Limescale is created wherever water flows. However, calcified faucets not only look dirty, they can also increase your water bill as the accumulated deposits make it difficult for water to flow. Luckily, you only need a few home remedies to descale a faucet and remove stubborn deposits.
Limescale is a substance composed primarily of calcium and magnesium that is left behind when hard water evaporates. It forms a hard, white deposit and settles where water is heated or left standing. Most often, although not exclusively, it occurs in connection with hot water, e.g. B. in kettles and on taps and shower heads. But it also settles in less visible places, e.g. B. on the inner surfaces of pipes, in radiators, washing machines and dishwashers.
Descale the faucet: possible without unscrewing it?
To clean calcified taps, you shouldn't necessarily unscrew them. There are a few methods and home remedies that work wonderfully without unscrewing. However, if you want to descale the inside of the tap, you should at least unscrew the aerator.
Clean calcified fittings with home remedies
The lime content of the water can be recognized by its white appearance when dry and usually forms a crusty layer around the spout or mixing nozzle, the base of the spout and the body of the faucet. Limescale also accumulates inside the ceramic cartridge, shortening its lifespan over time.
Home remedies are the simplest and most effective solution for removing limescale stains and deposits on the faucet. They are also both more environmentally friendly and more cost-effective than chemical cleaning products. If you need to descale a faucet, you can try one of the following home remedies to effectively remove the deposits.
White vinegar against limescale deposits
The lime on the tapcan be removed with a simple home remedy using equal parts white vinegar and warm water. White vinegar is aexcellent cleaning agent, which is widely used in the household. The acid in vinegar helps break down the limescale without damaging the faucet.
Depending on how stubborn the deposit is, wiping the faucet with this mixture is sufficient in most cases. For heavily calcified fittings, dip a cloth into the vinegar water and first soak the tap for a few hours. Then wipe the fitting with a clean, damp cloth and allow it to dry completely.
Tipp:To completely remove limescale from the sieve (aerator), you should unscrew it and place it in the mixture of vinegar and hot water. Leave the mixing nozzle in the vinegar water for several hours. Afterwards, no more limescale should be visible. Then rinse the aerator thoroughly and screw it back into the faucet.
Recipe for DIY limescale remover
With white vinegar you can make a simple yet effectiveMake your own limescale remover. For this you need 1 spray bottle, water and vinegar in a ratio of 2:1 and a dishwasher tablet. Pour everything into the spray bottle and shake vigorously until the dishwashing tablet dissolves. Then spray the calcified areas, let it take effect briefly and wipe with a damp cloth.
Descale the tap with lemon juice and a balloon
Lemons also contain acid that has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Therefore, it can help kill bacteria, mold, and in some cases even rust.Lemons are practical household helpersand are perfect for removing annoying limescale deposits.
The longer the limescale has accumulated, the longer it will take to remove it. To descale a very calcified faucet, you should soak it in the lemon juice overnight. This is how it works:
Place the lemon juice in a balloon or freezer bag and secure it around the spout with a rubber band or string. Leave the juice on overnight and then clean the area thoroughly with a soft, damp cloth and dry thoroughly. For a radiant finish, soak the cloth in the leftover lemon juice and wipe the spout with it.
A notice:Instead of lemon juice, you can also use citric acid mixed with water. Add 30 grams of citric acid to 1 glass of water and use it to clean calcified fittings.
Remove limescale from the tap with baking soda
If the deposits do not disappear after soaking, you can scrub them off with a thick paste made from a packet of baking soda and a little lemon juice. Gently rub the calcified areas and then let the paste work for a while. Then wipe the faucet with a soft, damp washcloth and then dry it.
Important:You should never scrape off limescale deposits as this can damage the surface of the fitting!
Easily remove limescale edges
Calcified fittings often result in unsightly limescale edges that are difficult to access and pose a challenge. This is where the good old toothbrush can help you.
Sprinkle some baking soda around the faucet, splash a few drops of water on it, and place a cloth on top. After 30 minutes of exposure, wipe off the baking soda and scrub the residue (if there is any) with the old toothbrush. Alternatively, you can also use toothpaste.
Limescale buildup on bathroom faucets is a nightmare, but these simple home remedies can make the task easier to deal with.
