Lime scale in the shower can be pretty persistent. Those dull spots on your tap, streaks on the glass or a shower head that no longer sprays properly... You know the drill. Of course you can get all kinds of heavy-duty cleaning stuff for that, but the best limescale remover is surprisingly mild. Your grandmother already had it in the cupboard: citric acid. Kirsten tells how she does it, especially cleaning the tap is a lifehack.
What is limescale anyway?
Lime scale is caused by using hard water, or water high in lime (calcium and magnesium). When you shower and the water dries, the lime remains on your taps, tiles and shower head. And that creates those dull, white stains that you can't just rub off. Fortunately, citric acid works perfectly against this. This is because lime dissolves in acid. And citric acid is a natural acid that is just strong enough to fight limescale without damaging your stuff.
Lime scale in the shower? Here's how to tackle it!
In the shower, limescale deposits are usually found on glass doors, tiles, walls and, of course, on the tap and shower head. That dull haze on your glass or the white streaks on the tiles are not only hard to clean, but also make your bathroom less fresh. Fortunately, there is a simple solution: citric acid.
Making shower doors limescale-free
For shower doors, a mixture of lukewarm water and citric acid works ideally. Mix one litre of water with two tablespoons of citric acid and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray it generously on the doors, leave it on for ten minutes and then wipe clean with a cloth or sponge.
Decalcifying taps and shower heads
Taps and shower heads also get a refresh with citric acid. Fill a plastic bag with a little water and one or two teaspoons of citric acid, slide it over the tap or shower head and secure it with pegs or a rubber band. Let it soak for an hour. Then wipe off the limescale in no time. Loose parts, such as the filter of a tap or the shower head itself, can be put in a bowl with warm water and some citric acid. After an hour of soaking, they will be like new again.
You can get a tap sparkling clean and free of limescale again with citric acid.
Your washbasin also gets shiny clean again with citric acid
Not only in the shower, but limescale often pops up at the sink too. Especially around the drain, such a stubborn white edge nestles that seems difficult to brush away. But here too, citric acid works wonders. Wet the surface with a sponge and sprinkle a thin layer of citric acid over it. Leave this on for at least an hour. The powder will harden a little after a while, but with a little water and a scouring pad you can scrub it off in no time, including the chalk.
Powerhouse against limescale in the shower and more
Citric acid is such a useful tool that it is almost a shame not to have it in your kitchen cupboard as standard. You buy it at the drugstore, health food shop, online or sometimes even just at the supermarket (often in powder form, in a bag or jar). It is cheap, long-lasting and safe to use, even in a household with children or pets. Store citric acid in a dry, dark place, for example in a tightly sealed glass jar in a kitchen cupboard. Keep it away from moisture, otherwise it will clump. That it is so environmentally friendly, natural and effective makes citric acid one of the best cleaning buddies in the house. And it's vegan too! Whether you want to get your shower shiny, your tap shining again or save a clogged shower head, citric acid to the rescue.
More eco-friendly cleaning tips
- Also see: This is how to make your washing machine shine.
- Also see: This is how to make your dishwasher shine.
- Also see: this is how to make your fridge sparkling clean.
Sources: Life without waste, What's in what. Photo credits: main image: Angela de Vlaming (left), Sarah Chai via Pexels (centre), Julia Peretiatko via Unsplash (right), other: Kirsten Schoner (tap cleaning).
