How to clean the toilet cistern from plaque and rust: an effective way

You've probably noticed that over time, limescale and rust accumulate in the toilet bowl, slowing down its filling and leaving stains on the walls of the bowl when flushed. To get rid of them, you should also carry out preventive cleaning of the tank during the general cleaning.

Professional cleaners and home care enthusiasts have some tips on this subject. OBOZ.UA has collected them together. These methods do not require any special cleaning products – simple products that can be purchased at the nearest supermarket will suffice.

Why limescale and rust form in the tank

Limescale is the result of the presence of calcium and magnesium salts in tap water. The more of them, the harder the water is considered to be. When the liquid evaporates, these two minerals crystallize on the surfaces and form limescale deposits. These deposits can appear in toilets, sinks, faucets, showers, or even in household appliances.

Gradually accumulating, scale can lead to a decrease in water pressure and damage to pipes, faucets, or water heaters. Therefore, it is important to remove it periodically.

How to remove scale and rust from the tank

Simple tools can help you clean the tank from scale and remove rust from its parts. Here's what you'll need for cleaning:

• a pair of work gloves;
• a long-handled cleaning brush;
• a sponge;
• a bottle of white vinegar.

Start by shutting off the water supply and emptying the tank. Next, pour the right amount of a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray it on the walls of the cistern and inside the toilet bowl. Leave the product on for 1-2 hours.

When the vinegar has destroyed the structure of the plaque, scrub it well with a brush. After that, open the water again and rinse off the lime residue from the tank and toilet walls.

This life hack will not only help you get rid of limescale but also remove the odor that sometimes comes from the toilet. Ideally, this cleaning should be done once a month.

How to get rid of lime stains in the bathroom

But limescale is not the only thing that accumulates in the tank. You can use simple, natural remedies to fight limescale stains on other surfaces like the sink and faucets.

Baking soda and vinegar

White vinegar and baking soda are both known for their cleaning properties. To remove limescale, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Apply it to the surface to be cleaned, leave it on for a few minutes, then rub it with a sponge and rinse off the residue. Finish cleaning by wiping the surface with a cloth dipped in white vinegar.

Soda ash

This product is great for descaling toilets and faucets. Dissolve the soda crystals in hot water, then wipe the limescale-contaminated surfaces with a cloth dampened with this mixture. Gradually, it will dissolve and disappear. To descale a toilet bowl, pour the mixture into the bowl and then scrub it with a brush. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then run the water to rinse off any residue.

Lemon

The juice of this citrus fruit contains a fairly high concentration of citric acid, which is great for cleaning and disinfecting everything in the bathroom. To remove limescale stains, use a sponge or cloth moistened with lemon juice and rub the unwanted marks. Leave the product on for 1 hour, then rinse with warm water.

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