Vinegar can restore a toilet bowl's whiteness by dissolving limescale

Limescale and other stubborn deposits in a toilet bowl often resist regular cleaning products. An alternative solution can be found in most kitchens – vinegar, which is able to soften even long-accumulated buildup if left to act for long enough.

What you'll need

Cleaning requires about 200 ml of 9% vinegar, paper towels or toilet paper, a toilet brush, and rubber gloves.

The cleaning process

First, remove as much water from the bowl as possible. Then pour about a glassful of vinegar into the bowl, trying to cover the areas with the most visible buildup. Soak paper towels or toilet paper in vinegar and place them under the rim and in other spots where the deposits are especially heavy. Close the lid and let the vinegar work for 6 to 8 hours, ideally overnight.

In the morning, remove the paper and thoroughly scrub the affected areas with a toilet brush, then flush several times.

Why vinegar works

Vinegar's active ingredient is acetic acid. According to toxicology experts at Poison Control, mild acids, including acetic acid-based cleaners, help dissolve hard water deposits, remove soap scum from sinks, bathtubs and shower doors, and lift light rust stains.

However, vinegar is not suitable for every surface, so it's worth checking beforehand whether the acid could damage the material in question. When working with 9% vinegar, it's advisable to wear rubber gloves and avoid contact with eyes or prolonged skin exposure. Crucially, vinegar should never be mixed with chlorine-based bleach, as the reaction can release toxic chlorine gas, which irritates the eyes and airways and, at higher concentrations, can cause serious health problems.