Limescale can be difficult to remove and found across different appliances and fixtures – including taps, kettles and showerheads – but one ingredient can help fight the stubborn problem
Limescale is a widespread household nuisance that appears wherever water flows regularly, including shower heads, toilets, pipes, bathtubs, kettles and of course taps.
Limescale accumulation is also simple to spot – a hard deposit with a white, chalky look, which comes from the substantial amount of calcium carbonate present.
While it can be among the most maddening cleaning challenges for homeowners because build-up happens rapidly, it’s straightforward to handle and eliminate if you have just the right product.
Nancy Emery, a cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, has divulged how to banish stubborn limescale deposits from taps using a genius natural method – lemon juice.
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Lemons are a cleaning marvel and can tackle shower glass, kettles and microwaves with efficiency. They’re also perfect for tackling taps since they contain citric acid which can “melt off limescale.”
Nancy recommended: “To get rid of limescale on your taps, you’ll need to make a 75 to 25 solution of lemon juice and water. All you need to do is use a soft sponge and gently wipe the solution, leaving it on the tap to dissolve the limescale deposits for two minutes. Once the time is up, rinse thoroughly with water.”
She continued: “For special finishes such as brushed brass, matte black or chrome, it’s especially important to avoid using harsh chemicals such as vinegar when cleaning. Lemons are quite acidic, so make sure you don’t let the lemon juice solution sit for longer than two minutes.”
Following rinsing the taps with water, they ought to be dried using a microfibre cloth. This won’t just bring shine but will help stop limescale forming.
The lemon solution can also be used to clean the aerator in your tap (a small attachment that either fits onto the end of the tap or can be inserted inside of the existing spout), which is often prone to limescale build-up, reports the Express.
To remove the limescale, use a toothbrush and the lemon juice solution to scrub it off. To prevent stubborn limescale accumulation on your taps, clean them regularly – around once a week, particularly if you’re residing in a hard water area.
If you have extra time, consider leaving a cleaning solution in your kettle or toilet bowl overnight to fight limescale build-up. Soaking metal in a solution of half white vinegar and half water will help you remove limescale and prevent accumulation.
This will keep calcium from building up on your scalp but also make your next cup of tea taste better.
