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How to Remove Limescale from Taps | Cillit Bang UK

How do I get rid of tap limescale?

How to remove limescale from taps

Are you tired of dealing with stubborn limescale buildup on your taps? We understand the frustration. Restore your sink to its former glory with practical tips on how to remove limescale from your taps. Whether you have black, chrome, or brass taps, we have a solution for them all. Let's dive into the details and get your taps back to their former glory!


What is limescale? 

Ever wondered what limescale is made of? It contains calcium and magnesium and is left behind when water evaporates. It produces a hard, chalky substance and builds up where standing water has been left. Sinks are a common place for this problem to occur, but limescale can also breed in kettles, shower heads and toilets. If these areas are a place of bother for you and you want to know how to remove limescale from your shower for example, read on as some of these tips will be a good place to start.


How to remove limescale from taps with Cillit Bang Expert

Limescale isn’t a problem you want to worry about in the future, so here’s how you remove it effectively. Using limescale prevention products specifically designed for taps, such as Cillit Bang Expert 100% Limescale Remover, can help you. Here’s how to use it: 


  1. Turn the nozzle to the "ON" position.
  2. Spray on the desired surface from 20cm away and leave for up to 5 minutes.
  3. Clean, rinse and dry the surface. 
  4. Finally, return the nozzle to the "OFF" position. Store the bottle in an upright position.


Note – Cillit Bang Expert 100% Limescale Remover should not be used on brass or copper taps due to potential staining.

Read on to discover natural alternatives to tackling limescale on your taps. 


How to remove limescale from taps with natural remedies

You will need a soft cloth or sponge, white vinegar, a toothbrush and a bowl. These items are essential for effectively tackling the limescale buildup on your taps. The soft cloth or sponge can be used for gentle scrubbing—with the bowl for soaking close at hand—while the white vinegar will act as a powerful natural cleaner. The toothbrush will help you reach those hard-to-reach areas, just be sure not to use it for anything else! 

Now that you have all the necessary materials, let's move on to the specific techniques for tackling limescale on different types of taps. 


How to remove thick limescale from taps

Some more elbow grease might be needed if you're dealing with thick limescale buildup on your taps. First, fill a bowl with white vinegar and immerse the affected parts of the taps in the vinegar. Make sure the limescale-affected areas are fully submerged in the vinegar. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or longer if needed—the acidity of the vinegar will break down the stubborn limescale. After soaking, use a toothbrush with soft bristles to get rid of the loosened limescale. Rinse the taps with water and dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth. Give yourself a pat on the back, you’ve just tackled thick limescale! 


How to remove limescale from chrome taps

Chrome taps can also fall victim to limescale buildup, but with the right techniques, you can easily remove it. Grab a wet cloth or sponge with white vinegar, as the vinegar’s acidity helps to dissolve the limescale. Gently scrub the affected areas of the taps, focusing on the limescale buildup. Rinse the taps with water to remove any residue, and then dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth. Now, admire your new-found reflection in your shining, limescale-free chrome taps!

How to remove limescale from brass taps

Opted for the classic look? The only hangup is a more delicate approach needed for brass taps. To effectively remove limescale from brass taps, create a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and baking soda. The natural acidity of lemon juice, combined with the mild abrasive properties of baking soda will help break down the limescale without damaging the finish. Apply the mixture to the limescale-affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes and use a toothbrush with soft bristles to gently work the mixture into the limescale. Rinse the taps with water to remove any residue, and then dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth. This method will help maintain the brass finish while effectively removing limescale from your brass taps.


How to remove limescale from black taps

If you have black taps, it's important to take extra care when cleaning—black taps can be more delicate and prone to damage. Start by dampening the soft cloth or sponge with white vinegar. Gently scrub the affected areas of the taps, paying close attention to the limescale buildup. The acidity of the white vinegar will help break down the limescale and restore the shine to your taps. Rinse the taps with water and dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth to complete the process. With these simple steps, you can effectively remove limescale from your black taps and bring back to their original beauty—just remember to be gentle.

How to remove limescale from matt black taps

You might be thinking: ‘All black taps are the same’. But no. Matt black taps require a slightly different approach when removing limescale. Begin by creating a paste using equal parts of white vinegar and baking soda. The combination of these two ingredients creates a powerful cleaning solution. Apply the paste to the limescale-affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes—the paste will break down the limescale buildup. Next, grab that toothbrush with soft bristles and gently work the paste into the limescale. Finally, rinse the taps with water and dry them thoroughly to complete the process. As your taps are matt, they may not shine, but they’ll certainly look chic. 

Remember after each use, wipe down your taps with a soft cloth or sponge to remove any water droplets—this will help prevent limescale from forming. If limescale is a persistent issue in your home, you may also want to consider installing a water softener. Water softeners reduce the mineral content in water, which can help prevent limescale formation. If other places in your home are falling victim to limescale, for example, you want to remove the buildup in your toilet, we have practical guides for this too. 

Follow these steps to keep your taps limescale-free and maintain their shine for years to come.