How to clean a faucet from limescale using folk remedies and household chemicals

To maintain the functionality of the mixer, it is necessary to properly care for it, as well as monitor the condition of the water in the pipes. Faucets are often covered with white spots, soap stains and other contaminants that negatively affect the operation and appearance of the devices. Therefore, it is useful for every housewife to know how to clean the faucet in the bathroom using improvised means.

You can easily clean your bathroom faucet from dirt at home.

Household chemicals in the fight against water stone

The easiest way to get rid of water scale and soap deposits is to resort to modern household chemicals. But when using such potent and aggressive products, the following facts must be taken into account:

Clean plumbing fixtures only with chemicals that are approved for use on the specific material.
Metal taps and mixers coated with decorative enamel (made from unusual materials) can easily be damaged by using aggressive cleaning agents.
Never use cleaning powders or bleaches intended for cleaning the bathroom, sink or washbasin.
Most taps are treated with chromium, which reacts very strongly to acids. The metal begins to turn black, scorched spots appear on it, which will be impossible to remove.

Carefully study the composition of cleaning products. They should not contain sulfuric, phosphoric and hydrochloric acids, as well as chlorine.

Cleaning the aerator

Cleaning soap deposits on the outside of the faucet is only half the battle. Modern faucets are equipped with aerators - this is a small metal nozzle with a mesh on the spout of the tap. This small part serves to enrich the water with oxygen and thereby performs a number of useful functions:

Reduces the noise level of flowing water due to the fact that many small bubbles soften the flow of water.
Reduces splashing.
Additional filtration from small debris that occasionally occurs in tap water.
The aerator helps by maintaining good pressure with minimal water consumption. Savings depending on the model can range from 50 to 80%.

It often happens that the aerator becomes clogged with lime flakes and ceases to efficiently cope with its functions. In this case, it needs to be removed and cleaned.

How to understand that it’s time to clean the aerator:

The tap is fully open, but the water barely flows
The water flows unevenly, the flow either increases or decreases
There is water in the system, but it does not pass through the mesh holes

To work, we will need pliers, a rag and a container with detergent.

Carefully wrap the nozzle in a rag, pinch with pliers and turn clockwise. And here the owners of cheap Chinese plumbing fixtures are in for an unpleasant surprise: aerators for such faucets are most often made of extruded aluminum or plastic coated with a shiny coating; both materials are fragile and often break when you try to unscrew them. If the aerator bursts during dismantling, do not despair, buy a new one. High-quality plumbing aerators made of steel or brass last much longer.

If the nozzle is jammed, then use WD-40 or vinegar, wet a cloth, wrap it around the nozzle, wrap it with a plastic bag on top and leave until the mobility of the thread is restored, this is about 2-3 hours.

After you have unscrewed the aerator, rinse it from large contaminants under the running tap, and then place it in a glass with 9% vinegar. The exposure time depends on the degree of contamination and varies from 1 to 12 hours. After the time has expired, rinse the aerator with clean water and, if necessary, clean the holes with a darning needle.

Assemble the clean nozzle and screw it into place; there is no need to tighten it, so you can easily unscrew it with your fingers at any time and wash it. It is advisable to remove and rinse the nozzle once a week, then the aerator will work properly.

Preventive actions

Even with increased water hardness, contamination of the faucet will not be a problem if you properly care for your plumbing equipment. For example, you can use the following methods:

install filters for water softening;
install coarse and fine mechanical filters;
Use suitable cleaning products;
remove lime deposits while they are fresh;
cover external surfaces with a special shampoo, which forms a film that protects against contamination.

Then maintaining the good condition of the equipment will not be a hassle.

Using the techniques described, any skillful owner will be able to clean the faucet. To do this, you need a screwdriver, a wrench and a special tool for removing rust and lime deposits. The main thing is to remember to turn off the hot and cold water shut-off valves before starting work. All these efforts will not be in vain. A smooth, powerful stream from the tap will help you do all your household chores quickly and easily.

Every person at least once in his life has encountered the problem of how to remove limescale from a tap, but few people have thought about the true reasons for its appearance. The fact is that the water that is supplied to our houses and apartments through pipeline systems always contains various mineral impurities. Their number may vary depending on the area of residence, but they still exist and have a direct impact not only on water hardness, but also on the formation of unpleasant deposits on the internal and external surfaces of pipeline equipment. In this article we will tell you how to clean limescale from your faucet at home and how to avoid further contamination.

Causes of pollution

Plaque formation on plumbing fixtures occurs when water is too hard, caused by a high concentration of mineral deposits. In most cases, main water pipes are contaminated with magnesium and calcium salts. When mixed with soapy water, they leave unpleasant streaks and marks. If the iron salt content is excessively high, it will lead to the appearance of a yellow precipitate.

However, deterioration in appearance is a visible sign of a problem. Limescale deposits can also accumulate on the inside of the faucet, where a small amount of water remains.

In particularly difficult cases, water stone appears on moving parts, which negatively affects the performance of the taps, and sometimes leads to their complete damage.

In this case, the intensity of the appearance of deposits is determined by the frequency of use of hot water. If its temperature exceeds 70°C, salts are deposited faster and form scale. This unpleasant phenomenon often occurs in boilers and washing machines, but is sometimes also typical for faucets. Therefore, it is important to clean the device inside and out on time.

Methods for cleaning a nickel-plated or chrome-plated faucet

Such surfaces require careful care. They need to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. You can clean the faucet using the following products:

Dishwashing liquid. Take 1 glass of warm water and mix 1 tablespoon in it. detergent

Then take a sponge soaked in the prepared solution and carefully clean all parts of the structure

Please note: the spout, base, levers and valves of the faucet should be thoroughly cleaned.

