QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

Search

CLR General FAQs

CLR cleans what many household products can’t. It dissolves and removes tough stains from the build-up of calcium, limescale and surface rust from hard water. You may not know what these are but chances are you’re living with them. Some examples where CLR can be used are;

Plus much more.

 

Yes, CLR is septic safe.

We recommend not leaving CLR on a surface for longer than two minutes. Always ensure that the CLR is rinsed off thoroughly after use.

 

Calcium Limescale & Rust Remover, more commonly known as CLR, is a household cleaning product used for dissolving stains, such as calcium, lime, and iron oxide deposits. Its main ingredients include water, lactic acid and gluconic acid.

Water that comes out of your taps or shower heads can be classified as hard or soft. Hard water is water that contains high mineral content, calcium and magnesium carbonates in particular. Hard water can be problematic as it causes calcium and limescale build up which makes surfaces around the house look unappealing.

Calcium are off-white or brown spots on surfaces. Calcium is found where water is present, particularly hard water. Windows, Showers, toilets, sinks, walls and doors are common places for mineral deposits to collect. Calcium stains can be effectively removed with CLR Calcium, Limescale & Rust Remover.

Limescale is a hard-chalky deposit, consisting mainly of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Limescale stains are more likely to occur when water is heated and hard water is evaporated. Limescale tends to build up inside radiators, engines, coolers, machinery and pipework, especially in areas where hot water is present. Do you have a Limescale problem? Solve them, with CLR Calcium, Limescale & Rust Remover.

Rust is an iron oxide, a usually reddish brown oxide formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of water or air moisture. Rust is particularly more prevalent in costal areas. Surface rust can be easily removed with CLR Calcium, Limescale & Rust Remover.

We recommend using or disposing of CLR within 3 years. Make sure cap is securely fastened after each use and that the product is stored in a cool place.

CLR Bathroom and Kitchen Action Cleaner 750ML FAQs

Although both products come from the fine CLR family, they are formulated differently and solve different cleaning problems. See each product label for recommended uses along with the helpful information provided throughout our web site.

The suitability of use on faucets and taps will be dependent on the material type. Check suitability section of the website for further information.

 

 

No. It is only safe to use on white grout. If the solution is used on coloured grout, it will lighten the grout colour over time or cause discolouration.

No. The active ingredients in CLR Bathroom & Kitchen Action Cleaner will have a reaction with the marble.

No, CLR Bathroom & Kitchen should not be used in the washing machine or dishwasher. The detergents in the product may foam excessively when agitated. Use CLR Calcium, Limescale & Rust Remover in the grey bottle for these applications. The CLR Bathroom & Kitchen does not contain the ingredient necessary to remove rust, only our CLR in the grey container does.

No. The two products have different ingredients and, as is true with any cleaner, should never be mixed with another cleaner.

The effectiveness of CLR can diminish over time. How the CLR is stored, such as in heat or direct sunlight can accelerate the process. CLR will become less effective from 3 years of production date.

Only if the shower enclosure does not have a synthetic coating on it. Be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area first, before cleaning the entire shower to check for any adverse effects.

Yes, CLR Bathroom & Kitchen Action Cleaner  is perfectly safe for acrylic. Follow the directions on the bottle and be sure to rinse after 2 minutes.

Do not use on stone, aluminium, brass, bronze, oil rubbed bronze, nickel, brushed nickel, copper, shower doors & screens with synthetic coatings, mirrors, plastic laminates, wood, fabrics, marble. coloured grout, painted surfaces or wall coverings.

Yes, CLR is great for cleaning pet bowls from food grime and water deposits! Spray CLR Bathroom & Kitchen to affected area of ceramic, stainless steel or plastic bowl. While our product is non-toxic, we recommend washing the bowls prior to putting food or water back in them.

Our CLR Bathroom & Kitchen can safely be used on sealed granite to remove hard water deposits and stains. Granite is the ONLY natural stone that our CLR Bathroom & Kitchen can be used on.

CLR Calcium, Limescale & Rust Remover 750ML FAQs

CLR can not only remove the finish off of brass, aluminium and copper, but can also pit certain grades.

DO not use CLR on any natural stone or marble (including cultured marble), terrazzo, pebblecrete, gravel, coloured grout (any other colour than white), any painted, coated, sealed or metallic glazed surfaces, plastics (Food grade or soft), laminates, Formica, Slate, Titanium, Rubber, Corian, aluminium, galvanized metals, nickel, oil rubbed bronze, brass, copper, steam irons, leaded crystal, refinished tubs or any damaged or cracked surface. CLR may etch older sinks, tubs and tiles. CLR is corrosive. Avoid contact with wood, clothing, wallpaper and carpeting. Some laminated surfaces (counter tops) are coated with a synthetic surface which may be affected by rust removers; clean spills immediately. Always spot test first on an inconspicuous area.

We do not recommend putting CLR in a spray bottle. CLR is acidic in nature and the solution could corrode the plastic container that you are using to hold the CLR. If you would like to use CLR in a spray bottle format where controlling the dilution is not important to you, please try CLR Ready to Use in the 750ml spray bottle.

If CLR was ineffective in cleaning the glass, the surface may be etched and there is no remedy to remove the cloudiness. The cloudiness is cause by tiny cuts made in the glass by deposits in the water. The only thing that may remove the etching is a jeweller’s polishing.

CLR is not recommended for use in steam irons.  CLR is not compatible with the components of steam irons, steamers or steam machines. We recommend contacting the manufacturer of your particular item for their advice on suitable cleaning solutions.

We do not recommend using CLR to clean ice makers. The acids in our product are not compatible with the components of ice makers. We always recommend referring to the manufacturers recommendation for safe and effective products to use on their materials.

