In this post, we tackle the troublesome problem of limescale deposits in the home. Limescale buildup is common on surfaces such as shower screens and faucets and can be difficult to get rid of. We explore effective methods for cleaning limescale effectively using vinegar and explain precautions to avoid damage to materials and health.
Last edited May 20, 2024
Limescale is really difficult to clean away but if we tackle it regularly, it goes well.
Calcium is naturally present in all drinking water how much calcium there is in the water varies depending on the water source. When the water evaporates, calcium precipitates and it becomes a white coating on, for example, the shower screen, faucet or shower handle, at least that's where we see it most clearly.
Limescale is alkaline and to remove the white stains, the deposits, you need something acidic. You can put it simply that you need a kind of opposite to get rid of the limescale. But vinegar is strong and even if it may seem completely harmless and is sold in grocery stores, vinegar is an acid and it is sold in different strengths which are indicated in %. Too strong vinegar / too concentrated vinegar can cause damage to both different materials and yourself. 15% as our cleaning vinegar has is strong but not too strong, it is perfect for cleaning at this concentration.
Take vinegar on a cloth or sponge, do not pour it into a spray bottle as the vinegar is atomized in such a way that you risk inhaling it.
Vinegar and all other acids or cleaning products with a low pH value can damage natural materials and especially calcareous rocks such as marble.
Stains that have not had time to "set" are easy to wipe away with a little vinegar on the cloth, things that have been there for a longer time and have had time to build up can be more difficult to remove. Below we show a shower head full of limescale that we clean with vinegar.
- Make sure the object is clean from anything other than limescale, such as soap residue etc.
- "Wrap" the object in vinegar with a "wet wrap". We use a cloth that we moisten and then "drench" with vinegar, regular moistened paper towels also work. The main thing is that there is plenty of vinegar so that it covers the object and the limescale.
Then we put the shower head in a plastic bag and seal it so that it does not dry out. Let stand for at least an hour, preferably two.
Remove the plastic bag and paper and then clean with a soft brush and a little soap and you will see that the limescale comes off. If there is a lot of limescale, you may need to repeat the procedure.
☝️ Never use vinegar on natural materials such as wood and stone
☝️ Do not use vinegar stronger than 15% for cleaning
☝️ Do not pour vinegar into a spray bottle
Buy Västerbottenssåpa Bathroom Kit - Clean and Limescale-free here
This kit includes:
- Bathroom soap Forest scent, Bottle
- Soap spray with x2 refills
- Vinegar
- Cloth, biodegradable
- Scrub brush soft, made in Sweden
- Ecofiber cloth, made of 100% Recycled Material
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Questions and Answers
What is a common cause of limescale deposits in the home and how can you identify them?
Limescale deposits usually occur on surfaces such as shower screens and faucets when water evaporates and calcium precipitates. They appear as white stains and can be quite persistent.
Why is vinegar an effective agent for cleaning limescale and what should you be careful about when using it?
Vinegar is acidic and can break down limescale deposits effectively. However, it is important to use vinegar with a concentration of no more than 15% to avoid damage to materials and not to spray vinegar, as it can spread vapors that are harmful to inhale.
Which products should you use in the bathroom to clean it?
Västerbottenssåpa Bathroom Kit which contains bathroom soap, soap spray, vinegar, cloth, scrub brush and ecofiber cloth! It is designed to effectively clean and combat limescale deposits.