Baking soda. To clean rust from a chrome bathroom faucet, you will need baking soda. Take a soft sponge and lightly dampen it with water, you can also use a cloth. Using them, spread the baking soda over the surface and leave it for 30 minutes. After this, the soda can be washed off with cool water.

White vinegar. Pour white vinegar (6%) into the spray bottle and spread it over the surface of the product; mineral deposits will begin to dissolve. Leave the vinegar drops on for 10 minutes. Then the mixer should be wiped with a dry cloth.

Folk remedies

Despite the abundance of different types of household chemicals, folk remedies that are easily prepared at home are still popular. These are solutions and pastes based on lemon, soda, vinegar or other products.

Lemon

This type of citrus fruit has long been used as a natural cleanser due to its high acid content. The fruit must be cut into two halves, the cut side should be treated with chrome surfaces and wait 10 minutes until the acid destroys the salt deposits. Then wipe the mixer dry with a soft, dry cloth. Citric acid can be an effective alternative. In a specially prepared container you need

pour out a small amount of crystalline substance;
add some water;
mix everything thoroughly until completely dissolved;
soak a soft sponge in the solution;
clean the areas affected by plaque.

Soda

To use this product, soda slurry is prepared. The cooking process is simple and does not take much time:

Place a few spoons of powder in a cup;
dilute it with a small amount of water;
mix until smooth;
leave for up to 5 minutes until large abrasive particles dissolve.

When the paste is ready, it should be applied to the chrome parts of the washbasin and left for an hour. After this, the product must be carefully removed with a soft cloth without applying force. If there are any stains left, they can be wiped off with light movements using a soft sponge.

Vinegar

Vinegar solutions are another popular cleaner option. The composition may include table vinegar with a 9% concentration or its apple equivalent. An essential component is water, which is mixed with vinegar in equal parts. After cooking

the sponge is moistened with the solution;
treat plumbing;
wait a few minutes;
Using a soft cloth, wipe everything dry.

The solution immediately reacts, allows you to quickly get rid of lime deposits, and the lack of abrasive properties protects the sensitive surface from scratches.

Coca Cola

Since the appearance of this overseas drink in the former USSR, housewives quickly discovered its amazing ability to cleanse dirt. In this case, no preparatory procedures are required, it is enough

soak a piece of cloth in soda;
put it on the sink faucet;
hold the compress for about 20 minutes;
wash the treated surface from any remaining dirt and drink;
wipe with a dry cloth.

The acids that make up Cola destroy water stone and restore the shine of the surface without damage.

Laundry soap

grind the soap into shavings;
dissolve with a small amount of hot water;
add a little baking soda;
mix the ingredients until a paste with a homogeneous consistency is obtained.

The mixture is applied in a continuous layer over the entire surface of the tap and left for about an hour. To completely clean it of scale residues, you will need to rinse everything off with running water.

Laundry soap

Laundry soap has disinfecting properties and can clean limescale. It is advisable to use soap marked 72%.

Algorithm of actions:

grate laundry soap on a coarse grater;
mix the resulting shavings with hot water until the consistency of low-fat sour cream;
add baking soda or a small amount of soda ash to the prepared solution;
moisten a rag in the mixture and treat the chrome coating;
leave for 1 hour;
rinse surfaces with running water.

Using this method you can only get rid of fresh limescale.

Natural remedies

Unfortunately, allergies are becoming one of the most common diseases in the world. Often allergic reactions are caused by household chemicals. In such cases, you can try to clean the faucet and taps in the bathroom using simple natural methods.

Baking soda.
Dip a slightly damp washcloth in baking soda and wipe the surface with it. Rinse with water.
Soap solution.
Dissolve laundry soap in hot water. The resulting thick solution removes limescale well. If you add a spoonful of soda to the soap solution, the effectiveness will increase.
Lemon acid.
You can take crystalline citric acid, but it is better to clean the mixer with half a lemon. Dipping the lemon cut into fine salt will make the process even easier. Citric acid must be washed off well.
A weak solution of vinegar, table or apple cider vinegar.
Prepare a solution by diluting 9% table vinegar by half. Dampen a soft cloth or brush in it and clean your bathroom and kitchen faucets. Rinse with water.

In hard-to-reach places, taps can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush. Great for cleaning chrome surfaces in the bathroom, a special microfiber cloth.

Cleaning taps made of precious metals

Plumbing fixtures made of bronze, copper and brass attract with their unusual shine and original appearance. But on such surfaces any dirt and flaws are especially noticeable. These faucets tarnish quickly and require more careful and frequent polishing than chrome faucets. Otherwise, they lose their shine and attractiveness.

There are special household chemicals available for cleaning and polishing faucets made of precious metals. But each type has its own care secrets and improvised means available at home:

Brass taps are cleaned with a cloth soaked in a soapy solution, a mixture of lemon juice and salt or vinegar and salt. The salt must be well dissolved so as not to scratch the surface. The brass coating “loves” polishing with linseed oil.
Copper also responds well to cleaning with lemon and salt. But deposits on copper faucets can be removed by boiling in water with the addition of vinegar or dishwashing detergent, after dismantling the structure.
Bronze faucets are subject to patina. If this effect is undesirable, bronze should also be regularly cleaned and polished with special products or a mixture of water and chicory powder. The mixer, dismantled for cleaning, can be boiled in pea broth.
For all three types of mixers, cleaning with tomato paste gives a good effect. The applied paste is kept on the surface for up to 30 minutes and washed off with water.
To polish brass, bronze and copper taps, use professional products, jewelry compounds or GOI paste.

Note: When cleaning and polishing brass, bronze and copper faucets, avoid strong friction with any tools or materials.

