We’re getting to the time of year when you want to avoid scales – but we’re not talking about those extra holiday pounds. We want to tell you about limescale and how to clean it from your plumbing, your appliances and even your surfaces!
Limescale is defined as a deposit of white, chalky limestone mineral. You might have seen it gathering in your tub or sink, on your faucets, and your teakettle. So, if that’s the limescale you CAN see, imagine how much you can’t see building up in your coffeemaker, clothes washer and dishwasher! Build up from minerals can damage sinks, toilets and tubs, making pesky soap scum more difficult to remove.
A great way to start fighting back is with white vinegar, found easily in the grocery store. White vinegar contains acetic acid and can help you make faucets, plumbing and surfaces squeaky clean.
Tubs and Sinks:
Spray the surfaces and faucet with either lemon juice or vinegar. You can also create a cleaning paste of water mixed with cream of tartar. Let the spray or paste sit for half-an-hour before scrubbing clean with a sponge or soft cloth.
Toilets:
Mix together equal parts of borax and white vinegar. Drain the toilet bowl and pour the solution in. Let the vinegar and borax soak in the bowl for 2 hours, then scrub clean with a toilet brush. Keep your toilet tank free of limescale by adding 3 cups of undiluted vinegar to it every month.
Faucets:
Soak a paper towel or rag in vinegar, wrap it around the faucet and secure it with a hair clip or rubber band for about an hour. Then, remove it, and wipe the faucet clean with a soft cloth. Another trick is to create a paste with 1part water to 3 parts baking soda, applying it to the faucet, wait one hour and then wiping clean.