Make up a spray bottle of half white vinegar and half water, and use it regularly as you would a general bathroom cleaning spray on tiles, basins, baths, showers and taps to keep limescale at bay. Always rinse thoroughly with plain water afterwards.
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.
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.
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.
Two of the most effective substances are lemon juice and ordinary vinegar. Lemon juice is usually the best (and will also leave a lovely smell behind). Stronger pickling vinegar and lime juice are both even more acidic and can be used for really stubborn deposits.
Permanent Solution: Install a CWS Water Softener
A CWS Water Softener not only protects a home from the damaging effects of hard water but also removes the existing limescale that has been building over the years in the pipework.
Hydrochloric acid has traditionally been used to remove limescale. It is classified as a Class 8 Dangerous Good with highly corrosive properties.
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.
If you want to be sure, secure it in place with an elastic band. Leave it for a couple of hours or overnight, depending on the amount of limescale. You may need to lightly scrub the taps afterwards to remove all the residue.
We recommend descaling your washing machine monthly. By regularly cleaning your appliance you can prevent the build of limescale, grease and dirt, keeping your machine in top condition. The benefits of descaling your washing machine monthly are plentiful.
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…
CLR Multi-Use Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover
CLR Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover is another cleaner with a name that takes some of the guesswork out. In this case, it's a great pick because calcium and limescale are frequent offenders in hard water deposits.
In my experience, CLR is a bit more powerful. If you've tried other descaling liquids and been left with a bit of discoloration, CLR may just do what others can't. What I do like better about Lime Away is that it comes in a spray bottle.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reverse Osmosis:
The most complete method to reduce limescale uses a membrane with very small holes to filter only water and block chemicals and dissolved solids like calcium, magnesium, lead, arsenic and more.
To help prevent limescale buildup, it is important to descale your appliances on a regular basis. This can be done with a commercial descaling solution or a homemade vinegar and water solution. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your appliances running like new.