We do not recommend using our CLR to remove oil. If CLR is mixed with oil, it will darken the concrete, which is very difficult to remove. To remove oil from concrete or blacktop, we recommend using our product CLR Oil & Grease Remover.

Yes, CLR is septic safe. By the time it reaches the septic system it is neutralised with water.

We do not recommend using CLR on or in any materials associated with a swimming pool. CLR should never come into contact with chlorine,  It can create a dangerous toxic fume. We recommend consulting with a pool maintenance expert for recommendations for products that would be safe and effective.

We do not recommend using CLR on pool tile. It could remove the finish from the tile. In addition, if CLR comes in contact with chlorine, it could result in toxic fumes. We recommend consulting with a pool maintenance expert for their recommendation for products that are safe and effective.

We do not recommend using CLR on any natural stones, especially marble (even synthetic). CLR will remove the seal, penetrating the marble and can compromise the natural beauty of marble. Even synthetic marbles are coated and real marble dust is used to give the effect of real marble. If you spill CLR accidentally on these surfaces, make sure to call a marble professional for further instructions.

We do not recommend using CLR on galvanized metals. When a metal is galvanized, a Zinc coating is put over the metal (usually to protect it from rusting). CLR will remove the Zinc which could compromise the material.

We do not recommend using CLR on cast iron. CLR can compromise the metal.

We recommend using or disposing of CLR within 3 years. Make sure cap is securely fastened after each use and that the product is stored in a cool place.

CLR is safe on grass, shrubs, bushes, plants, flowerbeds and all types of flora. We strongly recommend you water the area where the CLR will run down, land, or touch before and after using CLR.

We do not recommend using CLR on any natural stones, including granite. CLR can remove the seal and penetrate the stone.

CLR is suitable to use on vinyl siding as long as it is diluted and is thoroughly rinsed off of the surface in under two minutes. The top coating of the siding will be affected if neat CLR is left on the surface for five minutes or longer.

Yes, CLR is found to be safe on fibreglass. Always spot test first in an inconspicuous area.

No, CLR should never be used on clothing. Please find an appropriate stain remover or laundry detergent. If CLR is spilled on fabric, you must rinse immediately. It may break down the fibres in clothing and/or fabric.

Depending on the material of the paver (non-coloured concrete is safe), CLR may be suitable. Always spot test in an inconspicuous area first. Make sure the pavers are not coloured, stamped, sealed or coated.

CLR should not be used to clean rugs or carpeting. CLR can break down the fibres in rugs and carpeting and pull the colour out.

Yes, CLR is great for cleaning pet bowls from food, grime and water deposits! While our product is non-toxic we recommend washing the bowls prior to putting food or water back in them.

While CLR is generally safe and effective in removing calcium, lime and/or rust from concrete, always spot test in an inconspicuous area first.

Do not use CLR on coloured/tinted concrete, concrete poured less than 1 year ago, concrete that is stamped, sealed or coated. Note: Concrete is naturally made of calcium and runs the risk of pulling the pigment out of concrete when using a calcium remover on something naturally made of calcium (such as CLR).

CLR is to be used on porcelain/fibreglass bath tubs only. Never use on an enamel bath where enamel is chipped/cracked. May react with some form of coatings applied to baths.

CLR is safe to use on non-coloured bricks only, as it could pull colour and create dark patches. Do not use on tinted, coated, painted, sealed brick or mortar. Care must be taken not to apply CLR to mortar which could be broken down. Rinse off thoroughly if exposed to CLR.

CLR is not recommended to be used on powder coated colourbond. CLR may react with the paint causing deterioration of surface integrity leading to rusting and flaking.

Do not use CLR on dishwashers that have drawers. The plumbing system does not allow CLR to be rinsed properly and be be corrosive if not rinsed thoroughly.

CLR is effective in cleaning white grout only. Not suitable for coloured grout.

CLR is safe on grass, shrubs, bushes, plants, flowerbeds and all types of flora. We strongly recommend you water the area where the CLR will run down, land, or touch before and after using CLR.

We do not recommend using CLR on galvanized metal, aluminium, or copper. CLR will compromise these metals.

CLR is safe to use on metals such as stainless steel and solid chrome.

We do not recommended using CLR on a car. The acids in our product should not be used on aluminium or any painted/coated surface. You can safely remove rust from car wheels (if rims are made of chrome or stainless steel only, no alloys).

CLR will not be effective against mould and mildew. Acid cleaners are not effective at removing mould.

The effectiveness of CLR can diminish over time. How the CLR is stored, such as in heat or direct sunlight can accelerate the process. CLR will become less effective from 3 years of production date.

We do not advise to mix CLR Calcium Lime & Rust with other household cleaners or bleach.
Please ensure to always read the manufacturer’s directions of the item you will be cleaning to make sure that this product is compatible.

Mixing chemicals can create a fume that is dangerous when inhaled.
We do not advise to mix CLR Calcium Lime & Rust with other household cleaners or bleach.
Please ensure to always read the manufacturer’s directions of the item you will be cleaning to make sure that this product is compatible.

CLR Grease And Oil Remover 750ML FAQs

CLR Grease & Oil Remover should only be left on a surface for 1-5 minutes before being rinsed off thoroughly with cool water. If the stain persists, repeat the process, instead of leaving the solution on the surface for a longer amount of time.

The effectiveness of CLR can diminish over time. How the CLR is stored, such as in heat or direct sunlight can accelerate the process. CLR will become less effective from 3 years of production date.

If CLR Grease & Oil Remover is left on a surface for too long it begins to dry and can be very difficult to remove.