Lime buildup can make the prettiest sinks and faucets dull, spotty, and unattractive. Why? Because water has minerals like calcium and magnesium that can be the culprits for hard water deposits or lime buildup. As water dries on a surface, these minerals remain, causing spots and buildup on and around faucets and sinks. Although there are commercial cleaners available, there are also some natural choices that may take care of your problems.
One option to try is a lemon. Start with a clean, dry surface. Then, using a fresh lemon that’s been cut in half, or a rag soaked in lemon juice, wipe the corroded area. Promptly rinse and dry the surface and your sink or faucet should be clean and shiny. You may use lemon on chrome, brass or copper fixtures without any issues.
If you have more stubborn lime buildup, then white vinegar may help. Use a rag to apply the vinegar, or pour a little over the area. Allow the liquid to sit for a few minutes, then wipe the surface clean. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just soak a small towel in vinegar and lay it around the faucet base. You may leave the towel in place for a couple of hours and when you return, remove it to rinse and wipe away any deposits remaining.
If your faucet aerator is coated with buildup, remove it and use an old toothbrush to scrub any loose deposits before rinsing. Next, place it in a small bowl or cup and cover it with heated vinegar (heat just before boiling point). Let it soak for up to an hour, and then rinse and return it to the faucet.
For your shower head, pour vinegar into a plastic bag, place the plastic bag over the shower head and tie a rubber band around the bag to hold it securely in place. You may then leave it for two to three hours to do its work. When you return, remove the plastic bag and scrub away any remaining deposits with an old soft toothbrush.
Hopefully, these steps will remove any lime buildup issues you have. If not, then the commercial cleaners can help, but remember these have pretty harsh chemicals. Always use rubber gloves and protective eyewear to prevent harm to skin and eyes.
Have more questions? Call us — we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!