Handy means

If you do not have the opportunity to use special formulations, due to the high cost or allergies to household chemicals, then we resort to the help of folk remedies.

First, you need to make it a rule that after using the mixer, wipe it with a dry cloth every time - and there will be nothing to clean. But, you must admit, it’s difficult, there’s still the same rush, lack of time, or simply laziness, mother. Therefore, we will consider care options that will replace expensive products.

Lemon or citric acid, which many use to clean teapots from lime deposits. An effective and proven remedy. But use not a concentrated solution if it is a whole lemon, but a slightly diluted juice with water. Otherwise, it is better to use the liquid that remains after boiling and cleaning the kettle, but this time it is warm, and not boiling water.

Removable chrome parts, such as an aerator, can be soaked in this solution for 10 minutes.

Advice. Avoid contact with marble products.

Baking soda is good at removing grease and lime deposits. But it should also be diluted with water to a paste-like consistency, otherwise you will scratch the product.

Mustard powder diluted with water, or mustard. Before using, try this product on hidden areas. There is little information about its reaction with chromium, but it is not so popular either.

Baby body oil is good at removing soap and grease stains, as well as stubborn lime deposits.

It’s up to you to decide what you use to clean the faucet, but remember, saving on care products can result in a completely uneconomical replacement of the entire faucet.

Cleaning agents for removing limescale

For adherents of household chemicals, the market offers a huge selection of cleaning products for cleaning faucets or mixers from limescale.

Tip: when buying a special powder, carefully study the label. Otherwise, there is a risk of saying goodbye not only to plaque, but also to your own plumbing.

Anti-corrosion inhibitors

Cheap detergents do not contain valuable anti-corrosion inhibitors. Inhibitors prevent aggressive additives from damaging the metal. With them, the entire attack is aimed exclusively at lime deposits. Therefore, look for anti-corrosion inhibitors in the composition of the product.

Sulfuric, hydrochloric or nitric acids

Acids are rather heavy artillery for cleaning faucets. They decompose not only plaque and rust, but also enamel and metal coatings. Products with such acids can only be used in advanced cases and only when wearing gloves.

For daily treatment, it is better to choose softer products - based on surfactants.

. When released into water, they are almost completely biodegradable and do not damage the skin of the hands.

What to choose: liquid or cleaning agent?

The powder has an abrasive structure and is best used for cleaning bathtubs and sinks. It is better to entrust the care of metal surfaces to liquid products. Apply the product to the surface, leave for 5 - 10 minutes, rinse with water. And enjoy the shine!

Tap water contains minerals, which determine its hardness and the faucets' hardness during operation.

Impurities settle on pipes and taps, and limescale forms. Faucet care includes not only daily wiping of moisture, but also regular cleaning of mineral deposits inside and outside.

Causes of plaque

Well and tap water supplied to homes from the citywide system contains many different impurities. With prolonged use without filtration, salts begin to settle on the surface of the plumbing fixtures and form a durable limescale deposit. First of all, sand and deposits form on faucets and shower heads where hot water is supplied.

A persistent white or red coating is formed by two chemical elements dissolved in large quantities in hard water. These are salts of substances known from chemistry lessons:

calcium;
magnesium

When the water heats up, they precipitate even more and form a deposit in the bathroom. You need to figure out how to properly clean your plumbing from lime salts deposited on the faucet or other plumbing equipment.

What not to clean

The top layer of faucets is very easy to spoil. And this will no longer be the product that attracts with its shine and specularity. Chromium, as a chemical element, reacts with various types of acids and their compounds. Thus, the surface is destroyed, darkens, and becomes dull. What acids are not used? Oxalic acid, acetic acid, orthophosphoric acid, chloric acid and others.

Carefully read the instructions for cleaning products; they should be specifically for chrome-plated products. For example, I had to deal with such a well-advertised product as Silit. After using it, the shower head became covered with dark spots. It is designed to remove lime deposits, but not from chrome surfaces!

Also, do not use abrasive, powdery substances for care. It is because of their consistency that coatings are damaged. It is clear that micro scratches cannot be avoided during operation, but there is no need to create them on purpose.

In cheap, low-quality products, not only the top layer, but also the inner layer is erased at the site of chips and damage. As a result, the same lime, chlorine, and soap solution get into them, which leads to further destruction. Eventually some of the chrome may peel off.

You cannot use sponges with a hard surface, for the same reason - they leave scratches. In hard-to-reach places, use a toothbrush, but again with soft bristles. Otherwise, a sponge with microfiber or a simple cloth is best.

Use of household chemicals

You can also clean your faucet from limescale using specially designed cleaning products that are sold in every household chemical store. However, there are several very important points to consider when choosing and using chemicals:

In this article, we have shared with you the most effective methods on how to remove limescale from a faucet, and we sincerely hope that following these recommendations will help keep your plumbing clean.

Housewives are well aware of the problem of calcification of chrome-plated plumbing elements. To restore their previous appearance, you have to look for effective means that allow you to remove limescale from the faucet quickly and without damaging its surface.

The cause of limescale is associated with the high content of calcium and magnesium salts in the water. When you open a tap, especially hot water, it produces steam, which condenses and forms a deposit. In the absence of timely care, it crystallizes over time, turning into a persistent white scale that is difficult to remove with regular wiping.

Stuck faucet: how to get out of the situation?

