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Limescale build-up is, unfortunately, a normal occurrence for most UK bathrooms. However, for those wanting to keep their bathroom looking as good as new, it can be rather disturbing. Yet, this is one bathroom problem that can be easily identified and eliminated. And best of all, it needn't be an expensive process.
Fortunately, the solution to removing limescale often lies in many kitchen cupboards. Here The Bathroom Showroom explains why limescale appears in our bathrooms. We also offer simple but effective solutions to keep it in check.

What is Limescale?

Limescale is the hard, chalky deposit you often see on taps, shower heads, and other bathroom surfaces. It's primarily made of calcium carbonate, a mineral left behind when "hard water" evaporates. Hard water is water that has a high concentration of dissolved minerals, especially calcium and magnesium.

How to Remove Limescale in the Bathroom Using Natural Remedies 

The most common and effective natural remedies for limescale are acidic, which helps to dissolve the mineral deposits.
  • Vinegar: White vinegar is a popular choice due to its high acidity. You can use it diluted with water for light limescale or undiluted for tougher build-up.
  • Lemon Juice: The citric acid in lemon juice also works to break down limescale. It has the added benefit of a pleasant smell.
  • Citric Acid: Available in a crystallised powder form, citric acid is a more concentrated version of the acid found in lemons and is highly effective.
  • Bicarbonate of Soda/Baking Soda: While not an acid, bicarbonate soda can be used as a gentle abrasive paste to help scrub away loosened limescale after an acidic treatment.

How to Create a Paste for Bicarbonate Soda

Creating a paste from bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is a simple and effective way to use its mild abrasive properties for cleaning. The key is to add a small amount of liquid gradually until you get the right consistency. This is the most common method and is great for general scrubbing.
Ratio: A good starting point is 3 parts bicarbonate of soda to 1 part water.
Instructions:
  • Place the desired amount of bicarbonate of soda into a small bowl.
  • Slowly add a little water and stir with a spoon or your fingers.
  • Continue adding water, a small amount at a time, until the mixture forms a thick, spreadable paste. It should be similar in consistency to toothpaste.
  • If you accidentally add too much water and the paste becomes too runny, just add a little more bicarbonate of soda to thicken it back up.
Variations and Tips
You can customise the paste for different cleaning tasks by swapping out the water for other cleaning liquids.
  • For tough limescale: Use white vinegar or lemon juice instead of water. The resulting fizzing reaction will help to dislodge the limescale. Be aware that this mixture will foam and bubble, so use it in a well-ventilated area.
  • For grease: Use a small amount of dish soap along with the water. The soap helps to cut through greasy build-up, and the baking soda provides the scrubbing power.
  • For stubborn stains on grout: Use hydrogen peroxide instead of water. This creates a powerful cleaning solution that can help to whiten and brighten discolored grout.
How to Use a Bicarbonate Soda Paste:
  • Apply the paste directly to the surface you want to clean using a sponge, cloth, or old toothbrush.
  • Let the paste sit on the surface for a few minutes to an hour to allow it to work on the grime and stains. For very stubborn build-up, you can leave it overnight.
  • Scrub the area with a sponge or brush. The abrasive texture of the paste will help lift the dirt.
  • Rinse the surface thoroughly with water and wipe dry.

How to Use a Citric Acid Paste

Citric acid powder is an excellent and highly effective cleaning agent, especially for limescale, because it's a stronger acid than vinegar and has no lingering smell. It's easy to make a cleaning solution with it, and you can adjust the concentration depending on the task.
The most common way to use citric acid for cleaning is to dissolve the powder in water to create a liquid solution. You'll typically find the powder in the baking aisle of supermarkets or in home brewing supply stores. This solution is perfect for everyday use on surfaces like sinks, basins, taps, tiles, and laminate countertops.
Ratio: 1 tablespoon of citric acid powder per 1 cup (250ml) of warm water.
Instructions:
  • Pour the warm water into a spray bottle or a measuring jug. Using warm water helps the powder dissolve more easily.
  • Add the citric acid powder and shake or stir until it is completely dissolved.
  • You can also add a few drops of an essential oil like lemon or tea tree for a pleasant scent.
Stubborn Limescale
For stubborn limescale on taps, shower heads, or inside kettles, you'll need a more concentrated solution.
  • Ratio: 2 to 3 tablespoons of citric acid powder per 1 cup (250ml) of hot water
Instructions:
  • Heat the water until it's hot but not boiling.
  • Carefully add the citric acid powder to the hot water and stir until fully dissolved.
  • For a deeper clean, you can also use this solution for soaking. For instance, you can submerge a showerhead in a bowl of this solution for an hour or more to break down the limescale.
Important Safety and Usage Tips
  • Wear Gloves: Citric acid is an acid, and while it's generally safe, it can be irritating to sensitive skin. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
  • Avoid Sensitive Surfaces: Do not use citric acid on natural stone surfaces like marble or granite, as the acid can etch and damage the surface.
  • Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse the cleaned surface thoroughly with water after using a citric acid solution to remove any residue.
  • Spot Test: Before using any new cleaning solution, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't cause damage or discolouration.

