This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy something, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Your kitchen and bathroom will look spotless, except for the drains and taps.
It's not because you haven't cleaned them; they are only stained by minerals in the water.
A more powerful cleaning agent is needed to remove this discoloration.
Stubborn water stains
Accumulation of water spots can appear in different colors.
White, orange, red and even green: the spots vary depending on what's in your water supply.
These stains can be found near shower and sink drains, on taps and at the water line in toilet bowls. Hard water causes them to appear quickly.
Even with fabric softener, mineral deposits are inevitable over time.
You've probably discovered that scrubbing with your universal washing machine has no effect whatsoever.
Something more powerful is needed.
CLRofGlue away?
An acidic cleaner is the best way to remove water deposits.
Vinegar and lemon juice are two natural alternatives, but they do not work as quickly or effectively.
CLRuses similar ingredients asGlue away. Actually, 'Lime-A-Way' is the correct name, but aren't those hyphens annoying?
Anyway, the ingredients – Lime Away uses sulfamic acidCLRuses a combination of lactic acid, gluconic acid and some other solvents.
Too many details? All you need to know is that they are both specifically made for water stains and break them down well.
So which one does it better?
In my experience,CLRis slightly more powerful. If you have tried other descaling fluids and there is a slight discoloration,CLRcan simply do what others cannot.
What I like most about Lime Away is that it comes in a spray bottle.
CLR doesn't recommend putting their cleaning solution in a spray bottle - it can be riskier if you accidentally splash it in your eyes.
Lime Away is still very effective on most stains. If ease of use is important, I think this is the best way.
Where to use
CLRInGlue awayare both good for the following:
- Ceramics
- Porcelain
- Brick
- Glas
To avoid problems, wipe off the cleaner after a few minutes. Then rinse the area to ensure the cleaner has been completely removed.
Where not to use
First, your stomach has enough acid without Lime Away or CLR getting involved. So don't consume it.
Likewise, you should not use these acidic cleaners on surfaces that come into contact with food.
If you have a stained plate or food container, try soaking it with vinegar instead. It may not remove the stain completely, but it is the safe way to go.
Other places where you should avoid using liquid descalers such as CLR are stone, wood, plastic and painted surfaces. These are strong cleaning agents. They can etch less durable materials, especially if left for long periods of time.
For metals, manufacturers recommend avoiding these cleaners. However, in my experience, I have not had any problems with metal such as faucets and drains as long as the cleaner is completely rinsed away afterwards.
I wouldn't use them on large metal surfaces like an all stainless steel sink or appliance.
Cleaning tips
It is important to wear rubber gloves. You'll likely come into contact with CLR or Lime Away when you wipe off the cleanser and it can be harsh on your skin.
With CLR, you put some of the cleaner on a cloth or sponge to apply it. Wait about two minutes to wipe it off. Then rinse the area completely.
Lime Away is similar: spray, then wait 1-2 minutes to dry and rinse away.
If you have particularly difficult stains on porcelain, I highly recommend onepumice stonebefore scrubbing.
Remember that pumice is too abrasive for metal and many surfaces. Porcelain is strong enough not to scratch. Make sure you get wetpumice stoneadvance.
Shower and faucet headsare positioned in such a way that it is difficult to soak them in cleaning solution without it dripping away.
What I recommend is adding dish soap to an old bowl or container and soaking the shower or faucet for two minutes. Then use an old toothbrush to scrape off the built-up deposits.
Conclusion
BothCLRInGlue awayare excellent tools for cleaning your kitchen and bathroom.
Lime Aways spray bottlemakes it easier to apply the option.
CLRseems to have a slight edge in how effectively it removes certain stains.
Both will be much more effective than any all-purpose cleaner, with minimal scrubbing.
