The product works by breaking down mineral buildup and rust pretty quickly, so leaving it overnight doesn't necessarily make it more effective. In fact, it could damage your toilet if it's left too long - especially overnight. You should only let it sit for just two to five minutes, depending on how bad the buildup is.
Apply directly to the stain with a brush, cloth or sponge. After 2 minutes rinse promptly with cold water. Never leave Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover on an area for longer than two minutes. If the stain does not disappear, repeat this process and add more Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover solution as necessary.
CLR says don't leave it on for more than two minutes, and dont use on aluminum or galvanized metal.
CLR Grease & Oil Remover should only be left on a surface for 1-5 minutes before being rinsed off thoroughly with cool water. If the stain persists, repeat the process, instead of leaving the solution on the surface for a longer amount of time.
To use a CLR in a well-ventilated area, combine equal parts of warm water and CLR. You can apply CLR directly to your faucet or showerhead. Find an area to test the CLR before you apply it to an entire surface. Never leave CLR on an area for more than two minutes.
The chemical reactions happen pretty quickly when you first apply CLR, so leaving it longer doesn't help. Basically, you won't get better results by leaving it overnight, and you might end up causing damage instead.
CLR can be used on chrome, fiberglass, porcelain, and stainless steel, but keep it away from natural stone, brass, copper, aluminum, and galvanized metals.
Before you get started, always use gloves and check if CLR is suitable to be applied on the material you are trying to clean. Test the CLR on an inconspicuous spot first before applying to entire surface.
Bottom Line
The main difference between CLR and vinegar is that CLR is stronger and better at removing mineral build ups like limescale. Vinegar is better at cleaning rust. It's also cheaper, versatile and safer than CLR.
Yes, CLR is safe if you have a septic system in your home. By the time the product reaches the septic system, it's neutralized with water so there is no danger in using CLR.
Customers say the Zep Calcium, Lime, and Rust Stain Remover is an effective and cost-efficient alternative to more expensive brands like CLR. Many users appreciate its ability to tackle tough stains, particularly in toilets and on various surfaces affected by hard water.
By the time it reaches the septic system it is neutralized with water.
Inhalation: Ingestion: May cause irritation with discomfort or rash, prolonged skin contact may cause ulceration Excessive inhalation may cause irritation of the respiratory passages May cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and corrosion of the mucous ...
CLR® Spot-Free Stainless Steel is specially formulated to be used safely on any stainless steel appliance and surface. So if you want to know how to clean a stainless steel sink, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, grill or small appliances, and keep them clean, our stainless steel cleaner has the answer.
DO not use CLR on natural stone or marble, terrazzo, colored grout, painted or metallic glazed surfaces, plastic laminates, Formica, aluminum, steam irons, leaded crystal, refinished tubs or any damaged or cracked surface. CLR may etch older sinks, tubs and tiles. CLR is corrosive.
Final Verdict. The best overall hard water stain remover is CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner.
This paste is excellent for removing rust from iron, steel, aluminium and other metals. However, please don't leave it on any surface for too long, as vinegar can erode it, weakening the metal and making it more susceptible to rusting.
Muriatic acid, which is also called hydrochloric acid, is some pretty heavy-duty stuff. It's a good CLR alternative, and it can clean up rust and limescale super fast - but you've got to be really careful with it because it's seriously corrosive.
SKIN CONTACT: Can be irritating to skin, prolonged contact can be more severe, no adverse effects during normal usage. In case of skin contact, rinse area for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes, wash thoroughly before reuse. If irritation persists get medical attention.
The website says not to use it on plastics, but that it's OK on vinyl compounds, so apparently it depends on the exact composition of the material.