Remove stubborn limescale with 2 natural ingredients - 'stronger than vinegar'

A leaky bathroom tap, for example, could result in a patch of stubborn limescale, but one cleaner told Express.co.uk how to easily get rid of it.

By Chanelle Georgina, Senior Reporter

Faucet limescale

Limescale can be an ongoing problem (Image: Getty)

Professional cleaner and founder of London House Cleaners, Jess Farinha, revealed it only takes two natural ingredients to remove long-standing limescale.

All households in the UK are prone to developing limescale because most tap water contains minerals, such as calcium and magnesium.

This is because of the geology of the landscape within the UK, so this crusty residue can be an ongoing problem.

If limescale has become an issue in your house, don't worry, the chalky substance can be lifted with a combination of two natural ingredients.

Cleaner Jess stated: "One very effective way to combat limescale stains caused by a dripping tap is citric acid combined with baking soda."

Baking soda

Baking soda is part of the cleaning solution (Image: Getty)

While knowing the two ingredients to use is a great starting point, the cleaning expert explained how to apply the solution.

Cleaner Jess instructed: "Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the area; this will be your mild abrasive.

"Then mix a tablespoon of citric acid powder with warm water until it dissolves. Dip a cloth in this, wetting it, then press it over the limescale stain."

Jess promised that citric acid is a "stronger" cleaning agent than white vinegar, so it can quickly break down mineral deposits.

Clean faucet

Limescale can easily be removed with baking soda and citric acid (Image: Getty)

The cleaner instructed: "Allow the cloth to stay there for about 30 minutes to give this solution some time to seep in and dissolve the limescale.

"Afterward, gently scrub with a toothbrush or soft-bristle brush to avoid scratching the surface, especially if dealing with taps or other sensitive finishes. "

She added: "For those with tight spaces or where the mineral buildup is stubborn, a lemon rind rubbed right onto the stain has that extra citrus oomph that can help the minerals dislodge."

The final step is to "rinse off well with warm water and dry the area with a microfibre cloth".

While the baking soda and citric acid combination is "less famous than the vinegar method", Jess prefers it.

Jess explained: "It's an extremely good way of removing harder, long-standing limescale marks."

Plus, it can leave a "nice citrus scent" once finished, which means the bathroom will look sparkly clean and smell good at the same time.

Jess Farinha is a dedicated professional cleaner, organiser, and visionary founder of London House Cleaners.

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