When the faucet or mixer switching the water to the shower is not used for a long time, it may jam. The cause of such a breakdown is often a deposit of water stone, which can be dealt with as follows:

Clean the faucet using one of the above remedies or traditional methods.
If this method is not suitable, let's turn to another. Take vinegar and dilute it with hot water. Dip the prepared rag into the solution so that it absorbs the product. Wrap a cloth around the jammed faucet, then wrap it in cling film. This is done so that the vinegar does not evaporate, but saturates the plaque deposits well and removes it.
Another method that any housewife can handle is the use of universal WD-40. It can be used to fix many problems, and a stuck faucet is no exception. Spray the joint between the tap and the mixer with the product and wait a while. The substance can be purchased at any hardware or automotive store.

If the proposed methods do not help open the tap, you will have to call a plumber. In the future, to prevent such situations, promptly clean the gaps in the taps.

Sources

https://MasteraVannoy.ru/problemy/chem-i-kak-pochistit-krany.html
https://domovodstvo.pro/uborka/kak-ubrat-izvestkovyj-nalet-s-krana/
https://bb22.ru/uborka/chem-i-kak-ochistit-kran-ot-izvestkovogo-naleta-v-domashnih/
https://uborka-v-dome.ru/pravila-chistki/kak-pochistit-kran-ot-izvestkovogo-naleta.html
https://chistyulka.ru/uhod/kak-ochistit-kran-ot-izvestkovogo-naleta-v-domashnih-usloviyah
https://hozzi.ru/chistka/kak-ubrat-izvestkovyj-nalet-s-krana
https://sovremennoedomovodstvo.ru/lifehack/krany-ot-izvestkovogo-nalyota/
https://sovetchiki.org/1147103638685223076/kak-ochistit-krany-i-santehniku-ot-izvestkovogo-naleta/

How to clean shower head holes

If the holes of the hydromassage nozzle are clogged, we will use heated vinegar; by the way, vinegar is a universal home remedy that housewives use for various purposes. With its help you can clean rooms and even remove various types of household pollution.

Unscrew the shower head, disassemble it into parts and soak them in heated vinegar for 1-2 hours, after which, armed with a darning needle, thoroughly clean all the holes and reassemble everything as it was. Instead of vinegar you can use " CilitBang"

"and an old toothbrush. When the limescale is finished, reassemble the watering can and attach it back to the hose.

Wax shampoo

Some housewives have found a way to not only clean the taps, but also protect chrome parts from limescale for a week. To do this, they use waxy car wash shampoo. This product is designed to protect the car body from adverse weather conditions. The wax included in the shampoo forms a thin water-repellent film on the surface, protecting the metal from corrosion. You can buy wax shampoo at any auto store.

Apply a drop of shampoo to the sponge and thoroughly wash all chrome surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom. Polish with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to a mirror shine. That's all, you can forget about limescale for at least a week.

Restoration of darkened plumbing fixtures

I may disappoint readers, but it is impossible to restore chrome plating at home. However, you can significantly improve the appearance of a faucet damaged by acid or chlorine and partially restore its lost shine. To do this, use polishing paste for chrome car parts, for example: “AREXONS Mirage Cromature Brillanti” (Italy), Goya paste (made in the USSR) or another similar product. A wide selection of similar products is available in any car store; ask the seller and he will advise you on a suitable polish.

You need to apply the paste to the damaged surface and polish it for a long time with a piece of felt; if you have a sanding machine with a felt attachment in the house, then the work will go much faster. Since the coating is already damaged, this procedure will have to be repeated from time to time.

There are sparkling taps in every kitchen and every bathroom. These are absolutely necessary technical devices in the household. In addition, stylish faucets in classic or modern designs have long been interior decoration.

Suddenly the faucet begins to hiss and snort, and the stream loses pressure. The reason for this may be calcium deposits contained in tap water. To eliminate the breakdown, the mechanism must be thoroughly cleaned and defective parts replaced.

Traditional faucets have two separate valves for cold and hot water. Recently, they are gradually being replaced by single-lever designs. Which model is preferable in terms of design and technical structure, everyone chooses for themselves.

Two-valve

In such a mixer, the force of water flow is controlled by the so-called axle-box taps. There are two of them: separately for cold and for hot water. Typically one of three types is used:

worm;
lamellar;
ball

When we turn the valve, the shut-off mechanisms open the way for the appropriate flow. After passing through the faucet, the water is mixed in the spout.

Single lever

A special cartridge is built into the body of such a mixer, which contains two ceramic plates ground to each other. When the lever handle is turned, the plates move relative to each other. At the same time, the holes through which water passes expand or close.

There is also a model where the plates are replaced by a hollow ball with holes. Hot and cold flows mix into this chamber and enter the faucet spout through the outlet. The control lever moves the ball, thus regulating the pressure and temperature of the water.

Ball

For installation in the bathroom, faucets can be equipped with a ball switch. It allows you to redirect the flow of water between the shower and the gander, i.e. the spout of the faucet. Structurally, this device is close to a ceramic crane axle box. Adjustment is made by rotating a small lever.

This mechanism is extremely reliable and is less prone to breakdowns, unlike another popular type - the push-button shower switch.

Analysis of the mixer

If you need to clean the inside of the faucet in order to remove deposits on the moving elements, you should first determine the type of faucet. Today mixers are divided into the following types:

Single-lever - this type is convenient to use in the kitchen, when it is easier to lift the lever with dirty hands than to turn the knobs.
Two-valve is a convenient option for bathrooms when more precise adjustment of the water temperature is required.

Let's figure out how to disassemble such faucets to gain access to cartridges and faucet axle boxes.

Single lever

To disassemble and clean a single-lever kitchen faucet, follow these instructions:

Turn off hot and cold water using a faucet or lever under the sink.
Remove the red and blue plug under the lever.
Using a thin hex wrench, remove the screw.
Remove the nozzle with the lever upwards.
Unscrew the skirt covering the contents of the mixer.
Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the clamping nut.
Remove the mixer cartridge upwards.
Check the gaskets at the bottom of the mixer cartridge and, if necessary, replace them or the entire cartridge, which are available for sale in plumbing stores.
After cleaning and replacing, reassemble the mixer in the reverse order.

