What can be used as a replacement for bleach to get rid of limescale?

@nannacroc (4049)
December 20, 2006 4:56pm CST
I work as a caretaker and have been told not to use bleach as it only whitens limescale and does not kill the most harmful germs. Does anyone know a safer replacement?
3 people like this
6 responses
• United States
20 Dec 06
If you mean lime deposit like the stuff that builds up on anything that has water in it all the time. I use white vinegar. You can also use cider vinegar. You can also put some baking soda on, then the vinegar, it takes it right off. What are you trying to clean?
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@nannacroc (4049)
20 Dec 06
Thanks very much. I'm trying to get rid of the limescale on toilets at the nursery where I work and you're solution is perfect as it would have no harmful side effects.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Dec 06
Yes, it is perfect if I say so myself. You could also try peroxide, it's also a bleach and has no harmful chemicals. Peroxide, vinegar and baking soda are my best friends for a lot of things. Bleach is harmful to the environment, very rarely do I use it. Especially cleanser.
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@marciascott (25529)
• United States
22 Dec 06
Bleach is ok. as long as you dilute it.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
20 Dec 06
The only thing I can suggest to you is a proffessional Limescale remover but please read the Instructions very careful and wear Gloves Bleach is actual a very dangerous Chemical my Staff was never allowed to use it at all I used to be an Area Manager for a big Cleaning Firm till I got bullied out of my job because of my Illness So please try not to use Bleach at all or if you do be very careful the fumes are dangerous
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@nannacroc (4049)
20 Dec 06
I've stopped using bleach but the head teacher at the school insists it's the only thing suitable and uses it anyway. I've got limescale remover but I was very wary of using it because the instructions weren't very clear. Thank you for confirming what I have been told about bleach I just hope I get get the head teacher to understand.
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@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
22 Dec 06
It might not be for you but then no Chemicals would be as you are suppose to use Gloves and Vendilated Areas with all Also this is not a House we are talking about it is a Public Area and strong Chemicals are to be used I have trained on Chemicals and used them for many Years you can not compare the Cleaning of your House with the Cleaning of Public Areas
• United States
21 Dec 06
Ya, don't use that limescale remover stuff. That is just as harmful if not more harmful than bleach. They suggest you use gloves, and a ventilated area. If you can't breath it and need gloves in my opinion, it's not for me. There are a lot of other things we can use to clean. These companies just want to make money off us by pretending their stuff is the best.
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@JoyfulOne (6232)
• United States
21 Dec 06
Nanacroc, are you talking about lime buildup, like that stuff that you get inside of a tea kettle when you use tap water? (Not sure if limescale is the same thing.) If you're meaning that flaky cakey white lime stuff, vinegar will completely dissolve it, and kill any germs too. For my faucets that get a buildup, I take a paper towel saturated in vinegar, and lay it on top for a while. When it's in my tea kettle, I pour in vinegar and a little water and let it sit a while, then I wash it with soap and water. Anyways, if that's the same kind of lime you're trying to get rid of, I've used this method successfully for years. Vinegar is safe and natural. Hope this helps some:-) Here's a couple links that tell what germs vinegar kills. Most people are surprised that it kills as many, or more, germs than bleach does: http://www.getridofthings.com/cleaning/clean-a-toilet.htm http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/home/2539 http://leas.ca/Guide-Helps-Consumers-Track-Toxins-at-Home.htm
@nannacroc (4049)
21 Dec 06
That's just what I meant and thanks very much for useful tips and for the links.
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@dorypanda (1601)
23 Dec 06
I have to agree that vinegar and bicarb or (baking soda) are the best things for this problem, I use vinegar in my kettle and that seems to work rather well. Apparantly to use it down the loo, you stick the bicarb down first, the limescale apparantly clings to it, then stick a load of vinegar down, scrub with the toilet brush and voila! :)
@nannacroc (4049)
23 Dec 06
That's helpful, I didn't know if baking soda was what we call bicarb.
@RieRie (820)
21 Dec 06
I'm sure Mr.Muscle does a limescale remover, it says limescale remover on it. Can't think of anything else.
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@nannacroc (4049)
21 Dec 06
I think that's probably what I'll tell the boss I'm using but will use one of the other things such as vinegar or peroxide.
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@sekhmetgb (462)
22 Dec 06
Hi, when I first moved into this house there was a huge build up of limescale in the loo. I put two litres of coca-cola down it for a few consecutive nights and it has gone. (made me wonder what happens to my inside though when I put it with my nightcap!!)
@nannacroc (4049)
22 Dec 06
I hadn't thought of that, I can't use it at work but I could use it at home. I'm glad I don't drink coke.
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