Cleaning the toilet

As is the case in many other places in the bathroom, lime deposits build up over time in toilets too. The most challenging aspect is what is known as urine scale, which is formed from lime and urine. Urine scale forms primarily around the edge of the toilet and where the toilet surface bends. Other dirt particles and bacteria can easily gather on the textured surface of the deposits, which results in yellow-brown spots. Small deposits can be removed physically with a brush. If you use the toilet brush regularly, ideally every time the toilet is used, stubborn urine scale will not usually form. This is particularly important with water containing lime.

If deposits still form despite regular physical cleaning, they have to be removed with the appropriate detergent. Lime and urine scale contribute to mineral contamination and can be dealt with using acidic detergents (with a pH < 7). Commercially available WC cleaner therefore has a particularly low pH, meaning it is highly acidic. Firstly, apply the detergent and leave it to work as per the manufacturer's instructions. Then scrub well with a brush – the physical movement of the bristles helps to remove stubborn deposits. Finally, rinse several times until the detergent and dirt has been removed completely.

Wiping the outer surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent is enough to clean the outside of the toilet bowl, and the same goes for the toilet seat and lid. When doing this, you should avoid scrubbing, as well as cleaners containing chlorine or acids – these often cause yellow discolouration or attach the paintwork on the seat. Discolouration also occurs due to lime deposits and urine scale. Here, only regular cleaning helps to keep the seat clean in the long term.