How to Get Rid of Limescale and Hard Water Deposits

Limescale is a calcium compound that is found on surfaces of appliances that frequently come in contact with water. Mixing water with simple household ingredients such as white vinegar or lemon juice can make effective limescale removers. Alternatively, you can also purchase specially formulated limescale removing agents to help you effectively remove limescale.

 

Removing Limescale from Household Appliances

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Kettles and Coffee-makers

1. Fill the water tank to capacity and add vinegar or de-scaling agent.
2. Allow the mixture to boil before leaving it to soak overnight.
3. Empty and rinse the appliance in the following morning.
4. Run the appliance with clean water a couple of times to fully remove any residual solution.

 

Washing Machines and Dishwashers

1. For washing machines, pour a cup of removal agent in the detergent drawer. For dishwashers, pour removal agent at the base of the machine.
2. Run a standard cycle with an empty machine.

 

Removing Limescale from Baths and Taps

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Limescale is prone to build up behind the tap and in corners of the bath where water can accumulate.

Here are some useful tips to remove limescale from baths:

• Consider using neat vinegar to remove limescale but do proceed with caution when it comes to old enamel baths and sinks as the acid may damage the enamel surfaces.

• Apply apple vinegar to affected area before scrubbing and washing it off. If you’re worried about damaging the enamel, we would advise you to buy a limescale product that is appropriate for your type of bathroom fixtures.

 

Tips to remove limescale from taps:

• Soak some cotton wool or an old cloth in good quality limescale remover and wrap it around the tap. Try to ensure that the metal surfaces are entirely in contact with the removing agent.

• To clean the spout, fill a small cup with removing agent and submerge the spout in the cup. To keep the cup in place, wrap a towel around the cup and spout.

• Soaking the tap in removing agent for at least an hour should be able to successfully dissolve most of the limescale.

• As for any remaining stubborn limescale, soak a gentle scouring pad in removing agent and scrub.

 

Removing Limescale from the Toilet

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Here are a few strategies to remove limescale from the toilet bowl, which can be tricky, especially if they are underneath the rim.

• Apply a stronger limescale remover—either a gel cleaner or bleach manufactured specifically for the toilet—into the bowl as well as under the rim.

• Allow it to soak for at least half an hour before flushing

• Alternatively, try rubbing a pumice stone on heavier limescale build-ups

• If the limescale stains are stubborn, consider purchasing heavy-duty powder cleaner which contains compounds such as trisodium phosphate or borax. Either apply it directly to affected areas or pour a measured amount into the bowl.

• Exercise precaution by wearing appropriate eye protection and gloves when using heavy-duty powder cleaners.

 

We do, however, recommend regular cleaning of your toilet to prevent the build up of limescale as it becomes gets harder to remove as time passes.