CLR is a mineral and rust remover built for the calcium, lime and hard water deposits that collect around sinks, showers, shower heads and toilets. It can also lift surface rust on the right materials. Because the list of safe and unsafe surfaces is long, reading it before you start saves damage to finishes you cannot replace.
Always spot test a hidden area before you treat a visible surface. Keep the room ventilated and wear eye protection and gloves. Never mix it with bleach or other household cleaners, since toxic fumes may result.
What it is
CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover is a mineral and rust remover sold in 14, 28, 42 and 80 ounce and 1 gallon sizes, plus a spray version. Its ingredients include water, lactic acid at 10 to 20 percent, gluconic acid, lauramine oxide at 1 to 5 percent, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, and the dyes Yellow No.
5 and FD&C Blue No. 1.
According to the maker
What to use it on
Chrome and stainless steel
The maker lists chrome and stainless steel among the surfaces CLR is for, including sinks. Use it on those finishes to remove calcium, lime and hard water deposits or surface rust.
Mix equal parts CLR and warm water, apply with a brush, cloth or sponge, and rinse with cold water after no more than 2 minutes. Test a hidden spot first, as the directions say.
Sinks, bathtubs and glass
CLR is listed for sinks, bathtubs, glass and fiberglass, and it targets hard water buildup. Refinished tubs are on the do-not-use list, so check the finish before you start.
Use the same equal-parts mix and short contact time, and rinse promptly with cold water. Repeat if needed.
Toilet bowls
The maker lists toilet bowls as an approved surface. Calcium and lime deposits are among the stains CLR targets there.
Mix equal parts with warm water, apply with a brush, and leave it no more than 2 minutes. Rinse promptly with cold water, and repeat if needed.
Appliances and pet bowls
CLR is listed for dishwashers, washing machines and humidifiers with metal filters only. It is also listed for ceramic, stainless steel and plastic pet bowls.
Use the same mix and timing as for other surfaces, and keep to the listed surfaces. Do not swap in the Brilliant Bath cleaner for washing machines or dishwashers, since it is not for them.
Showers and tile with Brilliant Bath
CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Bathroom Cleaner is a separate product with its own directions. Use it on porcelain, ceramic tile, shower doors, white grout and caulk.
Turn the nozzle ON and press the trigger fully 3-5 times at first use, then spray from 6-8 inches. Wipe with a damp sponge, cloth or brush, and rinse with cold clean water after 2-3 minutes, never longer.
6 steps
How to use it
- 1
Put on eye protection and gloves
CLR is labeled WARNING because it causes serious eye irritation and skin irritation. Wear eye protection and gloves before you open the bottle. Keep it out of reach of children.
- 2
Work in a ventilated area
The directions call for mixing and applying CLR in a ventilated area. Never mix it with bleach or other household cleaners, since toxic fumes may result.
- 3
Spot test a hidden area
Test on a hidden area first, as the directions say. Only treat the visible surface after that test.
- 4
Mix equal parts with warm water
Combine equal parts CLR and warm water. The directions use this ratio for every listed surface. Stick to it rather than mixing a stronger solution.
- 5
Apply and leave no more than 2 minutes
Apply the mix with a brush, cloth or sponge. Leave it on the surface for no more than 2 minutes. Longer contact is outside the directions.
- 6
Rinse promptly with cold water
Rinse promptly with cold water once the time is up. Repeat the steps if the deposit or rust is still there.
Where not to use it
The maker says not to use CLR on natural stone or marble, including cultured marble and granite, or on terrazzo, colored (non-white) grout and plastics. It also excludes laminates, Formica, Corian, aluminum, galvanized metal, brass, copper, nickel, cast iron, leaded crystal and refinished tubs. Avoid painted, coated, sealed or damaged surfaces, plus wood, clothing, wallpaper and carpet or rugs, and check the label of another product for those surfaces.
Safety
CLR is labeled WARNING, and it causes serious eye irritation and skin irritation, so wear eye protection and gloves. Work in a ventilated area. Never mix it with bleach or other household cleaners, because toxic fumes may result, and keep it out of reach of children.
Never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar or other acids, ammonia or rubbing alcohol. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
Versions the maker sells
Where to buy
CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover
CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Bathroom Cleaner
Sponsored links: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product facts come from the maker's own instructions and labels.
Questions
Can you use CLR on stainless steel?
Yes, stainless steel is one of the surfaces the maker lists for CLR, and it is not on the do-not-use list. Test a hidden spot first and use equal parts CLR and warm water. Keep contact to no more than 2 minutes, then rinse promptly with cold water.
Is CLR safe on marble?
No, the maker says not to use CLR on natural stone or marble, including cultured marble and granite. The Brilliant Bath version also says not to use it on marble or synthetic marble. Choose a cleaner whose label names your stone as a safe surface.
Does CLR work on hard water stains?
Yes, hard water buildup is one of the deposits CLR is made to remove, along with calcium and lime deposits. Use it on the listed surfaces, such as sinks, bathtubs and glass. Mix equal parts, apply for no more than 2 minutes and rinse with cold water.
Is CLR safe for septic systems?
The maker's information does not address septic systems or septic tanks, so there is no septic guidance to give. Check the full label or ask the maker before using CLR on a home with a septic system. Until then, follow the surface and safety directions on the label.
Does CLR work on toilet bowl stains?
Yes, the maker lists toilet bowls as an approved surface, and calcium and lime deposits are among the stains it targets. Mix equal parts with warm water, apply, and leave it no more than 2 minutes. Rinse promptly with cold water and repeat if needed.
How does CLR Brilliant Bath compare with the original CLR?
They are two products with different jobs. The original CLR is a mineral and rust remover for the surfaces in its own directions, while Brilliant Bath is a foaming bathroom cleaner for tile, shower doors and white grout. Brilliant Bath will not remove rust, so use the original CLR for rust.
Are there reviews of CLR?
No test results are available for CLR, so there is no performance claim to lean on. What the maker does state is what CLR is for and where it is not safe, and that is the information to rely on. Read the label before you treat each new surface.
How does CLR compare with other lime and hard water removers?
The maker's information covers CLR only, so it cannot say how CLR compares with another product. Read the other product's label for its surface list, safety warnings and mixing rules. Then compare those with the CLR directions on its own label before you choose.
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How we know this
Every use, amount and warning here comes from the maker's product pages, labels and safety data sheets.