We asked 7 cleaning experts the best way to remove limescale - they all said 1 thing

Limescale is one of those stubborn household problems that shows up everywhere: toilets, taps, showerheads, glass screens, kettles and even washing machines. Caused by hard water leaving behind calcium and magnesium deposits, limescale can look unsightly, clog appliances and even hike up your energy bills.

To find out what really works to remove tough limescale, we asked seven cleaning experts for their best tips. And while they suggested a variety of methods, they all agreed on one thing: acid is the secret weapon. From vinegar to citric acid, Coca-Cola to lemon juice, here are all the acids experts recommend to cut through limescale.

Vinegar

The most common answer? Vinegar. Cheap, natural, and effective, it was recommended by almost every expert.

James Roberts, director at Sanctuary Bathrooms, explained: "Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent due to its acidic nature, which helps to dissolve limescale deposits efficiently. Pour a bottle of white vinegar directly into the toilet bowl. Make sure to cover all areas, including under the rim where limescale often accumulates... let it sit overnight, then scrub and flush."

Catherine Green, cleaning expert at smol, recommends it for taps and showerheads too: "Simply soak the affected areas in undiluted white vinegar for several hours or overnight. Alternatively, for fixtures, like taps and shower heads, you can wrap them in a cloth soaked in vinegar"

It's also a go-to for appliances such as washing machines. Dr Jonathan Kirby, mould expert at Dryzone, said: "Place 100-150 ml of white wine vinegar into a 10-12 L drum, then run it on a long cycle to clear a limescale-filled washing machine."

And for showers, Olivia Young, cleaning expert at Astonish, advised: "If you want a quick but effective fix, opt for a vinegar-based spray cleaner, or put white vinegar into a spray bottle. The acidity breaks down limescale and soap scum."

Citric acid

Citric acid is another expert-approved solution. Whether from lemon juice, or citric acid powder, this ingredient is another effective natural option.

Andy Ellis, steam shower expert at Vidalux, calls it a "Holy grail for breaking down limescale which is why lemon juice is a popular trick for removing limescale."

Catherine (smol) agrees: "Just make up a solution of two to three tablespoons of citric acid powder with one litre of water and then use it on your limescale marks."

Plumbworld also recommends it: "Citric acid-based cleaners work really well... spraying a citric acid solution on glass shower screens and wiping down with a microfibre cloth usually brings back the shine. For toilets, leaving a citric acid solution on overnight helps tackle even the most stubborn deposits."

Cola-cola and ketchup

Some experts also suggested unusual household fixes. They might sound strange, but these suggestions all rely on the same idea: acids break down calcium deposits.

James (Sanctuary Bathrooms) says Coca-Cola can be effective in toilets: "Believe it or not, Coca-Cola isn't just a refreshing beverage; it's also a great cleaner for hard water marks and limescale due to its acidic content."

Catherine (smol) agrees: "A bottle of cola is a good way to tackle toilet limescale. This fizzy drink actually contains something called phosphoric acid which is good at removing limescale and urine marks."

Andy (Vidalux) adds other quirky hacks: "Ketchup can be effective thanks to its vinegar and citric acid. Orange peel with baking soda, toothpaste, and even shaving cream can all help loosen deposits."

Prevention

Finally, a couple of experts highlighted the importance of maintenance. Regular care means fewer deep cleans - and longer-lasting appliances.

Plumbworld advises: "The easiest way to save yourself extra scrubbing is prevention - wiping down taps, showerheads, and glass surfaces after each use, and fitting a water softener if you have hard water, can make a real difference."

Olivia (Astonish) added: "To maintain a gleaming toilet, make cleaning it a weekly routine... drop a descaling tablet into the cistern once a month to tackle limescale in hard-to-reach areas."

Jamie Grainger, managing director of UK cleaning supplies specialists PPS, added: "Often it's the simple approaches that can work best... using a trusted limescale remover spray or solution. Spray onto a cloth, wipe your surfaces, leave it long enough for the solution to penetrate, then rinse. A proper solution will also eliminate the need for you to scrub."