GETTING rid of limescale isn’t always easy, especially from tricky areas like taps in your kitchen and bathroom.
But did you know you don’t need to fork out on pricey products to get the job done?
You can banish grim limescale with a bargain hack[/caption]
The secret ingredient is probably already in your kitchen[/caption]
In fact, the solution you’ve been searching for is likely already in your kitchen cupboards.
Because of minerals like calcium and magnesium in hard water, limescale can form when the water evaporates and and the minerals are left behind.
You can’t use any old products to banish limescale though, as the wrong stuff can damage your taps, depending on what they’re made from.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, cleaning expert Manish Jain, founder of professional cleaning services Ministry of Cleaning, revealed how you can use ketchup to keep your home limescale-free.
“Limescale is not only unsightly but difficult to clean and often requires a whole lot of time as well as expensive cleaning products,” he said.
“That is until now as few realise there are some household ingredients that make removing limescale from certain appliances and items quick and easy.”
According to the pro, ketchup works as a great alternative to harsh cleaning products because of it’s acidic nature.
It turns out the acid in ketchup is perfect for breaking down grime and limescale on your taps – who knew?
So, how should you use ketchup for the best results?
Start with a clean cloth and dip it into the sauce, then simply rub it into your tabs, the pro explained.
Let it sit to work it’s magic for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
The best part is that if you don’t already have some ketchup at home, this hack will cost you as little as 20p, since you can buy a bottle of the red stuff for just £1 in Asda.
And if you don’t fancy that, you can also make use of any lemons you’ve got lying around.
It turns out the citric acid in lemons can also break down mineral deposits, so they’re perfect for cleaning.
Just cut a lemon in half and rub it straight onto your taps before rinsing of minutes later.
OTHER TRICKS TO BANISH LIMESCALE
One clever cleaning fan took to the popular Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tip group on Facebook to share her personal favourite hack for keeping limescale at bay – and it’s only cost you 18p.
“So many people ask about cleaning cloudy stained shower screens,” she wrote.
“I’m a cleaner and never stop learning methods. I had the opportunity to do a before and after this week at work.”
According to the keen cleaner, a magic sponge is all you need to banish the white build-up on your shower screen.
“I do this method and the stains vanish every time,” the Facebook user said.
“I use a wet magic sponge (my holy grail!), wipe down with a wet microfibre cloth and buff to a shine with a glass cloth.
“Takes less than a minute. Hope it helps you all.”
The best part is you can snap up a multipack of magic sponges for just a couple of quid, making this hack a budget-friendly one.
pack of 10 will set you back just £1.78 from Viking Direct, which works out at just 18p each – not too shabby at all.
Similar products are also available in most supermarkets, like the Flash Ultra Power Magic Eraser, which will set you back £3 for a pack of two.
More bathroom cleaning tips
Keeping a bathroom clean and fresh can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with a few practical tips and a regular cleaning schedule, it can be much more manageable.
1. Regular Maintenance
Daily Wipe-Down: A quick daily wipe-down of surfaces, such as the sink, countertops, and taps, can prevent the build-up of grime and soap scum. Keep a microfibre cloth handy for this purpose.
Ventilation: Ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent mould and mildew. Open windows or use an extractor fan during and after showers.
2. Tackling Limescale and Hard Water Stains
Vinegar Solution: Hard water can cause limescale build-up on taps and showerheads. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected areas for a few hours, then scrub with a brush.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another effective natural cleaner for limescale. Apply it directly to the affected areas, let it sit for a while, and then rinse off.
3. Cleaning the Toilet
Toilet Cleaner: Use a specialised toilet cleaner to scrub the bowl. Apply the cleaner under the rim and allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar: For a natural alternative, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the bowl, then add vinegar. The fizzing action helps to lift stains and disinfect.
4. Shower and Bath
Showerhead: Remove mineral deposits by soaking the showerhead in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can do this by filling a plastic bag with the solution and securing it around the showerhead with a rubber band.
Bathtub: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the bathtub. For stubborn stains, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the stains, and let it sit before scrubbing.
5. Tiles and Grout
Grout Cleaner: Grout can harbour mould and mildew. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water to scrub the grout lines. An old toothbrush can be particularly effective for this task.
Tile Cleaner: Regularly clean tiles with a mild detergent or a vinegar solution to keep them shiny and free of soap scum.
6. Mirrors and Glass
Glass Cleaner: Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Wipe with a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks.
Shower Doors: Prevent soap scum build-up on glass shower doors by using a squeegee to remove water after each use.
7. Floors
Sweep and Mop: Sweep the bathroom floor regularly to remove hair and dust. Mop with a mild detergent or a suitable floor cleaner to maintain cleanliness.
8. Trash and Laundry
Empty Bins: Empty bathroom bins regularly to prevent nasty smelling odours.
Laundry: Keep a small laundry basket in the bathroom for used towels and bathmats, and wash them regularly.
9. Finishing Touches
Air Fresheners: Utilise air fresheners or essential oil diffusers to maintain a pleasant fragrance in the bathroom.
Organisation: Ensure toiletries and cleaning supplies are neatly organised and stored to minimise clutter and facilitate easier cleaning.