Two-valve

For disassembling and cleaning a bathroom faucet with a two-valve design, instructions are given below:

Turn off the cold and hot water taps.
Unscrew the nuts connecting the mixer to the riser pipes (for chrome-plated parts, the nuts can be wrapped in a damp cloth to prevent scratches).
Remove the mixer.
Remove the plugs covering the wing screws.
Unscrew the screw and remove the wing from the rod.
Using an adjustable wrench, unscrew the valve axle from the mixer.
In the same way, remove the second faucet and the switch, which is a ball mixer that transfers the flow of water from the faucet to the shower head.
Using an adjustable wrench, unscrew the nut securing the gooseneck to the mixer.
Unscrew the shower hose nut using an adjustable wrench.
Unscrew the shower head by hand.
Clean or replace gaskets on the switch, faucet axle boxes and joints of the hose, gander and shower head.
If the mixer was leaking, replace the faucet axleboxes.
If the shower head was leaking in the “faucet” mode, the shower switch must be replaced.
Clean all elements from rust and deposits with detergent.
Reassemble and reinstall the mixer in the reverse order.

Important! You should not save on faucet axle boxes and shower switches, since after repair they will last only a few months, and when replaced - years, despite the fact that they are very inexpensive.

Is it possible to avoid plaque formation?

It is impossible to avoid the appearance of plaque inside the faucet. Although in different regions of our country water has different hardness, it still contains a certain amount of magnesium and potassium salts, which form plaque.

But it is quite possible to restore external beauty and shine if you make it a rule to wipe the faucet after use. A napkin or the soft side of a sponge is suitable for this purpose.

Tap water always contains minerals. In some regions there are more of them in the water, in others there is much less, but they are definitely there. Not only the hardness of the water, but also the condition of your faucet depends on their quantity. It is because of mineral salts that whitish spots of dull limescale appear on the shiny surface of a chrome faucet. No self-respecting housewife will leave this disgrace unattended. How to clean a bathroom faucet without damaging its surface?

Prevention of plaque formation

Home and professional remedies allow you to cope even with old plaque. But the complex shape of faucets and their parts makes the cleaning procedure quite tedious. The need for it will appear much less frequently if you take the following measures:

Avoid the formation of stubborn dirt and clean the faucet surface regularly.
Periodically disassemble the faucet and clean the internal parts of the structure, the aerator and the shower head.
Apply a protective water-repellent layer. Some commercial faucet products are designed to simultaneously clean, polish and create a protective layer on the surface. Finding them is not so easy, and professional solutions are expensive. The easiest way to make an oil coating at home is. For this purpose, cosmetic vegetable oil is recommended, but refined table oil is also suitable. The surface is lubricated with a sponge dipped in oil and then polished with a napkin. This will not prevent plaque from forming, but it will be removed much easier. An oily surface is poorly wetted by water droplets, and most of them will run off the surface. Therefore, overall there will be fewer spots.
Use a wax-based polish. On construction forums, there are recommendations for the use of wax polishes for chrome coatings of automobile parts. Not a very common option, but there are positive reviews about it. However, before you decide to use such products in a residential area, you should make sure that they are safe: car cosmetics are often toxic.
Install main water softening filters. Various designs are offered for sale, which differ in operating principle, efficiency and price. There are mechanical, carbon, electromagnetic, ion exchange and reverse osmosis filters for tap water. The most effective are ion exchange and reverse osmosis. But real reviews about their effectiveness are mixed. In addition, the first type requires constant financial costs and significantly increases water consumption. The second type is distinguished by its oversized design, for which it is difficult to find a place in a standard apartment. If you still decide to install such a filter, then, first of all, do a water analysis and determine the ratio of hardness salts to the total amount of salts. This is necessary for correct calculation of installation parameters.

To finally solve the problem with plaque, it is necessary to eliminate its cause. To do this, it is important to prevent the formation of persistent stains and regularly care for the structure. If it is possible to install a high-quality water softening filter, this may be a good solution. With this approach, the surface of taps and mixers will always be shiny, and their operation will be flawless.

Chemicals

A more effective way to remove stone is to use household cleaners. It is advisable to use products specifically designed for stainless steel surfaces with chrome plating. Popular drugs include

Russian Sanox, for metal sanitary ware and products with a ceramic base for similar purposes;
Ravak Cleaner Chrome from a Czech manufacturer for equipment coated with chrome;
Cif from Hungary, well known to domestic housewives, designed for cleaning metal;
another domestic product, Cillit Bang, effectively removes salt deposits from metal parts;
German Top House is designed for the care of kitchen sinks and other stainless steel equipment.

A necessary and general condition for the use of these compounds is the protection of the skin, in some cases the eyes and respiratory organs. Other details of use should be found on the label or in the accompanying instructions, if provided. For final shine, you can use polishes, which, among other things, can create a film that prevents calcification. Such substances include Indesit and Dumax.

This information will be useful for novice housewives who do not always know how to clean a faucet from limescale deposits of varying complexity at home.

How to avoid plaque

In full accordance with the saying “prevention is better than cure,” it is much easier to prevent calcium deposits from occurring than to struggle with its removal. There are three main preventive measures that can solve this problem:

wipe the tap after each use, preferably dry;
carry out regular cleaning at least once a week;
prevent plumbing leaks and correct faults in a timely manner.

Liquid or solid products: which is better to use?

