Do you have hard water in your home? You may be affected if you have noticed mineral deposits or white, cloudy spots on surfaces that come into contact with water, such as taps or your shower walls. While this poses no health risk, it is unsightly and can damage the ma or porcelain finish. However, it is possible to remove the limescale to restore the underlying surface to its original beautiful condition.
Do you want to remove calcium and other hard minerals from your water? Contact Loodgieterskoningen to install a water softener in your home!
What Removes Calcium Buildup?
To keep up with the addition of water stains, it is best to take care of them regularly. If not, the buildup can penetrate the surface and eventually lead to corrosion. However, there are a number of ways you can remove the stains. All you need are paper towels, rags, a toothbrush, a rubber band, gloves, goggles, a spray bottle, vinegar, baking soda, white wine, or other natural, non-toxic cleaning products.
What dissolves limescale?
Removing limescale does not have to be difficult and can be done within a few minutes. Moreover, there is a good chance that you already have some of these agents in your home:
Lemon juice
This is something you can find in the produce section of your grocery store. Use freshly squeezed lemons (be careful not to get them in your eyes - oops!) and put the juice in a spray bottle. Lemon juice is great for metal, especially faucet surfaces.
white vinegar
You probably have this ingredient in your kitchen cupboard. Not only is it great for salads, but white vinegar is also great for removing hardened water stains. You use the cloths and place them over the fixtures to break down the limescale.
CLR
CLR, also known as Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover, is another good product you may want to invest in. This product is perfect for toilets as they tend to form rings on the waterline due to limescale.
Hydrochloric acid
Muriatic acid is a strong hydrochloric acid-based acid that is a fantastic descaling agent. Due to the intensity of this acid, it has the ability to remove serious lime and lime deposits in swimming pools and toilets. However, due to the strength of this cleaner, it can cause damage to the eyes and any exposed skin. It is advised that extreme caution be taken when handling it, or leave it to someone trained to handle the substance.
How to remove limescale
Now that you know which materials to use, let's take a closer look at how to remove the tarnish!
Taps and shower heads
When cleaning faucets and shower heads, you can tie a bag of vinegar over the faucet, which will break down the deposits on the outside. But if you want to do a more thorough deep cleaning, it is advisable to remove the faucet aerator or shower head from the bottom. Once you've loosened it, place the pieces in a bowl with your chosen acid, paying attention to how long you let it sit and the amount of dilution needed. While this is happening, you can wrap a bag of acid (vinegar) around the residue. Once they are done soaking, you can wipe the area with a cloth.
It's important to note that while vinegar isn't as dangerous as other options, you should make sure you use it at a time when you know your kids won't be there. Better to be safe than sorry!
Sinks, bathtubs, porcelain toilets and ceramic tiles
One way to safely and effectively clean these surfaces is to use mild soap, sponges, towels, white vinegar and baking soda. Combine warm water with a few drops of mild soap in a bowl and clean the surface with a sponge or cloth. First, scrub off as much foam as possible and then dry with a towel. Once this is done, combine two parts baking soda with one part vinegar to make a paste. Use this to rub it on any surfaces affected by the calcium buildup. Leave this on for about five minutes and allow the mineral deposits to soften. Once this is done, wipe off the paste with a damp sponge!
Drain and pipes
Calcium buildup can also corrode pipes and pipesdrain. This blockage can affect water pressure and may ultimately require pipe replacement. It is more beneficial to deal with this proactively to avoid additional costs. You may consider purchasing a water softener. This protects your pipes and drains and reduces the risk of limescale.
Solutions such as CLR drain cleaner can also be used. However, this is not a good long-term solution because the cleanser is toxic and should not come into contact with the skin.
Glas
If you have a glass door connected to your shower, you will notice that when the water dries, it leaves behind white, cloudy spots. To combat this, you can simply make a solution with equal parts water and white wine vinegar. Spray it on the surface and let it sit for about fifteen minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth.
If the smell of vinegar bothers you, you can always go ahead and use this other solution. In a small bowl, mix just enough baking soda and water to create a paste-like consistency. Then use a clean cloth to spread it over the entire glass and wash it away with water.
Calcium buildup can be unsightly, but what's even worse is that it can damage your pipesdrain. Fortunately, there are some simple, effective methods you can use to keep them at bay.
