If you’ve got hard water, then you’re no stranger to limescale and trying to clean it off of your fixtures and appliances. Here are some tips on how to not only remove it effectively but prevent it in your home.
What is Limescale?
Limescale is made up of calcium carbonate, which is the residue of hard water. Hard water is water that contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals, like calcium and magnesium. Once the hard water evaporates, it leaves behind lumpy, white deposits of calcium carbonate. People who live in Arizona are no stranger to hard water and these white calcium deposits. Limescale can build up quickly if not addressed immediately and cause issues with pipes and household appliances.
Removing Existing Limescale
If you can see visible signs of limescale in your bathroom and kitchen, no need to worry. You can remove them with items you might already have on hand. White vinegar will become your best friend in fighting limescale. The acidic nature of it weakens and dissolves the calcium deposits very efficiently and effectively.
To remove limescale, remove shower heads, drain plugs, and faucets and soak them in a bucket of vinegar for an hour. After the hour is up, scrub each fixture thoroughly and wipe away anything that remains. We know it’s not possible to remove every fixture, so for those you can’t, fasten a plastic baggie with vinegar around your fixture and soak away. For small appliances, like your coffeemaker or kettle, mix some water and vinegar or water and lemon, let it sit, and then clean it out. For your washing machine, run it with a softener tablet to help clean it out.
Preventing Build-Up in Your Home
We know keeping up with constant cleaning and scrubbing is a pain. So, how do you prevent limescale in your home? The only sure way to get rid of it is to install a whole house water softening system. A water softener will neutralize hard water and all the harsh minerals that cause build-ups to happen. Not only will this counteract the damaging effects of hard water and keep your plumbing system working more efficiently, but it will work wonders on your skin, hair, clothes, and dishes. If limescale is becoming an issue for you, this is something to seriously consider.
Our experienced team of plumbers at Wyman Plumbing & Mechanical can help install a water softener so you can kick limescale to the curb once and for all. Our plumbers are licensed, insured, and dedicated to giving you the highest level of service. While headquartered in North Phoenix, we proudly service the entire North Valley area and are ready to help you with your plumbing needs!
