Limescale deposits look unsightly, can block the shower head from functioning as well as it could, and can be a pain to get rid of. Thankfully, a shower expert at Vidalux has revealed the “best cleaning agent” to remove limescale – and it’s not white vinegar.
Andy Ellis says: “Limescale can be a real pain, and unfortunately, shower heads and faucets are common places for this buildup to occur especially if you live in an area with hard water. This is because hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium… those minerals get left behind and settle, leaving you with white, chalky limescale.” Mr Ellis adds: “Not only is it unsightly, but it can also clog pipes and ruin appliances, which is why regular maintenance is key.”
In fact, limescale can reduce the efficiency of taps and shower heads, causing weaker water flow and making the appliance work harder than it needs to.
This could increase annual bills by up to £500, the expert says, citing Halcyan Water Conditioners – a British company that specialises in water treatment technologies.
How to remove shower limescale
Mr Ellis said: “Citric acid is a holy grail for breaking down limescale, which is why lemon juice is a popular trick for removing limescale.”
Commercial citric acid is available in most major supermarkets, but it’s also present in natural items, such as lemon and orange peels.
“Lemon juice can be an effective cleaning agent,” said Mr Ellis. “Not only will it remove limescale, but it will smell fresh and leave surfaces shiny.”
He suggests soaking a cloth in lemon juice and wrapping it around the shower head or faucet.
“Let it sit between 30 to 60 minutes and then gently scrub away the limescale before rinsing with water,” he added.
Some more unusual items that contain citric acid include toothpaste and ketchup, but why go for bizarre items when a lemon can be just as good?
For those who don’t mind chemical cleaners, there’s a plethora of options to choose from in the cleaning aisle in any major supermarket.
While eco-friendly choices can be environmentally safe and better for your bank balance, chemical cleaners do work.
As for which one you go for, that’s completely up to you – but they do vary in their price points.
Whichever limescale remover you go for – natural or chemical – it is best to keep on top of regular deep-cleaning of the bathroom to make the task of removing limescale less arduous.
