How to remove limescale from taps in your home 
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Water hardness varies in different regions, but any mineral components in it sooner or later settle on contact surfaces. For example, on faucets, taps in the bathroom, kitchen. Traces can be white, yellowish, gray - the shade depends on the composition of the water. There are many special products, folk recipes that allow you to get rid of limescale.
It is important to act carefully so as not to spoil the coating completely. In complex, neglected cases, it is logical to contact a cleaning company. Cleaning a three-room apartment or another similar service includes cleaning the bathroom. It is also quite possible to independently master the skills of combating limescale deposits.
Removing mineral deposits with lemon
A regular fresh or slightly dried lemon copes well with limescale. The fruit needs to be cut in half, you will need the juice and pulp, so a completely dried citrus will not help solve the problem. You can not squeeze anything, but immediately rub the dirty surface with the juicy side of the fruit. This method is suitable for cleaning a watering can, a shower head.
Clean the tap and mixer in the same way - apply the lemon with the pulp, grate, if necessary, put it on and turn it several times. It is best to pull the fruit onto the tap so that it holds and leave it for a while. After a while, the acid in the lemon juice will dissolve the mineral layer and it can be easily wiped off with a napkin.
To clean a large surface, such as a large attachment, use several halves of fresh lemon. Or cut the citrus into thick slices and spread them over the surface. You need to completely cover all the dirty areas and leave for a while. You can secure the lemon slices by wrapping the product in a plastic bag and securing it with rubber bands. This should be done so that the lemon does not move, but stays in place.
If the deposits are old or the affected area is large, it will take at least 2 hours to completely dissolve, it is best to leave the acid overnight. Check after 2-3 hours to see if the plaque has dissolved. If so, remove the lemon and wipe the surface, if not, leave for 8-10 hours. After cleaning, throw away the used fruit and bag. Use a rag, napkin or old toothbrush for cleaning.
How to clean spray holes step by step:
- Once the main dirt has been removed, use a pin or a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach narrow areas;
- Go over these areas thoroughly with a brush;
- Use the sharp tip of a pin to remove any remaining dirt in narrow areas;
- remove dirt by rinsing the pin periodically;
- After this, brush the surface again to completely remove any remaining limescale;
- turn on hot water and rinse all surfaces thoroughly;
- Wipe everything dry with a lint-free cloth.
Finally, check the quality of the work; if there is any remaining contamination, repeat the procedure.
Removing limescale with table vinegar
Table vinegar is an effective cleaning agent that also quickly dissolves salt and mineral deposits. First, you need to prepare a solution. To do this, you will need clean water, preferably filtered or distilled, and clear vinegar. The liquids are combined in equal proportions, about half a glass each. The volume of the mixture should be enough to soak the cloth you use for cleaning. To enhance the effect of the solution, add a large spoonful of baking soda to it.
Wet the cloth well, an old towel or an unnecessary cotton T-shirt will do. You need to soak the cloth completely, work with gloves so as not to dry out the skin of your hands. Wipe the surface damaged by limescale, if there is no result after a minute, you will have to make a kind of compress. The cloth needs to be wetted during the process.
Wrap the tap, mixer or watering can in a cloth – the item that requires cleaning. It is advisable to wrap it in several layers of cloth, it should completely adhere to the coating. To fix the cloth, you can use a hair or money elastic. After this, the acid should dissolve the plaque, this will take a lot of time, you can leave it overnight.
The minimum action time is from 2 to 3 hours, but after 8-12 the effect will be much stronger. For advanced cases, this period of action is optimal. But after 2 hours, the condition of the tap can be checked and if the plaque dissolves, wipe the surface. For cleaning, use a napkin or an old toothbrush, sometimes a combination of these items is required. If the plaque remains, repeat the procedure, re-wetting the rag.
After softening the minerals, wipe the surface well with the same cloth. Usually, no effort is required for this, everything comes off easily. A brush, needle or pin are great for cleaning the spray holes. Usually, after a long vinegar exposure, this is very easy to do, the salts themselves come off the coating. Finally, rinse the shower head or tap with hot water and wipe it dry.
How to Prevent Limescale Formation on Taps
There are a number of rules for the prevention and cleaning of faucets and shower heads that prevent damage and scale formation. Following basic principles will help avoid problems.
- Avoid abrasives and strong acids. Although lemon and vinegar are acids, this does not mean that you can use any such products. Aggressive chemical acids can quickly damage the metal surface. It is strictly forbidden to use even mild acidic compounds when cleaning brass, gold, nickel. It is even more forbidden to use aggressive chemicals. Also, be careful when choosing inventory, abrasive and hard tools are not suitable. They can easily scratch the surface.
- Provide regular maintenance. Keep your faucets clean on a regular basis. Use a microfiber cloth for daily wiping. Put it in a convenient place so you don’t have to look for it. A regular paper towel will also do the job. If you remove moisture from your faucets after use, mineral deposits simply won’t appear on them, even if the water is hard.
- Do a deep cleaning. When cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, be sure to spend a couple of minutes on the taps. A solution of water and dishwashing gel is enough for this, you can take liquid soap. A microfiber cloth will do as a tool. Heat clean filtered water, add soap or gel, apply the resulting product with a regular foam sponge. Then wipe the surface dry with a microfiber cloth. Act carefully so as not to scratch the coating.
- Remove stains promptly. If you notice a stain, don’t wait until it sets and becomes stubborn. Make a mixture of a large spoon of hot water and a small spoon of baking soda. Mix everything well and apply the mixture to the stain with a sponge. Wipe well and rinse off the remaining baking soda, wipe the item dry. Before using any product for the first time, test it on an inconspicuous area.
If the mixers, shower head and taps look very unsightly, persistent deposits have appeared on them, it is recommended to contact professionals. Cleaning staff will cope with any problems and bring the plumbing to an impeccable appearance.