Cleaning the loo is one of the most dreaded household tasks, but there is one item that can swiftly banish unsightly stains. The brown stains at the bottom of the toilet are usually a tough substance called limescale, which is made up of minerals from water evaporation that builds up over time.

Limescale can make toilet cleaning a nightmare as it will stubbornly cling to a surface, so scrubbing it away with a toilet brush can be challenging. Bleach will also not work as it cannot break down the mineral deposits and will merely whiten limescale rather than remove it.

However, Clare Austin, an expert from Neat Clean, has shared that the best way to clean a toilet is to ditch chemical cleaning solutions and opt for a natural product instead. "Whip up a DIY solution and watch as those stains fade away," she said.

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"Citric acid is another natural powerhouse that'll leave your toilet gleaming. Mother Nature approves!

"Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits. It can be very effective in treating limescale in a toilet."

The key to getting rid of limescale is using an acidic substance and heat, but you do not need a harsh product to clean it; citric acid and a bit of warm water will do, reports . Citric acid reacts with the minerals in limescale, quickly dissolving them and leaving your toilet bowl sparkling clean without the need for tedious scrubbing.

A concentrated and crystallised version of the citric acid found in citrus fruits is widely available in , usually in the cleaning aisle. At and , citric acid can be purchased for just £1.75.

Pour the citric acid into the toilet bowl, targeting the stained area, and place some under the rim. Allow the solution to sit for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for an hour or overnight, depending on the severity of the stains. This gives the citric acid time to break down the stains.

After the solution has sat for the desired amount of time, use a toilet brush to gently wipe away the limescale stains, which should come away easily. For tougher limescale buildup, you may need to add more citric acid and repeat the process until the toilet is completely clean.

Next, flush the toilet to rinse away any loosened debris, and the stains should be gone without the need for scrubbing or bleach. It's worth noting that citric acid is generally a gentle cleaner, but as with any acidic substance, it's a good idea to spot-test it before using it on your bathroom surfaces.

Clare said: "Using citric acid to clean your toilet is effective, environmentally friendly, and safer than some commercial cleaners that contain harsh chemicals.

However, be cautious when using it on surfaces that may be sensitive to acids, such as marble or certain types of metal. Always test in a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface."