Limescale, caused by calcium and magnesium deposits from hard water, can be removed without harsh chemicals, according to fans of cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch. Social media users have shared natural methods using common kitchen ingredients like white vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.
On a Facebook group, Angela Deacon asked for advice on removing hard limescale from taps. Responses included using a mixture of baking soda and lemon, soaking cotton wool in vinegar with bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice, or simply tying a lemon in a bag to the tap overnight.
Glynis Helm suggested: “Try baking soda and lemon.” Christine Parkins advised: “Soak cotton wool pieces in vinegar with a bit of bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice. Pack it on the tap, cling film it or bag it, leave it overnight if you can and it should look like new.”
Lemon juice and vinegar are acidic, breaking down calcium carbonate, while baking soda is alkaline and makes calcium more soluble. All three items are cheap, with lemons costing as little as 25p each at Asda, and vinegar and baking soda available for under £2.
Other suggestions included commercial products like Viakal, Harpic, and Kilrock, as well as using a 2p coin to rub off limescale. The natural methods are popular for avoiding harsh smells and stains.
