How to Remove Rust and Limescale, Naturally
Most shop-bought limescale and rust removers use chemicals, when usually you can easily remove it, with simple, natural and affordable methods.
Limescale is a chalky hard substance formed by calcium carbonate, when water evaporates (common in hard water areas where calcium and magnesium are found). It often appears around taps and sinks, in kettles, on showerheads and bathroom tiles.
Rust is a reddish-brown compound, formed when iron and oxygen react in the presence of moisture. Usually found on garden tools, on pipes and metal appliances.
Miniml white vinegar is sold with refills. Acetic acids is great to break down mineral-up build-up and stains. Just pour on the spot, leave for 15 to 30 minutes, then scrub with a sponge or old toothbrush.
For taps and showerheads, soak a cloth in vinegar, and wrap around the problem area. Rinse with warm water, once stains fade. Repeat a few times for heavy build-up (avoid on stone surfaces).
Baking soda won’t scratch shiny surfaces but is tough enough to lift away stains. Sprinkle over the area (after vinegar, for double effect). Or make a paste with water or vinegar and gently rub stubborn marks from sinks and tubs.
For cleaning stainless steel, rinse well to avoid white residue. Use this method on tiles, taps and even the outside of kettles.
Citric Acid: The Secret Limescale Fighter
Citric acid is a colourless weak organic acid, commonly found in citrus fruits. It’s a natural disinfectant, and can also descale and remove rust.
Wear protective gloves and clothing, and wash hands after use. Keep in a cool dry place (contact causes eye irritation). Keep away from children and pets (citrus is toxic to animal friends).
Citric acid eats away at tough limescale and rust without damaging fixtures. Mix a tablespoon of citric acid powder with hot water to dissolve, then apply to taps, kettles, or coffee machines. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Lemons for Natural Shine
Lemon juice works also to clean rust and limescale, thanks to citric acid. Rub a cut lemon half directly on the spot (or squeeze juice and let it soak for tight spots). Mist with a little salt for rusty areas.
After scrubbing, rinse with plain water. Keep lemons away from pets (citrus oils are toxic to them).
Salt: Boosted Cleaning Power
Salt is a mild abrasive that helps scrub away rust. Sprinkle directly on rusty areas, then add vinegar or lemon juice. Wait at least ten minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Salt cleans barbecue grills, garden tools, and taps. It boosts the action of vinegar and lemon, getting rid of stains more quickly.
Some say to mix bicarbonate of soda and low-grade hydrogen peroxide (buy from chemists) to tackle stubborn marks. Leave for 10 minutes before scrubbing. However it can bleach coloured or delicate surfaces.
Never mix any kind of bleach with vinegar or lemon juice.
How to Descale a Kettle, Naturally
This needs more in hard water areas. Fill your kettle with equal parts cleaning vinegar and water, boil and leave to cool. Then rinse well and repeat monthly. Or just pop a descaler ball in the kettle.
Use a Water Softener
Halycon is a water softener to remove and prevent limescale, without salt. Invented by engineers, it blends 12 metals to create a unique alloy, that changes the molecular structure of water.
This removes the ability of calcium carbonate to cling to surfaces (like taps, showerheads and kettles). Unless you’re good at DIY, you’ll need a plumber to install it, but it comes with a multi-year guarantee and saves a fortune long-term for big water users.
