If you love a shiny bathroom, you need to know how to remove limescale. These milky-white deposits collect wherever water flows and are difficult to remove, especially if you have hard water. Are you wondering how to remove limescale from the shower? We are here to help!
What are limescale deposits?
Limescale, or calcium carbonate, leaves watermarks and chalky white deposits in your sink, shower, or toilet after the water evaporates.
Are limescale deposits dangerous?
Limescale is not a dangerous substance, but it can be unsightly. It can also affect the performance of your faucets, pipes, and showerheads, causing clogs and reduced water pressure over time. If you live in an area with hard water, you can safely drink the water straight from the tap. Naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium are important for our health - but not so good for plumbing and appliances!
It's best to do soRemove stubborn limescale deposits, by soaking the affected area in lemon juice or white vinegar. Some faucets are more difficult to clean than others. That's why we've put together a step-by-step guide to help you get limescale-free shower heads and taps.
Although these gentle, natural cleansers seem harmless, they can cause skin irritation, and lemon can act as a bleaching agent when exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear gloves and protect your clothing throughout the entire process.
This is what you need to remove limescale at home:
Lemon juice or white vinegar
Cleaning wipes
Elastic bands
scouring pads
spray bottle
How to descale a shower head
Descaling your shower head is easier than you might think if you follow these simple steps. Not all heads are removable, so descaling a permanently installed shower head can be difficult. But with the right products you can effectively remove limescale deposits.
Before you buy expensive descaling products, try white vinegar. He is thatnatural cleaning productsNumber one and therefore a simple and cost-effective way to descale your shower head. However, malt vinegar is not particularly effective and brown vinegar can cause stains, so white distilled vinegar is best.
To clean a hand shower head with vinegar, follow these steps:
- Remove the shower head from the hose. Be careful not to lose the rubber seal as this will prevent water from leaking out.
- Place the shower head in a bucket or plastic container and cover it with white vinegar.
- Allow it to soak in the vinegar for an hour, but no longer than 30 minutes for brass heads.
- Remove the shower head from the vinegar and rinse it with water.
- Remove limescale residue with an old toothbrush, paying particular attention to the nozzles.
- Rinse it again with water and polish it with a soft cloth.
- Reconnect the hose and turn on the shower to rinse out any limescale residue.
It's that easy to descale permanently installed shower heads
- Take a plastic bag large enough to fit over your showerhead and fill it halfway with vinegar.
- Place the bag over the showerhead until it is completely submerged in the vinegar and tie it tightly with a string or rubber band.
- Let the vinegar sit for an hour. If your shower head is brass, do not leave it in the vinegar for more than 30 minutes.
- Turn on the shower to rinse out any buildup inside the showerhead.
- Repeat the process if necessary until all limescale deposits have disappeared.
How to remove deposits from faucets
Faucets are some of the more difficult bathroom fixtures to clean. Lemon juice or vinegar drips when sprayed, so the acid doesn't have enough time to work on the lime. Follow these simple steps to clean faucet deposits:
- Soak a rag or cloth in vinegar or lemon juice and wrap it around your faucet, covering all areas.
- Secure the cloth with a rubber band and leave it for an hour.
- Squeeze the cloth every now and then to add more acid to the faucet.
- Remove the cloth and wipe away the limescale.
- If the debris around the spout still doesn't come off completely, cut a lemon in half and screw it onto the spout. Leave the lemon on for another hour, then rinse and scrub off any remaining limescale.
- For stubborn deposits, use a scouring pad, but only on the underside of the spout as it can scratch the surface of the faucet.
Remove limescale from the glass shower door
- Take a cup of boiled vinegar into the bathroom with you.
- Let it cool on a pot holder.
- Dip a paper towel in the vinegar and tape it to the glass of your shower door.
- Leave the vinegar there for 30 to 60 minutes. Keep the jar moist by spraying vinegar on the paper towel from time to time.
- Then sprinkle a large amount of baking soda onto a damp cloth or sponge.
- Gently wipe the glass door. Do not scrub too hard to avoid damaging the glass.
- Rinse the vinegar off the jar with distilled water.
How often should you remove limescale from the shower?
Descale your shower head about once a month to remove limescale and bacteria. If you live in an area with hard water, you should clean and descale it more often.
How can you prevent limescale deposits?
When it comes to limescale, prevention is often better than cure. Frequent cleaning and descaling can prevent deposits.
