Lime Away Vs CLR (What Should I Use?)

October 25, 2024 Daniel Mayerson

You've got a tough limescale, or rust buildup at your home, and you're standing in the cleaning aisle trying to decide: Lime Away or CLR?

Both claim to be tough on mineral deposits, but which one's really going to get the job done?

In this post, I’ll compare Lime Away vs CLR against a number of different factors.

By the end of this, you'll know exactly which bottle to grab!

#1 Active Ingredients

The biggest difference between CLR and Lime-A-Way is what they're made of, and this affects how well they clean different things.

Lime-A-Way usually has hydrochloric acid or acetic acid as its main ingredient.

These acids are really good at breaking down calcium carbonate, which is what makes up most of the lime scale and hard water stains you see.

#2 Cleaning Effectiveness

When it comes to how well they clean, both Lime Away and CLR are pretty good.

Lime Away is really great at getting rid of lime scale and hard water stains.

It's often the go-to choice for cleaning things in the bathroom, shower doors, and kitchen appliances that are always getting wet.

CLR, on the other hand, is more of an all-rounder.

It's just as good at cleaning limescale and hard water stains too, but it's a lot more effective at getting rid of rust than Lime Away thanks to the phosphoric acid.

Some people say that CLR is better at getting rid of really stubborn stains and discoloration that other cleaners leave behind.

But for everyday cleaning of limescale and hard water stains, many people find that Lime Away works just fine and is nicer to use because it doesn't smell as strong.

#3 Versatility And Applications

Both Lime Away and CLR can be used for lots of different things, but CLR is generally more versatile.

Lime Away is mainly designed for use in bathrooms and kitchens. It's great for cleaning sinks, bathtubs, shower doors, faucets, and small appliances like kettles and coffee makers.

#4 Ease of Use

Lime-A-Way is easier to use than CLR.

It usually comes in a spray bottle, where you can just spray it directly onto whatever you're cleaning, let it sit for a minute or two, then wipe it off and rinse.

CLR is also pretty easy to use, but you often need to mix it with water before you can use it. Usually, you mix it with water in equal parts.

This extra step isn't too hard, but it does make CLR a little less convenient for quick cleaning jobs.

Both products need to sit on the surface for about 1-2 minutes before you wipe and rinse, so once you've applied the product, the process is pretty much the same for both.

#5 Scent

The way a cleaning product smells can make a big difference, especially when you're using it in small spaces like bathrooms.

Lime Away usually has a nicer, citrusy smell. This makes it more pleasant to use, especially if you don't like strong chemical smells.

CLR, on the other hand, has a stronger, more chemical-like smell.

This doesn't affect how well it cleans, but some people find it less nice to use, especially in areas without good airflow. The stronger smell of CLR is probably because it has more powerful ingredients to help it clean rust.

#6 Cost Comparison

When it comes to price, Lime Away and CLR are almost the same price ($5 - $7).

The price can change depending on the brand, how big the bottle is, and where you buy it. But usually, the price difference isn't big enough to be the main reason for choosing one over the other.

But - CLR often needs to be diluted, which means a single bottle might last longer than the same size of Lime Away.

#7 Safety

Both Lime Away and CLR are strong cleaning products, so you need to be careful when you use them.

They're both acidic and can irritate or burn your skin if you're not careful. So wear gloves and keep them away from your eyes and skin when you're using either product.

You also need good airflow when you're using either product because they both have strong fumes.

And remember, never use these products on surfaces that touch food, and definitely don't eat or drink them!

#8 Environmental Considerations

When it comes to being good for the environment, CLR has a slight advantage. It's biodegradable and part of the EPA's Safer Choice Program, which recognizes products with safer ingredients.

Lime Away works well, but it doesn't have the same environmental certifications.

Should I Get CLR Or Lime Away?

Choosing between CLR and Lime-A-Way really depends on what you need to clean.

If you live somewhere with hard water and often have to deal with scale buildup on fixtures and appliances like water dispensers, Lime Away might be the better choice.

Its nice smell and easy-to-use spray bottle make it super convenient.

But if you're dealing with different types of mineral deposits, including rust, CLR might be more useful. Its ability to tackle calcium, lime, and rust makes it more of an all-purpose cleaner, good for both indoor and outdoor use.

You might also get it if you have old plumbing or outdoor metal furniture that tends to rust.

Bottom Line

The main difference between Lime Away and CLR is that Lime Away is better at getting rid of limescale and hard water stains, while CLR is better at getting rid of rust. Apart from that, both cleaners are versatile, easy to use and cost almost the same.

FAQs

Can You Mix LIME-A-WAY And CLR?

It's generally not recommended to mix LIME-A-WAY and CLR. Doing so can reduce their effectiveness as cleaning agents and potentially damage surfaces.

What Not To Use LIME-A-WAY On?

You should not use LIME-A-WAY on:

Marble and other natural stones
Aluminum
Wood surfaces
Polished surfaces
Gold or silver jewelry