How to Remove Limescale from Different Surfaces

The best method depends on the surface you are cleaning. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first, especially on delicate finishes like natural stone, marble, black matt taps, gold, or brushed brass, which can be damaged by acids.
Removing Limescale From Tiles / Removing Limescale From Sinks
  • Spray Method: Mix one part white vinegar or lemon juice with four parts water in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution onto the tiles or sink and let it sit for up to an hour for stubborn deposits. Then, scrub with a sponge or brush and rinse thoroughly.
  • Paste Method: For a more targeted approach, create a paste with baking soda and water (about three parts baking soda to one part water). Apply the paste to the affected areas, let it dry, and then scrub with a sponge or brush.
  • Steam Cleaning: A steam cleaner can also be used to loosen and remove limescale from tiles and other hard surfaces.
Removing Limescale From Taps
  • Soaking Method: This is the most effective way to deal with limescale on taps, as it allows the acid to stay in contact with the deposit.
- Soak a cloth or paper towel in white vinegar or lemon juice.
- Wrap the soaked cloth around the tap, securing it with an elastic band if needed.
- Leave it to work for a couple of hours or overnight for tough limescale.
- Remove the cloth, scrub away any remaining residue with an old toothbrush, and rinse thoroughly with water.
  • Lemon Halves: For the spout of a tap, you can cut a lemon in half and push it onto the spout so that the cut side is in contact with the limescale. Leave it for an hour, then rinse and wipe clean.
Using Commercial Limescale Removers
If natural remedies don't do the trick, or for heavy build-up, you can use a commercial limescale remover. These products often contain stronger acids and are formulated for specific surfaces.
  • Check the ingredients: Many Eco-friendly cleaners use lactic acid, while stronger cleaners may contain phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, or even hydrochloride acid. Be sure to use these in a well-ventilated area and with protective gear.
  • Follow the instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application time and rinsing.

How To Clean Limescale on Taps Naturally

Removing limescale from taps naturally is an easy task and can be done without causing any damage to these most important bathroom fittings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Limescale

Is Limescale Dangerous?
Limescale is not a hazardous substance itself, but a heavy buildup can cause problems. It can:
  • Affect appliance performance: Clogged showerheads and pipes can lead to weak water pressure and temperature fluctuations.
  • Damage surfaces: Limescale can wear down protective coatings on fixtures and, in extreme cases, lead to corrosion or cracks in pipework if left untreated for a long time.
  • Look unsightly: It creates a dirty appearance on tiles, glass, and metal fixtures.
Can Different Limescale Solutions Damage Specific Bathroom Elements?
The key to cleaning with an acid is knowing what surfaces can handle it. While acidic solutions are great for limescale, they can be corrosive to certain materials.
  • Vinegar and Citric Acid on Grout: Over time, the acidity of vinegar can weaken cement-based grout, causing it to crumble or discolor. While a quick, well-rinsed application for a specific stain is generally okay, it's not ideal for regular use. For grout, a paste of baking soda and water, or a specialized grout cleaner, is a safer option.
  • Acids on Natural Stone: Never use vinegar, citric acid, or any other acidic cleaner on natural stone surfaces like marble, granite, or travertine. The acid will etch the surface, leaving dull, permanent marks. For these materials, a pH-neutral cleaner is the only safe choice.
  • Harsh Acids on Metal Finishes: While most chrome-plated taps are durable, stronger commercial cleaners containing acids like phosphoric or hydrochloric acid can damage the finish, causing pitting or discoloration, especially if left on for too long. For taps, it's best to stick to milder acids like vinegar or lemon juice and a short soaking time.
What Is the Most Effective Limescale Solution for Each Specific Area in the Bathroom?
The "best" solution depends on the severity of the limescale and the material you're cleaning.
  • Taps: The most effective method is soaking. Use a cloth soaked in white vinegar or a strong citric acid solution and wrap it around the tap. Secure it with an elastic band and leave it for a few hours. For very tough limescale, leave it overnight. The extended contact time allows the acid to fully dissolve the minerals. An old toothbrush can then be used to scrub away any remaining residue.
  • Showerheads: If you have a removable showerhead, detach it and submerge it in a bowl or a plastic bag filled with white vinegar or a hot citric acid solution. For fixed showerheads, fill a plastic bag with the solution, place the showerhead inside, and secure the bag with an elastic band to keep it fully submerged. Soak for a few hours, then rinse and use a pin or a toothpick to clear any remaining blockages in the nozzles.
  • Toilet Bowls: For the ring of limescale at the bottom of the bowl, you need to lower the water level first by turning off the valve and flushing, or by pushing the water down the drain with a toilet brush. Then, pour in a strong acidic solution (white vinegar or a toilet-specific descaler) and let it sit overnight. A toilet brush and a bit of scrubbing will take care of the rest.
  • Shower Screens and Glass: A spray bottle with a diluted solution of white vinegar and water is very effective. Spray the glass, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth and rinse. A squeegee used after every shower is the best preventative measure.
Which Areas of the Bathroom Are More Difficult When Dealing With Limescale?
Some areas of the bathroom are simply more prone to limescale buildup and are more challenging to clean than others.
  • Easiest to Clean: Shower screens and flat tiles are the easiest. Because they are smooth, hard surfaces, you can easily spray them and wipe them clean with a cloth or squeegee. The limescale doesn't have much to grip onto, so it's relatively simple to remove with a daily or weekly cleaning routine.
  • More Difficult to Clean: Taps, shower heads, and toilet bowls are the most difficult. This is due to their irregular shapes, hard-to-reach crevices, and the fact that water often pools on them. The limescale builds up in these grooves and holes, and simply wiping is not enough. This is why the soaking method is so crucial for these items—it allows the cleaning agent to get into every nook and cranny. Similarly, limescale that has built up in the toilet bowl is submerged in water, making it a persistent problem that requires a strong, overnight treatment.
For more information on creating the perfect space, book an appointment with The Bathroom Showroom. Experts in all things bathrooms, we can help turn your dream bathroom into a reality.