For a knowledgeable person, such a dilemma does not exist. The choice should definitely be in favor of liquid preparations that are gentle on the surface. Most powders are abrasive, which can damage surfaces.

Should you use a water filter?

According to user reviews, filters are a really useful thing. They remove excess salts and soften the water, reducing the likelihood of deposits forming. There are reagent and non-reagent varieties. When choosing the first option for filter devices, you will have to regularly spend money on updating the reagent. The second one is more economical, despite the additional energy consumption, and is not inferior to its reagent analogues in terms of efficiency. Another advantage of the electromagnetic option is the ability to act equally on cold and hot water.

Industrial products

Traditional methods do not always help remove limescale from the tap. Industrial household chemicals eat away salts that have settled after using unfiltered water more strongly. Stores offer a wide range of products for getting rid of lime deposits on plumbing equipment, but not all of them are suitable for cleaning faucets and shower heads from fossilized growths.

The choice of descaling agent depends on several circumstances. Ask the seller a few questions:

Is the product used for the faucet that is used for cooking and washing dishes?
Is the solution safe for the human body?
Are there any aggressive substances that cause harm to the faucet material or darkening of the chrome surface?
Can chemical reactions produce toxic gases when used?

Please note that potent compounds contain active acids, alkali and chlorine, which negatively affect the surface of chrome-plated products. Liquid products are less toxic than powders and tablets and do not emit toxic gases.

The industry produces 2 types of products intended for the care of plumbing fixtures:

cleaners;
polish.

Popular cleaners that have proven themselves to be effective when used in everyday life:

Top House gel perfectly cleanses salt deposits formed on washbasin taps and shower mixers. A small amount is distributed over the surface and the sediment is removed with a sponge. At the end of the procedure, the tap is washed with clean water and wiped dry.
Cilit bang helps get rid of calcium deposits and other contaminants on washbasin and bathtub faucets. To prevent the sand from hardening, it is enough to use this cleaning product once a month.
Sanox is used in the fight against water stone and rust. This product is often used for antiseptic treatment of washbasin taps in toilets and shower rooms in public places.
Cif spray is evenly applied to the salt deposits of the mixers and then removed along with the loose dirt with a damp rag.
Ravak Cleaner Chrome will do a good job of removing rough build-up on the faucet if you dilute it with water, apply the mixture to a sponge and wipe the stained areas with it.
WD-40 removes hardened stone deposits from stuck faucets. The solvent is applied to the salt deposits and washed off with water after half an hour. After which the tap will be easy to disassemble and remove any remaining sand.

Among polishes for chrome surfaces, the following brands enjoy nationwide fame:

Domax, this product will not only polish the surface to a shine, but will also perfectly restore the shine to tarnished faucets. The gel contains substances that form a protective film. It perfectly repels grease, scale and other contaminants.
Indesit will restore the shiny surface of the faucet, and will also easily dissolve fat and calcium deposits.

A little bit of science

First, let's study a little what a chrome surface is. In our minds we are always talking about a shiny and mirror structure. Visually everything is correct, but from the point of view of galvanoplasty everything is much more complicated. Chromium itself is not used in its pure form; in the process of applying it to the surface of products, its compounds (solutions) are used. Moreover, chrome plating is carried out on the so-called sublayer, which can be a thin film of copper or nickel. Thus, the resistance of such a surface to destruction is significantly increased. The components of almost all high-quality faucets are presented as follows: the base is brass, the sublayer is nickel and the top is chrome.

On cheap products made from silumin, galvanic application of chromium is difficult to implement, so special varnishes are widely used. This product has nothing in common with real chrome plating, which can be distinguished by its cool blue tint.

In general, when choosing a faucet for a bathroom or kitchen, focus on the weight of the device and the shade of its surface.

Methods for getting rid of limescale

Modern household chemicals are the simplest and most common method of cleaning plaque on bathroom faucets. But the use of such funds has several nuances. To avoid damaging taps and mixers, use only cleaning fluids that are suitable for them.

Under no circumstances should rust removers or bleaching agents be used. Chrome, which is usually used to coat plumbing fixtures, is very active. When interacting with acid, it begins to break down. This results in dark spots that are difficult to remove. Before using household chemicals, you should always study its composition. Liquids for chrome-plated products must be free of chlorine, hydrochloric, phosphoric, and sulfuric acids.

Do not use powdery substances for cleaning. Abrasive particles can damage the integrity of the coating. After using each product, it must be thoroughly rinsed with water, especially before applying the next one. Otherwise, a chemical reaction between various products may damage the product. To avoid damaging your hands, you must use protective gloves. If you need to remove plaque inside the product, it should be disassembled. If this cannot be done, then simply disconnect the tap and soak it for 30 minutes in a vinegar solution, then rinse.

Folk remedies

You can also clean plaque at home using folk remedies:

1. One of the most common ways to clean a product from plaque is to use a metal scraper. This product is designed to remove old food or solids from dishes. The shape of the mesh allows you to remove dirt even in hard-to-reach places. But it is recommended to use special gloves for washing so as not to damage the skin of your hands. The only drawback of the scraper is that pressing hard can leave marks and scratches on the faucet.
2. Using table salt allows you to remove limescale in a few minutes. To do this, just pour salt onto a damp cloth and rub the surface of the plaque. If the plaque is no more than a year old, then removing it will not be difficult. In this case, there will be no marks or scratches on the tap.
3. Using lemon is also quite effective, but you must remember the harmful effects of acids. To clean, rub the plaque area with lemon and leave for 20 minutes. To enhance the effect, you can first rub with a cloth with salt and then with lemon. After time has passed, rinse the resulting solution with cold water and wipe with a dry cloth. By the same principle, you can use citric acid by dissolving it in water.
4. Using baking soda not only removes limescale, but also makes the chrome surface of the faucet shine. The principle of use is similar to the use of salt. You need to pour baking soda onto a damp cloth, rub the surface of the plaque, then rinse everything off and wipe dry. If the plaque is not removed the first time, you can repeat the procedure, but leave the soda on the mixer for two hours. To help the baking soda absorb better, you can apply it with a soft brush.
5. The easiest way to remove dirt is with vinegar. There are several options for doing this: apply the solution to the faucet and cover with cling film, or soak a rag in vinegar and leave on the tap for 30 minutes. Be sure to rinse off the vinegar thoroughly after cleaning. Shower heads simply need to be disconnected and placed in a plastic bag along with a weak acid solution.

