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How to Remove Limescale from Taps: Our Natural Home Cleaning Tips

Temps de lecture : 7 minutes environ

Did you know that limescale can cause problems with your taps and affect their efficiency? After days of faithful service, you might notice that your mixer tap starts to slow down. The reason? Limescale deposits that harden with heated water. These white marks are not only unsightly, but they also hinder the proper functioning of your tap. No need to panic! You’re in the right place to breathe new life into your taps. Discover all our tips on how to remove limescale from taps! For any other cleaning needs, book a cleaning service with Wecasa!

Woman is wiping the sink with blue cloth in the kitchen.

How to Remove Limescale Inside a Tap?

To effectively descale your tap and restore shine in your bathroom, having the right tools and products at your disposal is crucial. Here’s a list of natural solutions and products you’ll need, ensuring you can tackle the job with eco-friendly options that are gentle on your taps and the environment:

 

Tools and Products for Descaling a Tap:

  • White Vinegar: An acidic solution that dissolves limescale without damaging the tap’s finish.
  • Baking Soda: Works as a mild abrasive and reacts with vinegar for a deeper clean.
  • Lemon: The citric acid in lemons is excellent for breaking down limescale, and it leaves a fresh scent.
  • Spray Bottle: Apply white vinegar evenly over the affected areas.
  • Soft Sponges or Microfiber Cloths: To scrub without scratching the tap’s surface.
  • Old Toothbrush: Perfect for getting into the nooks and crannies where limescale tends to build up.
  • Absorbent Paper or Cloth: Useful for applying vinegar or lemon juice to taps and leaving it to soak.
  • Penetrating Oil (like WD-40): Helps in loosening any parts that may have become stuck due to limescale build-up.
  • Water Softener (Optional): For long-term prevention of limescale, consider installing a water softener in your home.
  • Magnetic Anti-Limescale Tap Filter: Another preventative tool that attaches to your tap to inhibit limescale formation.

 

Equipping yourself with these natural solutions and products not only makes the descaling process straightforward but also ensures you’re adopting an environmentally friendly approach to home maintenance.

 

Essential Products and Tips for Internal Tap Descaling and Prevention

When it comes to knowing how to remove limescale from taps our three best products for this are baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon.

You can completely dismantle your tap if the limescale has penetrated inside. Be careful not to apply too much force while unscrewing. Apply white wine vinegar or a penetrating oil on the screws to avoid any damage. Once dismantled, pour white vinegar over it and scrub to remove the limescale. Mix white vinegar with hot water to enhance the effects. Combine baking soda with vinegar or lemon to deodorise and maintain your pipes.

To prevent limescale, consider purchasing a water softener, which will limit limescale damage. This will also improve the longevity of your household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. However, water softeners remain expensive to this day and may require installation work.

Magnetic anti-limescale tap filters are also a good solution. Simply attach it to the end of your tap. The filter will prevent limescale from forming on your tap, increasing its longevity.

 

zero waste eco friendly cleaning concept. wooden brushes, lemon, baking soda, vinegar

How to Descale a Tap Without Dismantling It?

Apply baking soda powder to your tap—Scrub with a damp sponge. Once the baking soda is gone, rinse the sponge and wipe. Using a little white vinegar on the sponge will improve effectiveness. However, do not apply baking soda to aluminium.

Another solution, pour white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar onto the limescale patches and wait a few minutes for it to act. Then use a sponge or a toothbrush, and polish your tap. The nozzles can be cleaned in the same manner. Be cautious with marble, as it’s a surface that should be avoided with these products.

If that isn’t enough, wrap your tap in a large strip of absorbent paper soaked in white vinegar. Leave it overnight, ideally. Then remove the paper and scrub with a toothbrush if there are any remaining marks. The vinegar will be even more effective if heated.

With a lemon, use the pulp side as a sponge. Scrub, then leave for a few minutes. Afterwards, rinse and dry your tap. For water-saving grilles (excluding the seals) or the aerator, attach the lemon directly onto it and leave it for a whole night.

You don’t have to follow all these steps if one product worked well for you. Think about cleaning your taps regularly; it’s still the simplest way to prevent limescale build-up.

 

water faucet aerator after cleaning clogged using vinegar. handyman aerator repair

How to Unblock a Tap Full of Limescale?

A tap gets blocked due to the amount of limescale around the handle. To unblock it, use a penetrating oil, the most well-known being WD-40. Apply your penetrating oil to the most calcified area and directly clean the marks. Let it act for a few minutes. Operate your mixer tap to see if it works better. Otherwise, repeat the action. If rust is the issue, use a rust remover.

If needed, dismantle your tap. Again, do not hesitate to apply penetrating oil or white vinegar on the parts that are difficult to unscrew. Spray white vinegar where you see limescale. Wait several minutes for the acidic effect of the product to act properly. And scrub until the stains disappear. Your tap should work again without any problems. Feel free to repeat this action occasionally to maintain your tap.

 

How to Clean a Tap?

Soak a cleaning cloth in a mixture of hot water and white vinegar. Use half a cup to measure the white vinegar. Test on your tap to see if it does not damage the material. If the test is successful, scrub your entire tap. You can also use a soft toothbrush by lightly applying baking soda to the dirtied part. Scrub to remove the grime.

With regular cleaning, you’ll avoid having to clean the tapware. This is especially important in areas with hard water.

 

Now that you know how to remove limescale from taps remember, regular maintenance using these eco-friendly solutions not only preserves the functionality and appearance of your taps but also contributes to a healthier, more sustainable home environment. Whether you’re doing a thorough clean or a quick maintenance routine, these simple steps on how to remove limescale from taps can make a significant difference. Don’t let limescale dampen your sparkle—embrace these natural remedies and enjoy the lasting shine and efficiency of your taps.

If you’re short on time with your routine home cleaning, Wecasa can help. Our professional cleaning services are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, offering flexibility and efficiency that ensures your home remains spotless, without you having to lift a finger!

 

 

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