Limescale deposits on taps can be dissolved in two minutes using a solution made from lemon juice and water, according to cleaning expert Nancy Emery at Tap Warehouse. The method offers an alternative to white vinegar, which can damage certain tap finishes.
Limescale is a widespread issue in homes and can be discovered wherever water is regularly used, including shower heads, toilets, pipes, bathtubs, kettles and taps. The build-up is straightforward to identify — a stubborn deposit with a white, chalky appearance, resulting from the quantity of calcium carbonate it contains. While it can rank amongst the most frustrating cleaning tasks for homeowners, given how rapidly deposits form, it is entirely manageable and simple to tackle with the right solution.
How to Apply the Lemon Solution
Emery said: "To get rid of limescale on your taps, you'll need to make a 75 to 25 solution of lemon juice and water." She added: "All you need to do is use a soft sponge and gently wipe the solution, leaving it on the tap to dissolve the limescale deposits for two minutes. Once the time is up, rinse thoroughly with water."
Lemons contain citric acid, which helps dissolve limescale. They are also suitable for cleaning shower glass, kettles and microwaves.
Protecting Special Finishes
Emery warned that for special finishes such as brushed brass, matte black or chrome, it is especially important to avoid harsh chemicals such as vinegar when cleaning. She noted: "Lemons are quite acidic, so make sure you don't let the lemon juice solution sit for longer than two minutes."
After rinsing the taps with water, they should be thoroughly dried using a microfibre cloth. Not only will this boost shine, but it will also assist in preventing limescale.
Cleaning the Aerator and Preventing Build-Up
The lemon solution can equally be applied to clean the aerator in your tap — a small attachment that either fits onto the end of the tap or can be inserted inside of the existing spout — which is particularly susceptible to limescale accumulation. To eliminate the limescale, use a toothbrush and the lemon juice solution to scrub it away.
To ward off persistent limescale build-up on your taps, clean them on a regular basis — roughly once a week, particularly if you reside in a hard water area.