Traditional methods for cleaning faucets outside

You can clean a clogged bathroom faucet using proven folk remedies. These include:

Vinegar.
Toothpicks.
Salt.
Soda.
Laundry and baby soap.
Coca-Cola.
Citric acid.
Wiper.
Microfiber cloth and other products.

Vinegar

Used after dilution with water in a 1:1 ratio. It is applied by spray or sponge and left for 30-60 minutes (taking into account the nature of the contamination). After this, the surface can be washed with clean liquid.

To quickly clean the faucet and remove deposits, you can use vinegar.

No less effective are vinegar compressors, which are suitable for treating surfaces with old plaque or hard-to-reach places. The cleaning principle involves wrapping the contaminated area with a cloth soaked in a solution. This compress is kept for 60 minutes and then washed off with water. Acetic fumes effectively corrode lime, so there is no need to additionally wipe the coating. But if the plaque does not disappear after treatment, it is better to repeat the action.

When working with vinegar, you should take precautions and avoid getting it on mucous membranes.

Toothpicks

You can remove limescale deposits on stainless steel faucets using a toothpick. This device is suitable for removing small stains on textured surfaces.

The toothpick is taken by both edges and pressed against the tap to remove plaque. Cooking nets have identical properties. With their help, you can clean even the most difficult to reach areas with small deposits.

Soda

The substance is applied to a soft brush (an old toothbrush will do) and then rubbed onto the sanitary ware. For ease of use, baking soda can be mixed with liquid to obtain a mushy consistency. After careful handling, the mixer should be rinsed under running water.

You can use baking soda to remove mineral deposits from your faucet.

Salt

Used to effectively remove long-standing stains and restore surface shine. However, the composition should not be distributed by rubbing movements, as this may lead to deformation of the coating. Instead, you should carefully apply salt to the faucet and then rinse with water.

Laundry soap

It is one of the cheapest and highest quality means for combating salt deposits on plumbing fixtures. To prepare the working mixture, you need to take a third of the soap and grate it on a coarse grater. Then the raw material should be diluted in hot water to obtain a creamy consistency.

Traces of plaque are wiped with a soft sponge soaked in the solution and left for 20-30 minutes. After this time, the surface is cleaned again and then washed with water. To enhance the effect, add 1-2 tbsp to the composition. l. soda

Baby oil

Baby oil is an unusual but proven solution to stains on taps. To get rid of plaque, you need to do the following:

Soak a soft cloth in a bowl of baby oil.
Wipe dirty areas with a cloth.
Rinse the product with water to remove any remaining oil.
Polish the faucet using flannel or chamois leather.

This method effectively removes soap stains, grease stains and salt deposits.

Baby oil will help remove the white residue that has formed on your plumbing fixtures.

Toothpaste

A toothbrush and toothpaste are the simplest tools for removing plaque from plumbing fixtures. But when choosing this method, you need to prepare a brush with soft bristles, since other types can damage the surface. Toothpaste is effective when processing materials with small relief.

Coca Cola

The sweet drink can be used to make a high-quality compress to remove dirt from plumbing fixtures. The plaque control process itself includes the following stages:

The cloth should be soaked in the drink and then applied to the problem area.
After 15-20 minutes, the product is washed with clean water and wiped dry with a dry cloth.

Due to the content of special acids, the product gives a quick effect.

Lemon acid

To remove salt deposits with citric acid, you need to do the following:

Open the tap.
Prepare a solution of citric acid and water, following the proportion: 4 tbsp. l. per 1 liter of liquid.
Place the product in the container with the product and leave it for 1-2 hours.
Remove the device and wash under running water.
Wipe surfaces dry with a soft cloth.

Citric acid effectively removes plaque on chrome surfaces.
Also suitable for processing is a clean lemon, which is cut into 2 parts and used to wipe dirty surfaces. A small portion of the juice can be squeezed into a glass for later use in the kitchen.

After completing the processing, wipe the unit with a dry cloth in order to get rid of unnecessary stains.

This folk method provides a quick fight against contaminants and removes them in a few minutes.

Glass cleaner

There are different window cleaners available in the market. But they are also suitable for removing plaque from bathroom faucets. To eliminate unnecessary marks, just apply the liquid to the problem area and then wipe with a soft cloth.

Microfiber cloth

Microfiber cloths have appeared on sale relatively recently. However, they have gained popularity due to their effective cleaning of various surfaces, including faucets.

Cleaning the aerator and shower head

It is not enough to clean only the outer surface of the faucet. Limescale also accumulates inside.

Over time, it can cause plumbing to fail.

Modern faucets are equipped with aerators - meshes on the spout of the faucet. When this part is clogged, it must be removed and cleaned.

Signs that the aerator is clogged:

when the tap is fully open, the water pressure becomes very weak;
the water flows unevenly, the flow periodically intensifies;
the most advanced case is that water does not flow, although it is in the system and the tap is open.

