Discovering stubborn dark stains in your toilet can be frustrating, especially when regular cleaners fail to make a difference. If your toilet bowl has developed a brownish hue, limescale buildup is likely the culprit.
Limescale results from mineral deposits commonly found in water throughout the UK. Over time, these deposits can darken due to iron content and chemical reactions that occur when urine interacts with the hardened scale.
Gemma Lynch experienced this firsthand after moving into a new home and encountering a heavily stained toilet. Inspired by recommendations on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group, she tried Black Harpic toilet cleaner, known for its powerful limescale removing properties, and was amazed by the results.
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She shared: “My daughter exchanged homes and this was the loo. I used Black Harpic toilet cleaner/limescale remover and left it in overnight. After flushing this morning, all the stains were gone. I applied about half the bottle around the rim, letting it flow into the bowl. I have no idea how it gets that dirty, but Black Harpic is fantastic. It works better than bleach. Now I understand why everyone recommends it.”
Photos Gemma posted showed a toilet bowl and rim heavily stained brown, but after treatment with Black Harpic, the bowl appeared spotless and free of limescale marks.
Others in the group echoed her sentiments. Carolyn Ludlam commented, “Just done the same with my daughter’s place, it’s great stuff!” Phyllis Behan added, “I put a whole bottle in my son’s house when he moved in. It worked.” Ala Whitehead vouched for its consistency: “I use Black Harpic often — the results are brilliant! They should use this in public toilets lol.” Carrie Hollingworth also said, “I had the same problem after moving, and Black Harpic is amazing.”
For those seeking a natural alternative that avoids heavy scrubbing, cleaning experts at Smol recommend using citric acid. Their guidance is simple: mix two to three tablespoons of citric acid powder with one litre of water (always add water before the powder to prevent splashing), pour the solution into the toilet bowl, let it sit for a few hours, then flush to reveal a clean toilet bowl.
Whether you prefer a commercial heavy-duty cleaner like Black Harpic or a natural remedy like citric acid, these methods offer effective solutions to tackle stubborn limescale and restore your toilet’s cleanliness with minimal effort.