How to Clean Limescale from Taps
Have you ever noticed the unsightly white buildup on your bathroom taps? That’s limescale, a mineral deposit that can accumulate over time from hard water. It can be a real pain to remove, especially if it’s been building up for a while. But fear not because there are some tricks you can use to get…
Have you ever noticed the unsightly white buildup on your bathroom taps? That’s limescale, a mineral deposit that can accumulate over time from hard water.
It can be a real pain to remove, especially if it’s been building up for a while. But fear not because there are some tricks you can use to get your taps looking shiny and new again.
Whether you prefer natural remedies or chemical cleaners, there’s a solution out there for you. So let’s dive in and explore on how to clean limescale from taps.
Key Points
- Limescale is a mineral deposit that can accumulate on taps from hard water and can cause damage to appliances, health risks, and aesthetic issues.
- There are various methods to remove limescale from taps, including using baking soda paste, limescale remover spray, lemon juice, vinegar, and toothpaste.
- To remove limescale from a chrome faucet, you can soak a cloth or cotton wool in white vinegar or lemon juice and wrap it around the affected area for at least an hour, then rinse and buff.
- To remove limescale from an aluminum faucet, you can fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it around the affected area for a few hours, then wipe and rinse.
- To remove limescale from a ROHL faucet, you can use a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and allow it to sit for a few minutes before gently brushing and rinsing.
Table of Contents
Is Limescale Dangerous?
Limescale is not inherently dangerous to human health, but it can cause problems in certain situations. But limescale buildup can have a number of negative effects, like
Damage to Appliances
Limescale can build up inside appliances like kettles, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing their efficiency and shortening their lifespan. It can also clog pipes and prevent water from flowing freely, which can cause additional problems.
Potential Health Risks
While limescale itself may not have direct negative effects on human health, it can provide a favorable environment for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms to grow and flourish.
This is especially true in areas where water is constantly in contact with limescale, such as around taps and showerheads.
Aesthetic Issues
Limescale buildup can make surfaces look unsightly and dull, which can be a problem in homes and businesses that rely on their appearance to make a good impression.
Different Methods to Remove limescale from taps
How to remove limescale stains from taps using Baking soda

- Mix the bicarbonate of soda with water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste onto the affected area of the tap.
- Let the paste sit for 30 minutes.
- Use a soft cloth to scrub the tap clean gently.
- Rinse the tap with water to remove any leftover limescale deposits.
Remove limescale from Taps using a dedicated spray
- Buy a limescale remover spray from your local store.
- Spray the solution onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Use a scouring pad or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the taps clean.
- Rinse the taps with water to remove any leftover limescale.
How to Remove limescale from Taps using lemon juice
- Cut a freshly squeezed lemon into half.
- Rub the lemon onto the affected area of the tap.
- Let the lemon juice sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse the tap with water to remove any remaining scale.
How to Remove limescale from Taps with Vinegar

- Mix white vinegar with water in equal parts.
- Soak a cotton wool ball in the vinegar solution.
- Wrap the soaked cotton wool around the affected area of the tap.
- Secure the cotton wool with an elastic band and leave it for a few hours.
- Remove the cotton wool and rinse the tap with water to remove any leftover limescale.
How to Remove limescale from Taps using Toothpaste
- Apply toothpaste onto the affected area of the tap.
- Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the tap clean.
- Rinse the tap with water to remove any leftover limescale.
How to Remove limescale from Chrome Faucet

