Limescale stains build up quickly, especially on bathroom surfaces like taps, shower heads, and screens. The tough, chalky deposit can also spread to water pipes and heating systems, causing damage beyond just an unsightly appearance. Tackling limescale often requires considerable effort, as it is stubborn and hard to remove.
After noticing significant limescale buildup on bathroom taps, a journalist tested two popular limescale removal products: Viakal Classic Limescale Remover Spray and Flash Deep Clean and Hygiene Anti-Bac Bathroom Cleaner. Viakal markets itself as the "number one against limescale," while Flash promises to "remove up to 100% of bathroom grease and limescale."
Testing Process and Results
The Viakal spray was purchased from Asda for £2.65. Following the instructions, it was sprayed onto the limescale-affected surface and left for three minutes, the maximum suggested time. After rinsing and scrubbing with a wet sponge, substantial chunks of limescale remained. Some areas were still stubbornly resistant, requiring a second application, which was not performed to ensure a fair comparison.
The Flash cleaner cost £2.44 from Asda and came in a similar bottle. Its instructions required leaving the solution on for five minutes. The spray coverage seemed less thorough than Viakal's. After wiping and rinsing, most of the limescale had lifted, and scrubbing with a sponge left the tap significantly improved.
Verdict: Flash Emerges as Winner
Both products were easy to use, with results visible within minutes. However, Flash removed considerably more limescale in a single application compared to Viakal. The Flash product did not require a second go, and it was slightly cheaper. Additionally, Flash offers the benefit of tackling soap scum and eliminating 99.9% of bacteria. The test concluded that Flash performed more effectively and represented better value.
