Limescale is an unsightly chalky substance that plagues many household appliances, particularly taps, shower heads, dishwashers and inside kettles. The frequent use of these appliances means a build-up of limescale is inevitable over time, especially if you live in a hard water area. As water has a high mineral content, when it evaporates it leaves behind chalky deposits of calcium and magnesium which then form limescale, and how quickly the substance forms depends on the hardness of the water – and how often you clean your appliances. If left untreated it can cause restricted water flow, leaks and drips from your taps, damage the heating element in kettles, and affect the performance of your dishwasher.
It is possible to remove limescale using home-made solutions instead of harsh chemical cleaners, with white vinegar being a popular option for tackling the problem. But cleaning experts say one natural ingredient actually works better and recommend ditching white vinegar for lemon juice instead.
Lemon juice is generally considered a better option as the citric acid effectively dissolves the limescale and it is more gentle than using vinegar, plus it leaves a much more pleasant smell.
Plomberie Pro-Drain explains: “Lemon juice is a natural acid that can help dissolve mineral deposits. Rubbing lemon halves on the affected areas or applying lemon juice and allowing it to sit for a while can loosen the deposits.
“It has the added benefit of leaving a fresh citrus scent behind. This method is milder than vinegar and can be useful for light to moderate mineral buildup.”
To tackle the limescale, experts say you simply need to soak the affected area in lemon juice and leave this for around an hour to work its magic.
For awkward shapes like taps or shower heads, it’s recommended that you squeeze the lemon juice onto a cloth or piece of kitchen roll and then wrap this around the tap or shower head and fix it in place. Alternatively, you can squeeze some lemon juice into a small plastic bag and leave it to soak into the limescale
If you have limescale build-up on the spout of your taps then you can push a lemon halve onto and leave this for a few hours, or overnight if you can. After removing your cloth and lemon half, simply wipe the tap clean and the limescale should come free. For stubborn residue, try repeating the process again.
Plenty says: “If you’re looking for a natural way to remove limescale, lemon is your new best friend. High in acidity, it has the added bonus of making your bathroom smell fresh.
“To remove limescale from taps using lemons, cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl. Soak a paper towel in the juice – we recommend one that’s strong when wet, like Plenty – and drape this over the faucet. Leave for at least one and a half hours. Put your feet up. Spend some time with the kids.
“Take off the soaked paper towel, and wipe the remnants of the limescale away with a freshly dampened sheet. Plenty Flexisheets will hold together, even through soaking, rubbing and scrubbing.
“It’s important for the paper towel to stay wet with lemon juice and to cover the full surface of the limescale-effected area. If it slides off, you may need to use a rubber band to make sure it sticks to the faucet.”