- Gather your supplies: You need a clean cloth or cotton wool, white vinegar or lemon juice, and water.
- Soak the cloth or cotton wool: Dip it into either white vinegar or lemon juice, ensuring it is fully saturated.
- Wrap the affected area: Wrap the saturated cloth or cotton wool around the chrome faucet’s affected areas, ensuring that all the limescale stains are covered.
- Leave it for an hour: Allow the cloth or cotton wool to remain in place for at least an hour, giving the vinegar or lemon juice enough time to dissolve the limescale.
- Rinse with water: After an hour, remove the cloth or cotton wool and rinse the faucet with water to remove any remaining limescale, vinegar, or lemon juice residue.
- Buff the faucet: Finally, buff the chrome faucet with a clean, dry cloth to restore its shine.
Note: You can repeat the process if necessary for stubborn limescale deposits.
How to Remove limescale from aluminum faucet
- Gather your supplies: You will need white vinegar, a plastic bag, a rubber band, and a clean cloth.
- Pour vinegar into a plastic bag: Measure 1/3 cup of white vinegar and pour it into a plastic bag.
- Secure the bag around the faucet: Place the plastic bag over the affected area of the aluminum faucet, ensuring that the vinegar is in contact with the limescale buildup. Use a rubber band to secure the bag around the faucet, holding it in place.
- Leave it for two or three hours: Allow the vinegar to work its magic for two to three hours, giving it enough time to dissolve the limescale buildup.
- Wipe off the limescale: After the allotted time, remove the plastic bag and use a clean cloth to wipe off the limescale. Be gentle, as aluminum can scratch easily.
- Rinse with water: Once you have removed as much limescale as possible, rinse the faucet with water to remove any remaining vinegar and limescale residue.
Note: If the limescale is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the process a few times to completely remove it.
FAQ
How to Remove limescale from Rohl Faucet
Removing limescale from a ROHL faucet is a simple process that can be accomplished using basic household items. Here are the steps to follow:
- Mix a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution onto the affected areas of the faucet, making sure to cover all the limescale buildup.
- Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes to dissolve the limescale.
- Using a soft-bristled brush or sponge, gently scrub the affected areas of the faucet to remove any remaining buildup.
- Rinse the faucet thoroughly with fresh water to remove any traces of vinegar.
- Pat the faucet dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- To prevent further limescale buildup, spray the faucet with fresh water weekly and wipe it dry.
- Apply a thin layer of Flitz Wax or Bruno’s Faucet Wax to the faucet to protect it from hard water spots and keep it looking shiny.
How do you get rid of thick limescale on taps?
To get rid of thick limescale on taps, you can use a solution of white vinegar and water in equal parts. Soak a cloth or cotton wool in the solution and wrap it around the affected area. Leave it for a few hours or overnight.
Remove the cloth or cotton wool and rinse the tap with water to remove any remaining scale.
Do white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda remove limescale?
Yes, white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda can both remove limescale. White vinegar is acidic and can dissolve the calcium carbonate that makes up limescale, while bicarbonate of soda is alkaline and can break down the mineral deposits.
When used together, they can be an effective way to remove stubborn limescale stains from taps, shower heads, and other bathroom fixtures.
How do you Decalcify taps?
To decalcify taps, you can soak a cloth in a solution of vinegar and water, wrap it around the tap and leave it for a few hours.
Then, remove the cloth and scrub the tap with a brush or sponge to remove any remaining limescale deposits.
What is the best limescale remover for taps?
White vinegar is often considered the best limescale remover for taps due to its acidity, but other products such as citric acid or specialist limescale removers can also be effective.
how to remove limescale from toilet
To remove limescale from a toilet, pour one cup of white vinegar into the toilet bowl, let it sit for a minute, then scrub with a toilet brush
How do you remove limescale build up from a sink faucet?
You can remove limescale from a sink faucet by soaking a cloth or cotton wool in vinegar or lemon juice and wrapping it around the affected area of the tap.
Leave it for an hour before rinsing with water and buffing it with a dry cloth.
How to get rid of limescale?
To get rid of limescale, you can use various methods, including vinegar or lemon juice, specialist limescale removers, or a mixture of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
Soak the affected area for a while before scrubbing and rinsing.
Does limescale look bad?
Limescale can make surfaces look dull and discolored and cause faucets to become clogged or damaged over time.
How to remove limescale from your pipes or drains?
To remove limescale from pipes or drains, pour a mixture of vinegar and hot water down the affected area, or use a specialist limescale remover. Repeat the process several times for the best results.