Many people overlook taps when cleaning the bathroom or kitchen but it is one of the most frequently touched areas of the home and can harbour germs if not washed properly. Taps need to be disinfected regularly if you wish to stop colds and sick bugs from spreading in your home and to stop limescale stains from building up on the metal.
Limescale is a hard crusty stain around the base of taps which is made of minerals leftover from water evaporation and tends to be tricky to remove as it will stick stubbornly to a surface. However, Nancy Emery, a kitchen expert at Tap Warehouse, has shared you do not have to buy pricy cleaning products to get your tap clean again as all you need is lemon juice. Nancy said: “When it comes to cleaning your kitchen tap, it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals that could scratch or dull its surface. Clean regularly with a damp, soft cloth to keep on top of stains and hard water marks.
You can easily remove limescale with a 75/25 solution of lemon juice and water. Gently “scrub the solution on the tap with a soft sponge and leave this to dissolve.”
It may seem simple but lemon juice contains citric acid which will react to the alkaline limescale to break it down and soften it.
Lemon juice will loosen any limescale to make it easier to wipe away but also helps remove water spots on taps so they look much shinier.
Nancy said: “f you’re using a homemade disinfectant, lemon juice is the best option. The citric acid in lemons is antibacterial and antiseptic, which means that lemons can kill bacteria.
“Additionally the oils in the rinds of the lemon can also help to cut through grease and staining, leaving household items clean and shining.”
All you need to do is spray a generous amount of lemon juice on the tap, and leave it alone for 10 minutes to give the solution time to break down the stains.
Give the tap a wipe with a damp cloth once the time is up and it should be completely clean and free of any limescale.
When cleaning the tap, make sure to also scrub the handle, sprout and aerator on it as these areas tend the most stain and germ-ridden areas.
Nancy said: “The aerator is the nozzle on the outlet of the tap faucet and it’s susceptible to limescale deposits which can disrupt the water flow and trap bacteria and minerals over time.
“To prevent germs from spreading through the water, make it a habit to remove and clean the aerator every couple of months.”
Simply use a toothbrush to clean the nozzle after spraying it with lemon juice and any stains should easily come away.
Clean your tap at least once a week to help keep it germ-free, but also make sure to dry down your sink after washing your hands as any water lingering on the surface can cause bacteria.
Nancy said: “After cleaning, it’s important to dry your tap thoroughly. Leaving water droplets on the surface can encourage the growth of bacteria, mould, and mildew, particularly around the base and handle.
“Use a soft cloth to wipe down your tap after each use to prevent any buildup of moisture and germs.”
