What is limescale, and where does it come from?
We will have all noticed the chalky pieces that seem to be floating in the bottom of our kettle or sticking to the taps in our bathrooms. With Buckinghamshire being such a hard water area, it’s no wonder limescale is prevalent in our homes. But what is limescale, and where does it come from?
Limescale, or calcium carbonate, forms when hard water evaporates and calcium and magnesium combine. Limescale can appear anywhere near a water area in your home. From taps and baths to toilet bowls and pipes, this chalky substance builds up over time and, if left too long, can be a real pain to try and remove effectively.
Around 60% of the UK is considered to be in a hard water area caused by the minerals our water picks up along its underground journey. Hard water is often found in areas of the biggest populations, but even those living in Scotland, Devon or Cornwall and other soft water areas are still likely to experience limescale buildup over time – it may just take longer.
Is limescale dangerous to appliances or humans?
Limescale buildup can cause all sorts of problems in your home – from small annoyances to more serious issues like pipe blockages and cracks. If you live in an area with hard water, it’s perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap. However, the naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause limescale can ruin your plumbing and appliances over time! If you’re worried about the impact of hard water on your home, consider using a water softener to help extend the life of your appliances and plumbing.
Limescale deposits can quickly accumulate on any surfaces that come into contact with hard water, such as taps and shower heads. If not cleaned away, the limescale will restrict the flow of water from these fixtures and reduce their efficiency.
Did you know that a water flow restriction in your home could mean higher utility bills? If you have appliances that use water, such as your toilet, they may not function properly with a restricted water flow. This could also affect the hygiene of your home. So, it’s not just the limescale that is dangerous, but what it can lead to as well. Limescale, though not harmful, can be unappealing to the eye. If left unattended, it can also start to clog your pipes and showerheads, which then leads to reduced water pressure.
How to remove limescale from your bathroom
The best way to get rid of those pesky limescale deposits is by soaking the affected area in lemon juice or white vinegar. Some fixtures are harder to clean than others, so we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you achieve scale-free taps, showerheads and plugholes.
Taps are one of the trickier bathroom fixtures to clean. Lemon juice or vinegar will drip off when sprayed, not allowing the acid enough time to work on the scale. You’ll often notice white deposits on the spout, so targeting this area is a good idea. Follow these simple steps to get rid of limescale on taps:
1) Boil a kettle full of water and pour it into a bowl. Add the same amount of lemon juice or vinegar.
2) Place a cloth over the tap and secure it with an elastic band.
3) Leave for at least 30 minutes, then remove the cloth and rinse with clean water.
Getting rid of limescale from your tiles and plugholes is a little more straightforward than taps. Using vinegar or lemon juice, you can apply it directly to the limescale area and scrub until the limescale starts to come off. Alternatively, you can mix lemon juice and vinegar with water and spray over the affected area. Leave for up to an hour for those stubborn areas that need a bit more care!
This may also interest you:
A comprehensive guide to bathroom lighting in 2022
Shop bathroom products with Aylesbury Bathroom Centre
If your bathroom could do with a bit of a makeover, whether you are looking to replace just your taps or you need a complete upgrade of bathroom suites and tiles, Aylesbury Bathroom Centre has everything you need.
Aylesbury Bathroom Centre offers a range of products for your bathrooms. We supply and install bathroom suites, showers, basins and taps, toilet seats, radiators and towel rails, bathroom lighting and accessories. We have a large range of bathroom design ideas and bathroom products to suit all budgets and tastes.
For more information about our bathroom suites, to take advantage of our 4D virtual worlds simulator or to get a bathroom proposal put together by our design team, get in touch with us today. We look forward to helping you with your bathroom journey.
