CLR cleans what many household products can't. It dissolves and removes tough stains from the build-up of calcium, limescale and surface rust from hard water. You may not know what these are but chances are you're living with them.
Muriatic acid is a strong hydrochloric-based acid, that is a great descaler. Because of the intensity of this acid, it has the ability to remove severe lime and calcium deposits found in pools and toilets.
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.
White vinegar, baking soda and even a lemon can be used to get rid of pesky calcium stains. Many homemakers already use vinegar to help clean difficult areas. It's also helpful when addressing hard water stains or calcium buildup. Use a spray bottle or cloth damp with vinegar to wet the area.
Two of the most effective substances are lemon juice and ordinary vinegar. Lemon juice is usually the best (and will also leave a lovely smell behind). Stronger pickling vinegar and lime juice are both even more acidic and can be used for really stubborn deposits.
spraying the effected area with undiluted white vinegar. creating a mix of white vinegar and borax to scrub affected surfaces. lime water and water in a 50:50 ratio. Baking soda.
CLR or Lime Away? An acid-based cleaner is the best way to remove water deposits. Vinegar and lemon juice are two natural alternatives, but they just don't work as quickly and effectively. CLR uses similar ingredients to Lime Away.
Mixing chlorine bleach and cleaners like dish soap can be harmful to your health. Mixing bleach with other cleaners can release toxic gases.
Fragrance free- safe for all pipes and drains! Part of the EPA's Safer Choice Program recognizing the product as a safer alternative to traditional chemicals, and contains no phosphates and is Septic Safe.
Calcium carbonate is easily broken down by acids. Most big brand descalers are highly acidic with hydrochloric acid being a common ingredient. So without the key ingredient WD-40 is unlikely to be a very effective descaling agent and could in fact cause problems as it will react with and dissolve certain plastics.
As previously mentioned, baking soda does a bang-up job at dissolving calcium deposits left behind from hard water, but this pantry staple doesn't act alone. By introducing an acid (i.e., white vinegar), a chemical reaction takes place that may be short-lived, but highly effective.
Test on a hidden area before applying to the entire surface. Apply directly to the stain with a brush, cloth or sponge. After 2 minutes rinse promptly with cold water. Never leave CLR Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover on an area for longer than two minutes.
Always use CLR Brilliant Bath in a well-ventilated area while wearing household rubber gloves and test a hidden area of the surface before beginning to clean.
“Vinegar is a good cleaner because it's acidic, but when you add dishwashing liquid/dish soap to it (which is a base or neutral) - you neutralise the vinegar. You take away the very thing that makes it work well. “The dishwashing liquid works that well on its own. Adding the vinegar is a pointless step.”
Remember to wear gloves and protect your eyes and clothes in case any cleaning product splashes you during the process. Pour equal parts of lemon juice and white vinegar into the toilet bowl, leaving it for at least one hour before scrubbing with a toilet brush. The scale should come away easily.
Place the shower head in the container and leave it to soak for 20-30 minutes. Lemon will be stronger and require less time than vinegar. Vinegar may need multiple 30-minute stints of soaking. Remove the shower head and rinse it in water, brushing off any leftover limescale.
Harpic 100% Limescale Remover has been specifically designed to dissolve 100% of limescale and kill 99.9% of bacteria in your toilet bowl.
Lemon juice and vinegar
Getting rid of limescale doesn't require expensive cleaning products! Lemon juice and vinegar can help you tackle most of your limescale problems — a win for your pocket and for the environment.
Hard water stains can look pretty unsightly if they are not tackled, making the toilet looking dirtier than it actually is. You can also spray WD 40 in the bathroom or sink to deal with the same issue. It will get rid of hard water stains and limescale and make your toilet look much brighter.