Taps are often overlooked when cleaning, yet they are the first objects we touch after washing our hands, so they can easily spread germs if not properly maintained. Soap splashes, water droplets and daily use leave them exposed to bacteria, and hard water can leave behind cloudy crusty limescale that traps germs and damages the metal.
Limescale forms when minerals in hard water evaporate and harden into a rough layer around the spout. Over time it can restrict water flow, scratch the surface and even damage the metal. But a chemist turned cleaning expert says the buildup is easy to tackle with a simple household ingredient.
Why citric acid removes limescale
Alexis Rochester, founder of Chemistry Cachet, said: "Citric acid is a natural acid found in citrus fruits. It works so well because it acts as a chelating agent, meaning it binds to minerals like calcium and magnesium. This reaction actually breaks down mineral deposits, loosening buildup from surface. This makes it easy to wipe everything away."
Because limescale is made of solidified minerals that bond tightly to surfaces, soap and standard cleaners cannot dissolve it. An acid is needed, and citric acid is gentle enough not to damage the tap while softening the crust so it crumbles away without scrubbing.
How to clean taps with citric acid
Crystallised citric acid is available in the cleaning aisle of most supermarkets for around £2 to £3. Lemon juice also contains citric acid but in a lower concentration, so it is less effective at shifting limescale.
Start by wiping the taps with a damp cloth to remove loose dirt. Then mix one tablespoon of citric acid with a mugful of warm water and soak a cloth in the solution.
Wrap the cloth loosely around the tap, covering any cloudy or stained areas, and leave it for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, gently scrub with a soft sponge or an old toothbrush; the stains should come away easily. Rinse off the citric acid and buff the tap dry with a clean cloth to restore its shine.
