How to Remove Calcium Buildup on Faucets
Removing calcium buildup (AKA limescale) from your faucets and other fixtures is possible with a little chemistry. Most of the time, you can rely on the following home remedy to clear away the mineral deposits that are discoloring your sink or showerhead. Even industrial products rely on the same underlying principle of acid reacting with base to weaken the calcium.
What You’ll Need
For this DIY project you will need:
- White vinegar, or anything with a high enough level of acid to react with the calcium
- A rag, or anything that can be soaked in the acid and wrapped around the faucet
- A sponge, or anything to rub/scrap the loosened lime off the faucet
- A pair of rubber gloves
Important note: If you do use a more industrial-strength mixture in place of the vinegar, be sure to wear protective gloves and to stay in a ventilated environment.
The Steps to Follow
The general procedure would work like this:
- Soak the rag in the acidic liquid
- Wrap the rag around the faucet
- Leave for at least an hour so that the acid can soak into the limescale
- Remove the rag and scrub the faucet clean with the sponge
If you need to clear up a showerhead that has calcium buildup inside its aerator, then you have two DIY options. You could either fill a baggie with the acid and fasten it around the showerhead with a rubber band or wire, or you could disassemble the showerhead to soak the pieces in the acidic solutions separately.
If you want to make sure that you don’t damage your showerhead, give our experts a call. For any help in keeping your fixtures clean and your plumbing pristine, call 781.780.3184 to get in touch with Waldman Plumbing, a company with a hundred years of satisfied clients.