Citric acid has the same effect, so can be used in the same way. The best method is to soak a cotton cloth or microfiber cloth in vinegar or citric acid, then rub it on surfaces affected by limescale, such as fittings. Leave it to work for some time or overnight, then rinse thoroughly with clean, cold water.
Limescale is dissolved by acid. So anything like lemon, vinegar, coke. However you need to give it plenty of time to dissolve - so a cloth soaked in an acid and topped up to keep it wet with the acid.
The recommended method for removing limescale is as follows: Dilute vinegar approximately half-and-half with water. Using a soft cloth, rub only the limescale area with the diluted vinegar. Avoid getting the vinegar on the enamel surface surrounding the lime scale and rinse frequently.
HG limescale remover concentrate is the ideal strong limescale remover for removing stubborn limescale. This heavy duty limescale remover also removes rust and urine stains as well as verdigris.
Hydrogen peroxide can work to remove tough hard water stains from your plumbing fixtures, bathtub, or shower. Spray a hydrogen peroxide solution onto the surface and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. After that, scrub the area with an old brush or sponge.
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.
Lemon juice and vinegar are both acidic, meaning that they can break down the calcium carbonate that limescale is made from. Here's how you can use these green cleaners to your advantage. It's worth noting that we're talking about distilled white vinegar here, not malt vinegar.
White vinegar
The mild acid can dissolve limescale and disinfect. All you need to do is pour a generous amount of white vinegar down your toilet bowl, let it soak in overnight, then scrub with a brush. Then flush to rinse, and voilà, your toilet is back to its former whiteness!
How do I get my bathtub white again? By cleaning your bath with a mixture of white vinegar, water and baking soda, you should be able to rid your bath of most common stains and maintain its white finish.
Limescale can be easily dissolved using a mild acid solution, such as diluted white vinegar. For example, when descaling a kettle, simply fill the kettle with equal parts vinegar and water and leave for an hour before boiling and then letting stand for another 20 minutes.
CLR Brilliant Bath is not just your solution for bathtub funk; it's a versatile cleaner that can transform your entire bathroom.
#1 White Vinegar
White vinegar is the best CLR substitute. It's great for the environment and it's super effective at breaking down rust and limescale.
Vinegar essence is therefore a better choice for harder-to-treat limescale – but it should always be diluted with water. Always wear gloves when cleaning with vinegar to protect your skin from the acid. A special tip: Coca Cola – this fizzy drink contains phosphoric acid which also removes limescale and urine scale.
Lemon juice is best for tackling thicker, more stubborn limescale. For the upper parts of your tap, soak cotton wool or a cloth in either white vinegar or lemon juice and wrap it around the taps. If you want to be sure, secure it in place with an elastic band.
Hydrochloric acid has traditionally been used to remove limescale. It is classified as a Class 8 Dangerous Good with highly corrosive properties.
White Vinegar and warm water – areas of limescale on your tap can be cleaned with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Depending on how stubborn the limescale is you may only need to wipe the tap over with the solution or you may need to lay a cloth to soak on it for a few hours.
Did you know WD-40 ® is a great toilet cleaner for hard water stains? Nobody loves cleaning their toilet bowl. It's an unpleasant job made worse by the presence of hard water stains, rust and black stains caused by bacteria, which can accumulate and be very difficult to remove.
Bleach may seem like a solution, but it only masks the problem temporarily by bleaching the scale, leading to a short-lived improvement before the stains resurface. The most effective approach involves using an acidic solution that can penetrate and dissolve limescale.
Final Verdict. The best overall hard water stain remover is CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner.
Dilute 1 part vinegar with 3 parts warm water and pour or spray it onto the area with the limescale. After about 30mins, scrub it off with something like a dishwashing sponge.
Use vinegar or another acidic cleaner to clean calcium buildup from your toilet. The acid will break down the mineral deposits so you can brush them away. Be sure to take the necessary safety precautions when working with cleaners. Wear gloves and eyewear and open windows for ventilation.