Exciting topic alert - toilet cleaning!

[Lwrenn]

Hi friends,

I've a lovely new neighbour who's moved in a total renovation project, I took her a card and we got chatting, she told me the only really shitty (pun intended) time she's having is how gross the toilets are. She has tried bleach and dp dug out some caustic soda crystals but neither have shifted the years of unflushed pee stains.
I'm going over this weekend to help her do a bit of sorting and was wondering if there is anything I can take that'll break down the stains for her, I'm no clean freak but gross toilets would bug me - if anyone has any suggestions I'd really appreciate it.

I was looking at the HG toilet cleaner online but it has mixed reviews.

Also, this might be the most thrilling post I've ever posted. 😳

In her shoes I think I'd change the toilets - it wouldn't cost much.

It could be limescale. There are a few products around you can get for that

Citric acid! You buy it in the baking section of the supermarket. It looks like sugar. Get a few bags, tip them into the toilet, leave it overnight. It sinks to the bottom, doesn't really disolve, and just sits on the stain working its magic. Then as it flushes away you'll see the results.

DH taught me this and he's a chemistry professor so should know.

Thank you all! @BringBackCoffeeCreams I have loads of citric acid! My wee lad loves bath bombs but hates the smell of any fragrance so we make our own, (he's autistic and very Sensory!) Thank you so much!

I know she's a few things need sorting more urgently that replacing the toilets but my BiL is a plumber, I'm sure DP can have a crack at installing a loo for her and ringing bil if he needs him. She's moved here from a different part of the world with no friends or family so we'll help her when we can. Thanks for your advice everyone ❤

I'd guess part of the problem is limescale? I've had success with 'Harpic' toilet cleaners in a similar situation. It needs around 4hrs to do its magic but should scrub off pretty easily after that.

If its really bad you may need to do it a few times but citric acid will work

The poor previous owner must have really struggled.
She was rude AF but I wonder now if she was worried if she was friendly someone may have seen how she was living.

But now the new owner can make herself a lovely wee home and I'll text her now and send my lad over with the citric acid so she can leave it overnight.

Much appreciated!

These work in my toilets, but we’re not in a heavy limescale area. You can get them in B&M/home bargains type shops.

ive also heard you can clean off limescale with a pumice stone but to make sure the pumice has soaked in water first or it can scratch the porcelain.

Id be tempted to get new tbh.

https://astonish.co.uk/products/toilet-bowl-fizz-fresh-tabs-lemon-splash

I echo citric acid! I use this method (number 1 on this list) to get off our limescale in a very hard water area: https://purdyandfigg.com/pages/how-to-clean-toilet-with-citric-acid

note that you’ll want not quite boiled water (as boiled could crack the enamel)

you might need to do it a couple of times or leave for longer if really bad.

Spirit of salts is what you want. Be careful using it as it is very caustic but I've not met a stain it won't shift in about 15 mins.

The best and cheapest way to deal with a scaled toilet is to buy a 5 ltr spirit vinegar from the jungle site. 5% strength is fine as long as you empty the u bend (I do this with gloves on and old sponge, they hold less than 2 ltrs of water). Then fill the u bend with vinegar, approximately the amount of water you removed. With the seat lifted cover the pan now with cling film to keep in the vapours. Leave for 48 hours. That will soften the scale on the walls so then it just needs a quick scrub and it will look like new. Works better than any chemicals I have tried.

I cleaned a VILE toilet using 5 l of white vinegar and a couple of litres of basics coke.

Thanks everyone!

I'll let you know how it goes, who doesn't love a toilet update 😂

Came here to second spirit of salts, but as pp said it is very strong stuff.

For limescale i love Harpic Black, works even better if you can scoop out as much water as possible so it's working directly on the limescale.

I cannot begin to express my genuine excitement at doing this 🙈

Spirit of salts. Open windows it's lethal stuff.

I used to be a devoted Harpic Black user for limescale, but I am a convert to citric acid now. I dissolve it in boiling water, allow to cool a bit, then tip down the loo.