The best way to get rid of stubborn limescale deposits is by soaking the affected area in lemon juice or white vinegar.
Professional cleaners use a variety of cleaning products to get rid of limescale around the home. Many of them swear by mixing white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda into a paste and applying it. While others use a spray bottle of undiluted white vinegar and spray it directly onto the limescale.
Hydrochloric acid has traditionally been used to remove limescale. It is classified as a Class 8 Dangerous Good with highly corrosive properties.
Hydrochloric acid is much stronger than acetic acid, for example, and therefore tends to remove scale faster. Weak acids such as acetic or citric acids may be preferred, however, where damage to the substrate is to be minimised.
The best way to get rid of stubborn limescale deposits is by soaking the affected area in lemon juice or white vinegar. Some fixtures may be harder to clean than others, so we've put together a step-by-step guide to help you achieve scale-free taps, showerheads and plugholes.
Lemon juice and vinegar
Getting rid of limescale doesn't require expensive cleaning products! Lemon juice and vinegar can help you tackle most of your limescale problems — a win for your pocket and for the environment.
Sulphamic acid is a cleaning agent for removing rust and limescale stains from ceramic and metal surfaces, it is a popular descaling solution as well. It is also used in drug manufacturing and is present in several medications like antibiotics.
Hard water stains can look pretty unsightly if they are not tackled, making the toilet looking dirtier than it actually is. You can also spray WD 40 in the bathroom or sink to deal with the same issue. It will get rid of hard water stains and limescale and make your toilet look much brighter.
Muriatic Acid
Because of the intensity of this acid, it has the ability to remove severe lime and calcium deposits found in pools and toilets. However, because of the potency of this cleaner, it can cause damage to the eyes and any exposed skin.
So does coke remove limescale? Yes. The acid in coke will help to dissolve limescale and there are several examples of it being used to clean toilets, descale kettles and in other circumstances.
Some of the best limescale treatments are: Lemon - contains citric acid which breaks limescale down. Vinegar - diluted acetic acid attacks limescale. Bicarbonate of soda - when teamed with vinegar, baking soda produces a fizzing reaction that can break down almost anything, including limescale.
Both vinegar and lemon juice will do a great job of removing any limescale deposits and freshening up your machines' innards at the same time. In a washing machine, use a large cup of either liquid in place of your usual detergent and run a normal washing cycle (without clothes).
White vinegar can dissolve limescale and grease and is a great alternative to stronger, harsher chemicals, however, as an acidic substance it isn't always suitable for all surfaces. Here, we take you through the basic do's and don'ts of cleaning with white vinegar to help you on your natural cleaning journey…
Limescale can be dissolved by a range of mild acids. You can buy brand-name limescale removers, however two of the most effective substances for getting rid of limescale are lemon juice and ordinary vinegar.
Baking powder for limescale
Baking soda is also an insider tip for removing limescale in the bathroom. Mix two or three teaspoons of baking soda with water to make a soft paste, rub it onto the spots and let it take effect. A few hours later you can easily and carefully scrub off the limescale.
“Most toilet bowl stains appear in hard water areas, so it's important to remember that bleach won't work, and you will need to use an acid-based product such as limescale remover. While bleach doesn't get rid of limescale, it does make it invisible which blends in with the colour of the toilet bowl.
To get rid of limescale deposits on steel surfaces, pour white vinegar over them and then add baking soda (the kitchen one is fine), allowing it to sit for at least half an hour. Then, with a sponge, wipe the treated surface and then rinse with plenty of water.
It is also widely used in horticulture. It is a versatile product. In addition to disinfection, the use of hydrogen peroxide helps to remove limescale and corrosion.
If you're looking for a natural way to remove limescale, lemon is your new best friend. High in acidity, it has the added bonus of making your bathroom smell lovely. For stubborn limescale stains, you may want to use vinegar, as it has a higher acid content than lemon juice.
The Dri-Pak website explains: “Although white vinegar can also be used to remove limescale, citric acid is slightly more effective at tackling scale build-up. Not only is citric acid more powerful, but it is also cheaper and better for the environment than white vinegar because it typically uses less plastic.
Anything with Bleach
Bleach and ammonia can create a toxic gas, and the same goes for vinegar–an acid that releases toxic chlorine vapors when mixed with bleach. Separating your cleaning products will keep your home clean and safe.
Limescale is caused by calcium and magnesium being left behind when hard water evaporates. Hard water, which is water that contains a higher mineral content, is the root cause of limescale. When it evaporates from a surface, it leaves behind calcium and magnesium deposits.
Fortunately, limescale is relatively easy to control because calcium carbonate is soluble in acidic solutions. It can be removed with almost any type of acid, though the one you choose will probably be dependent on the degree of the problem.