Limescale deposits around the shower head are a common household problem in the UK, especially in the South East. Hard water is a natural result of the landscape’s geology, resulting in minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, being part of the water composition.
Cleaning specialist Polya Petrova, based at Fantastic Services, advised using a “vinegar mixture”. Polya elaborated: “One way to keep on top of your cleaning routine is by using a DIY [do it yourself] limescale remover made of one part white vinegar with one part water. You can either spray the solution over the areas with limescale or soak a clean towel in it and wrap it tightly around the fitting you’re trying to clean.”
Polya added: “Leave it on for at least 10 minutes or, even better, for several hours or overnight for particularly stubborn limescale build-up.
“Wipe away the solution with a clean cloth and consider using an old toothbrush or a metal spoon to scrape away the extra tough build-up.”
By using the white vinegar cleaning mixture regularly, you can prevent limescale deposits from returning quickly.
“To avoid stubborn limescale build-up, you’ll need to clean and maintain your appliances regularly,” Polya emphasised.
“Wipe over all wet fittings after every use, and pay special attention to the areas where water can sit for longer, such as showers.”
Polya added: “Keeping these items dry will prevent limescale by stopping water from evaporating and leaving behind mineral deposits.”
People might also want to consider installing a water softener in the bathroom to essentially draw out the minerals from the water.
Polya explained: “Water softeners are devices that remove calcium, magnesium, and other minerals from the water supply that contribute to the formation of limescale.
“It’s generally a very effective way to prevent limescale from building up in the first place.”
Water softeners can range in price from £25 all the way up to £163 for the more expensive components.
If you would rather stick to a consistent cleaning routine to wipe away limescale, other useful cleaning agents include:
Polya said: “The citric acid in lemon is a great solution which will ensure a limescale-free bathroom without the need for abrasive chemicals.”
