When was the last time you cleaned and descaled the cistern? Over time, lime builds up on the walls and individual parts of the box and can damage them. With a few simple home remedies you can easily descale the cistern and avoid major problems.
If you have hard water, then you probably have limescale buildup on the shower head, faucets, and toilet. The limescale substance is not only unsightly, but can also clog your devices over time if it is not removed regularly. But it's not just the toilet and bathroom that need care. You should also descale the cistern regularly so that it functions properly. If you really want to get your toilet tank clean, you'll want to make sure you use the right cleaning products for the job. And once you learn how to remove limescale from the toilet tank, it will be easier next time.
It can be difficult to remove limescale, especially if it has built up over a long period of time. When it comes to cleaning the toilet, the cistern is often overlooked because the limescale deposits often go unnoticed. However, regular descaling is important to ensure the hygiene and functionality of your toilet. Knowing how to descale a cistern can extend the lifespan and efficiency of the toilet in the long run. In this article you will find out how you can clean your toilet tank properly and which home remedies are best.
Vinegar: The natural descaler
Vinegar is a great home remedy that removes limescale deposits very effectively. Not only is it chemical-free, but it is also antibacterial, which explains its popularity as a natural household cleaning agent.
First, turn off the water supply, which is usually located at the back of the toilet. Flush to remove as much water from the cistern as possible. Then pour a few cups of vinegar into the toilet tank and let it sit for about an hour or overnight, depending on how much time you have. Then scrub the inside with an old toothbrush to remove the stubborn limescale. If you are not satisfied with the result, line the visible stains with kitchen paper soaked in vinegar and wait a few hours for the deposits to dissolve.
Use distilled vinegar if you can't stand the smell and always opt for white vinegar, which won't leave unpleasant stains.
Don't forget to turn the water supply back on.
Repeat the process monthly to keep the limescale at bay.
Descale the cistern with vinegar and baking soda
To increase the effectiveness of vinegar, you can mix it with baking soda. Pour 250ml of white vinegar into the empty toilet tank and then add 270g of baking soda. Wait for 10 minutes and then spread the solution on the walls of the cistern using a brush to ensure the entire surface is covered.
Leave the solution on for another 25 minutes and rinsethe toiletthrough. This should have cleaned the cistern thoroughly and removed all limescale deposits.
Use citric acid for descaling
Another very effective and popular descaling agent is citric acid. It is a naturally occurring acid found primarily in lemons and limes, but is much more concentrated than lemon juice.Citric acid is becoming very commonused for descaling toilets as it leaves a pleasant smell and is not pungent like vinegar.
Dissolve two to three tablespoons of citric acid in one liter of cold water and pour the solution into the emptied cistern. Then flush the toilet to allow the acidic water to work its way through the system and wash away the limescale deposits. Use this method once a month to avoid limescale.
Can you descale the cistern with cola?
Thanks to its mild acidity, cola is a cost-effective and non-toxic means of removing limescale deposits. The phosphoric acid it contains is very effective against limescale and urine scale, but the high sugar content can cause stains, so you should make sure to rinse the cistern really well after descaling.
Empty the cistern and simply pour the contents of a one liter bottle into it. Let the liquid sit for a few hours to allow any deposits to dissolve. To enhance the effect of cola and effectively remove stubborn limescale deposits, mix cola with baking soda and apply the paste to the stains with an old toothbrush.
