How To Remove Limescale In The Bathroom

Limescale is an off-white, chalky deposit that can be found on surfaces that come into regular contact with hard-water. Limescale can appear on many bathroom fittings and can leave chrome looking grey and dull. If left untreated, limescale can do serious damage, so it’s good to know how to remove it. Most limescale can be removed by using acid solutions such as vinegar or lemon juice, but how you apply the solution can differ with each fitting.

Taps and shower head

When removing limescale from your taps and shower head, you need to make sure the acid is in constant contact with them. The easiest way to do this is to fill-up a plastic cup with vinegar, immerse the tap in the cup and then secure it by wrapping cling film or a towel around it. For tap posts, soak a long piece of cotton wool in vinegar, wrap it round the post and give it a squeeze.

You should leave the vinegar to soak for around two hours before removing the cup/cotton wool, and tougher bits of limescale may need to be scrubbed off with a scouring pad. A couple of halved lemons can work just as well as vinegar, and the lemon will fit nicely onto the end of the spout without it having to be secured.

Basins and bathtubs

For basins and bathtubs, pour vinegar or lemon juice into a bottle and spray the affected area. Neat vinegar could potentially damage old enamel baths and basins, so be wary if you are applying it to these types of surfaces. Leave the solution for no more than 30 minutes, scrub the deposit off and then wipe the surface clean with a soft cloth or sponge.

Toilets

Removing limescale from the toilet can be quite difficult. It is advised that you use a stronger remover for the toilet such as bleach or a gel cleaner. When you apply the solution, you should try to get as close to the damaged area as possible, and don’t forget that limescale could be lurking underneath the rim of the toilet.

If your toilet has a heavy build-up of limescale, try removing some of the deposit with a pumice stone or scouring pad. You should leave the limescale remover on the affected areas for at least half an hour before flushing.

Windows and shower doors

Use a spray solution of warm water and either vinegar or lemon juice to remove hard-water stains on both your bathroom windows and shower doors. You only need to leave this solution on for a couple of minutes, and then rinse the glass with warm water and wipe clean. Alternatively, white wine can also be used to lift limescale from glass.

Following these tips you will keep your bathroom looking fresh and sparkling clean.