In a head-to-head test of two bathroom limescale removers, the Flash Deep Clean & Hygiene Anti-Bac Bathroom Cleaner outperformed Viakal, removing considerably more limescale in a single application. The comparison was carried out by Mia O'Hare, Senior Audience Writer for Spare Time, who tested both products on limescale-affected bathroom taps.
How the Test Was Conducted
Limescale can accumulate rapidly, settling on taps, shower heads and shower screens, and can also gather in concealed spaces such as water pipes and heating systems. Beyond being an eyesore, it can lead to serious damage. Having spotted a severe build-up of limescale on her bathroom taps, O'Hare decided to trial two limescale removal products.
Viakal markets itself as the "number one against limescale", so O'Hare felt she needed to assess its effectiveness. She pitted it against the Flash Deep Clean & Hygiene Anti-Bac Bathroom Cleaner, which promises to "remove up to 100% of bathroom grease and limescale."
Viakal Results
O'Hare purchased Viakal Classic Limescale Remover Spray from Asda for £2.65, which comes in a convenient spray bottle. For consistency, she applied one spray on each of her taps following the product's guidelines. The Viakal bottle instructed to spray the product onto the limescale-affected surface and allow three minutes to work, the maximum recommended duration.
Once the three minutes had passed, O'Hare rinsed the tap and used a dampened sponge to remove the solution and thoroughly scrub the limescale. She was surprised to discover substantial chunks of limescale still clinging to the tap despite the spray being left for the full recommended time. While some limescale removed after scrubbing, other patches proved considerably more resistant. Removing these stubborn areas would have required a second application, though she chose not to in the interest of conducting a fair test between the two products.
Flash Results
Flash's cleaner was priced at £2.44 from Asda and came in a virtually identical bottle. Its instructions recommended leaving the solution on for five minutes rather than three. The Flash spray didn't appear to coat the tap as thoroughly as Viakal had managed. Once the time had passed, the instructions directed to wipe the surface and rinse it clean.
It came as quite a surprise to find that the majority of the limescale had lifted, and after working over it with a sponge, the tap looked considerably more presentable.
Verdict
Both products were straightforward and easy to use, delivering results within minutes. That said, the Flash product emerges as the clear winner, having shifted considerably more limescale than Viakal. A single application of the Flash solution was enough to tackle the limescale without any need for a follow-up attempt, which is a definite plus point. It also edges ahead on price.
Flash's product carries the added advantage of tackling not only limescale but also soap scum, while eliminating 99.9% of bacteria. Given its superior performance and slight cost saving, the choice of which product to reach for next time couldn't be clearer.
