Wondering how to deal with pesky limescale buildup? Follow these simple steps that make it easy.
What is Limescale?
Limescale is the hard, white buildup you often see on household taps and showerheads that can be chalky, chunky, or flakey in texture. It is made up of calcium carbonate, which is the residue left behind by hard water, or water with a high mineral content. The residue builds up over time and becomes limescale. In addition to being an eyesore, limescale can block things up and cause low water pressure.
How Do You Get Rid of Limescale?
So, what’s the best way to get rid of limescale? Luckily, it’s something that you probably already have in your pantry: white vinegar. Add vinegar to a spray bottle and spritz the affected area and let the vinegar sit for about an hour, then use a damp cloth to wipe it off–the limescale should come right off with it. If you have especially tough limescale buildup, try soaking in vinegar for a few hours. The best way to do this is to submerge the affected area in a bowl of vinegar, but if that is not possible, for example, you have limescale on the mouth of a faucet, soak a cloth in vinegar, wrap it around the faucet or showerhead, and secure it with a rubber band. This will allow you to soak these fixtures in vinegar without having to remove the fixtures and place them in a bowl.
How Do You Prevent Limescale?
To prevent limescale, use vinegar regularly to clean your bathroom and kitchen fixtures in order to stop it from building up too much. If you still find that you are getting a lot of noticeable limescale, consider installing a water softener.
It is relatively easy to get rid of visible mineral buildup on your showerheads, faucets, and taps, but sometimes limescale also builds up inside your pipes, causing blockages and other damage. In this case, hire a reputable plumber to clean the limescale out of your pipes and get your plumbing running smoothly again.