Cleaning the toilet can be one of the most dreaded chores in the home, but if you put it off for too long stains can unfortunately begin to form in the bowl and be tricky to scrub away.
Yellow toilet stains often begin to build up due to limescale, which is made up of minerals that are left behind when water evaporates and can leave unsightly discoloured marks.
Limescale needs to be cleaned as it is a hotspot for bacteria but this can be challenging as it bonds tightly to surfaces and is resistant to most cleaning agents so will not dislodge no matter how hard you scrub at it.
However, Atanas Dzhingarov, a cleaning expert from Samyx Cleaning, has shared there is a simple “green cleaning method” that will dissolve toilet stains in 10 minutes.
Atanas said: “Turn to nature’s own cleaners – vinegar, baking soda, and citric acid. These environmentally-friendly options are not just effective against stains but are also safe and non-toxic.”
How does it work?
Limescale is made up of calcium carbonate and the best way to break this down is by using natural acidic ingredients.
Vinegar contains acetic acid while citric acid is found in most fruits such as limes, oranges and lemons.
Using these two natural acids will dissolve the limescale and make it easy to simply wipe away without any effort.
Baking soda does not chemically react to limescale but it is abrasive which helps loosen the limescale stuck to the surface to make it easier to clean.
How to get rid of toilet stains naturally
You will need:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Citric acid or lemon juice
- Cleaning gloves
- Toilet brush
Method:
All you need to do is flush the toilet and then sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda.
Pour white vinegar on top of the baking soda, then add the lemon juice. The solution will begin to gently fizz as it breaks down the limescale.
Leave the solution to sit in the toilet for at least 10 minutes or when the fizzing stops.
Once the time is up, put on some gloves and gently scrub the toilet with a toilet brush.
The limescale should break away easily so you are left with a clean and stain-free toilet.
Give the toilet a final flush and make sure to clean it at least once a week so you do not have to deal with stains in the future.
Atanas said: “By embracing these green cleaning methods, you’re not just maintaining a sparkling toilet but also contributing to a healthier environment. The journey to a clean and sustainable bathroom starts with simple, natural steps.”
