grandmothers and great-grandmothers. Put a little powder (1-2 tablespoons) on a damp soft cloth or immediately on dirt and rub. Repeat, rub again with a brush, but not metal, and rinse.

Vinegar (9%). If you find, then acetic acid is 70%. Be sure to use a protective dressing at all stages of preparation and use of this tool. Heat 250 g of vinegar to 40-45-С.

To enhance the effect, add 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda. Then, pour the resulting mixture into the toilet and cover. Leave it this way for at least 5-6 hours, preferably all night. After that, treat with a brush and a rag, rinse with water.

Baking soda. It significantly increases the effectiveness of other products - vinegar, citric acid. To qualitatively remove plaque, immediately take the whole pack (200 g). Prepare a mixture with water, apply to plumbing and leave it overnight. You can add a few tablespoons of vinegar to the mixture. Then rub and rinse.

An eco-friendly lime plaque control is a mixture of soda and vinegar. They should be mixed and immediately applied to the wet walls of the toilet with paper or a rag.

Electrolyte for cars. The liquid must be used very carefully, since it contains sulfuric acid. Put on gloves, a mask and glasses beforehand, as even a drop of this product can cause a burn. Apply the substance only on a dry surface while at arm's length.

Close the lid immediately. After 15-20 minutes, but no more than a few times in a row, rinse without opening the lid. Remember that electrolyte must not be used if plastic pipes are connected to the toilet, as acid can damage them.

Since this tool is very toxic, it should be used only as a last resort, when others can not cope with pollution.

Hydrochloric acid. It can be found in plumbing departments or in hardware stores. Use this acid in the same way as electrolyte. Do not forget about precautions.

Coca Cola. This drink comes from the nineties known to everyone. To get rid of plaque, pour 1.5-2 liters of cola into the toilet sink and leave it overnight. Then you need to rub the dirt with a rag and rinse with plenty of water.

One of the key ingredients in cola is acid. It is she who helps to dissolve plaque. Since the percentage of acid is small, such cleanings can be carried out at least daily

White. Wipe the inside of the toilet and fill it with white. Leave it overnight, then rub the coating with a brush and rinse.

Iodine Monochloride. This liquid can be bought at any veterinary pharmacy. The product must be poured onto a dry surface and rinsed off after a few minutes. Do not leave the product on the surface for longer than 10 minutes, and also can not be used for cast iron or aluminum pipes.

If not a single folk remedy has coped with the problem, then it is time to use household chemicals.

Method number 2 - household chemicals

Today on the shelves of shops there are many chemicals for cleaning toilets. But before using any household chemicals, you must carefully study the instructions.

By composition, all chemicals for cleaning the toilet are divided into: acidic, alkaline and chlorine-based products. Powder products also exist, but they are less popular.

Acid gels and liquids considered one of the best in the fight against settled lime, although they contain a small amount of acid. They should be used with special precautions, protect hands and face. In addition, never over-acid, so as not to damage the enamel.

One of the most popular acid gels is the toilet duck. It is recommended to use it several times in a row. Apply the gel preferably on a dry surface.

Household chemicals will help to cope with a raid of any age without much effort, and a wide assortment makes it possible to choose a tool for any wallet

Alkaline products less dangerous than acidic. They can be used often, even daily. They are based on sodium, which dissolves plaque in minutes. For example, gels Bref, Santry, Dosya or Domestos.

Any of these products can be used regularly, but it is important to remember that they can only cope with a thin layer of limescale in one cleaning.

Chlorine based products. After their use, the room should be aired. Such cleanings can be done daily, but safety precautions are important. One of the most popular chlorine based formulations is Titanium or Comets.

The latter is available in the form of a gel and powder. It has a pungent smell, so it is advisable to work with it in a mask.

Powder abrasive products. For instance, Flash, Big power. Such chemistry will perfectly cope with plaque of any age. But they should be used infrequently, as for cleaning it is also necessary to use brushes that can damage the enamel.

And the powders themselves literally “strip off” everything unnecessary from the surface of the toilet, therefore they can also violate the integrity of enamel.

The most popular means among our compatriots are Comet, Domestos and Toilet duckling. Before buying, read the instructions on the label

Rules for working with household chemicals

In the pursuit of a clean toilet, it is important not to rush and not to make mistakes.

To do this, follow a few simple rules.

1. In order not to provoke damage to the enamel and the stratification of a new coating, never overexpose gels and liquids based on acid.
2. After cleaning, rinse off any aggressive cleaning agent with water only with the lid closed so that splashes do not get on the skin.
3. To avoid chemical burns to the skin, vapor poisoning or an allergic reaction, try to work with household chemicals in protective gloves and a mask, and also do not lean too far over the treated surface.
4. Never use an electrolyte or any other liquid based on sulfuric acid if metal-plastic pipes lead to the toilet.

When cleaning is done and the toilet is shiny, then the question arises: how to prolong this condition and prevent the formation of new pollution?

Choosing household chemicals to remove limescale, focus on the composition, the main active substance, the scale of the problem and the condition of the toilet itself. Also, when choosing, it is worth considering the cost and toxicity of the gel or liquid

How to keep the toilet clean?

No matter how qualitatively you clean the toilet, there still all the same after a while a new coating layer forms. Therefore, prevention should be carried out as often as possible. We offer some simple preventative measures.

№1. Each time, clean the bowl of any impurities and do not save on water to drain.

№2. Under the rim of the toilet, place a special tool that masks odor, kills germs and plaque.

Special multifunctional products remove unpleasant odors, clean the coating and make the water softer. A small dose of gel is squeezed out after each rinse

№3. Eliminate flow in a drain tank, because because of her, the coating only overlays. If the leak is left, then after cleaning a new coating will appear very quickly.

№4. If hard water flows through the pipes, then it makes sense to throw special pills into the toilet bowl to reduce stiffness.

№5. Try not to clean the toilet with an iron brush. It leaves small cracks that destroy the enamel and contribute to the accumulation of plaque.

Special tablets to soften hard water will help level its effect on toilet enamel. They should be placed directly in the tank.

№6. It is advisable to clean the toilet with special tools at least once a week or two, depending on how many people use it. Use only liquid or gel cleaners and soft rags.

№7. Do not pour grease or other food debris, especially hot food, into the toilet.

Observing these simple rules, you can effortlessly maintain a clean toilet. The main thing is not to start the problem and conduct scheduled cleanings on time.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

For clarity, we suggest watching a few video tips.

The author shows an effective way to clean the walls of the toilet from lime deposits in several stages using improvised means:

Useful tips for those who want to clean the elbow of the toilet from old dirt. Vinegar is used as the main ingredient, and the author also gives useful tips:

It is quite easy to get rid of mineral deposits on the walls of the toilet. Use one of our tips, and then your toilet will shine clean. But remember that prevention is always cheaper than emergency cleaning.

Share with readers your secrets of keeping plumbing clean. Please leave comments, ask questions about the topic of the article and participate in discussions - the feedback form is located below.