Limescale can interfere with water flow, damage fixtures, and even shorten the lifespan of appliances, so it’s important to deal with it in a timely manner. According to Andy Ellis, steam shower expert at Vidalux.co.uk, “Limescale can be a real pain and unfortunately shower heads and taps are common places for this build up to occur, especially if you live in an area with hard water.”
The reason lies in the minerals. Andy added: “This is because hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. When the water heats up, like in a kettle for example, or dries out in your bathroom, those minerals get left behind and settle, leaving you with white, chalky limescale.” Sharing his simple solution, Ellis explained: “Citric acid is a holy grail for breaking down limescale, which is why lemon juice is a popular trick for removing limescale.”
Five everyday solutions to remove limescale
1. Ketchup
This pantry staple might be more at home on chips than your bathroom tiles, but ketchup is surprisingly effective at lifting limescale.
Its mix of vinegar and citric acid works to break down mineral deposits.
Simply spread a layer over the affected area, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
2. Lemon juice
Fresh, fragrant, and naturally acidic, lemon juice is a classic weapon against limescale.
Soak a cloth in juice and wrap it around your tap or showerhead, leaving it in place for 30 to 60 minutes.
After a gentle scrub and rinse, limescale should lift easily, and your fittings will be left shiny and streak-free.
3. Orange peel and baking soda
Not just for composting or zesting, orange peels come into their own when teamed with baking soda. Sprinkle the soda on the inside of a peel and use it to scrub away limescale.
Ellis noted: “There are some other household items that contain citric acid that can be used as cleaning agents, such as orange peels…”
The combination includes a natural abrasive and acid-based cleaning solution in one.
4. Toothpaste
Toothpaste works as a gentle abrasive that won’t scratch a delicate finish, which is ideal for chrome fittings.
Dab it onto the affected area, scrub lightly, and rinse.
This method is particularly effective for small spots or early-stage limescale.
5. Shaving cream
Shaving cream contains stearic acid, which can soften mineral deposits.
Simply smooth a layer over the area, let it sit for five minutes, scrub, and rinse for a sparkly finish.