When cleaning the bathroom, the biggest difficulties are often caused by white or yellow deposits that form on taps, shower cabins, and toilets. Usually, people resort to using expensive chemical agents and cleaning powders. However, even after intensive cleaning, these marks may remain, and the smell of strong chemicals also causes discomfort.
If white deposits regularly appear on taps and toilets in your home due to hard (salty) water, there is a simple home method that can help, and it does not require expensive cleaning products. Using citric acid powder can soften the accumulated scale. Below is a guide on how to apply this method and a list of surfaces where it can be used.
To remove scale from the toilet bowl, you need to use citric acid powder and warm water. Citric acid is an acidic substance that is also used in the food industry, and it can help remove mineral deposits. The process is as follows:
- Take a container of warm water and dissolve about two or three tablespoons of citric acid powder in it. Then pour this solution into the toilet bowl.
- Do not scrub the solution immediately; leave it overnight so that it has time to act on the accumulated scale. The next morning, gently clean the toilet with a brush and then rinse with water.
- If all the scale is not removed at once, this process can be repeated as needed.
For light scale formed on taps, shower cabins, and other areas, you can use a fresh lemon. To apply this method, cut the lemon in half and rub the cut side directly onto the white scale. Leave it for 10–15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with water. The acidity of the lemon helps soften deposits caused by hard water, which simplifies the cleaning process.
The citric acid solution can be used not only for the toilet but also for many other places in the bathroom. However, before using it on any new surface, it is recommended to perform a test on a small, inconspicuous area. It is especially important to carefully read the cleaning instructions before using acidic substances on marble, natural stone, or sensitive metal coatings.
If citric acid is unavailable, white vinegar can be an alternative. To do this, mix white vinegar and water in equal proportions and fill a spray bottle. Spray this mixture on the areas where white spots have formed and leave it for a few minutes. After that, clean the surface with a brush or a soft sponge and rinse with water.
It is important to remember that mixing vinegar and baking soda produces a strong foam, but this does not necessarily increase cleaning efficiency. Therefore, it is better to use them separately, depending on the needs.