Aerator cleaning steps:

First you need to unscrew the faucet nozzle. To do this, you need to wrap it in a rag, clamp it with pliers and turn it clockwise. Cheap Chinese plumbing fixtures usually have plastic or aluminum aerators installed. Therefore, they break when the nozzle is unscrewed. In this case, you should buy a new aerator from a plumbing store. A high-quality part can be made of brass or steel and will last much longer than before.
If the nozzle does not unscrew, you can apply a vinegar compress to it. After a few hours, mobility will be restored.
The unscrewed aerator should be cleaned of large debris with running water.
Then place the product in a container with 9% vinegar and leave for 1-12 hours, depending on the contamination.
After the allotted time has passed, rinse the aerator under running water and carefully clean the holes with a needle.
The cleaned nozzle should be assembled and screwed into place.

It is recommended to rinse the aerator once a week, then cleaning will take place much faster.

The holes of the hydromassage nozzle often become clogged. You can clean your shower head with heated vinegar. To do this you need:

pour table vinegar into a container and heat it; soak parts of the disassembled shower head in warm vinegar; leave for 1-2 hours; after this time, rinse the parts with running water and carefully clean the holes using a needle; assemble the watering can and screw it back.

Dealing with old limescale is not the easiest task. It can cause the faucet to break down. To prevent this, you need to regularly clean the plumbing from plaque. Then it will serve the owner for many years.

Cleaning plumbing fixtures

In addition to cleaning chrome taps, other plumbing fixtures also require cleaning: shower heads, darkened areas of appliances, as well as buttons on the toilet, cabinet fittings.

For cleaning, improvised means are also used, and if they fail, household chemicals come to the rescue.

Cleaning the shower head

It is important to clear clogged holes in the shower head in a timely manner, before they are completely covered with lime flakes. To do this, try to disassemble the shower head. Soak the parts that were removed from the structure for 2 hours in a heated vinegar solution. After this, rinse them with water to remove the odor.

The hydromassage nozzle itself must be cleaned using a needle. It is also recommended to use some chemical compounds and clean the injectors with a toothbrush.

Recipe for cleaning darkened plumbing fixtures

Unfortunately, it is often impossible to restore damaged chrome plating. However, there is a tool that helps hide cleaning mistakes. For this purpose, a special composition is used for polishing metal parts of a car, including Goi paste. You can purchase such substances at any auto store, having previously consulted on this issue.

Another method of bringing chrome coatings to a shine is the use of car wax shampoos. They create a water-repellent film on the coating and protect the material from corrosion.

Don’t forget about timely cleaning of chrome taps, and then you won’t have to think about finding suitable products.

How to clean a faucet from rust, scale and other contaminants

In order to clean the faucet from rust, scale and other contaminants, you can use a variety of chemicals. It is not recommended to use compounds containing aggressive acids and chlorine. You also need to be careful with abrasive powders so as not to damage the chrome surface.

Cleaning products

You can find a variety of formulations on sale that will effectively help in the fight against pollution.
The most famous of them is “Silit”. Please note that regular gels for cleaning bathtubs and toilets, as well as bleaches, are not suitable for cleaning the inside of faucets. The most popular home remedies are:

The most popular home remedies are:

laundry soap;
lemon acid;
baking soda.

You should not mix different products, as you may accidentally end up with a caustic composition that will damage the metal. Before cleaning, put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from harm.

How to clean a faucet

If there is a light coating, you can simply wash the device with an appropriate product. If the deposits have penetrated deeply, you will have to remove and disassemble the entire mixer. Coarse dirt and rust from the internal parts can be cleaned with steel wool.

When cleaning external chrome surfaces, abrasive powders should be avoided.

If you cannot disassemble the faucet, you can soak it in detergent for several hours, in the hope that the lime build-up inside the device will dissolve or become brittle and fall off on its own. But there is no need to leave metal products in the solution for too long.

Removing limescale

Lime deposits are formed due to the presence of large amounts of calcium in the water. Hard water enters the water supply network quite often. White spots and stains can be easily removed from the surface of the faucet using laundry soap or soda. If there are persistent stains, you can cover them for a while with a cloth soaked in vinegar or a solution of citric acid, then rinse the part with clean water. It is better to use special products to treat internal surfaces.

Rust removal

If there is a significant amount of rust, it must first be cleaned off with a wire brush or sandpaper. The remaining traces, as well as slightly affected areas, are treated with the usual means: vinegar, soda, lemon juice.

You can try to wipe off the rust with a rag soaked in machine oil or kerosene. Car owners use a car cleaner for this purpose, or you can buy a special household anti-rust product in the store.

How to clean the aerator filter

The cause of a weak, uneven stream from the tap may be a clogged filter aerator. It often becomes clogged with small debris contained in the water. In addition, fine mesh is also susceptible to salt deposits and rust. The aerator is carefully unscrewed and immersed in the vinegar solution. Then it is rinsed and put in place.

If the filter is so “grown” to the tap that it is impossible to remove it, the cleaning solution is poured into the bag. This bag is hung on the tap, immersing the part of the device to be cleaned into it.

In the video, the author explains which components of the mixer need to be checked in order to improve the water supply.

Rust removal

Getting rid of scale is not the only problem. Even though clean water flows from the tap, its surface may become rusty. This is especially true for iron products that are susceptible to corrosion. How to remove rust stains?

It sounds strange, but the best solution when rust appears is semi-coarse flour. First, degrease the product with warm water and dish gel. Pour flour into a bowl, dip a sponge in water, in flour, wipe the rusty areas. Although at first glance this may seem incredible, in fact, this method is more effective than the similar (but harmful to chrome and nickel) procedure for removing rust with a cleaning powder.

If you still prefer powder, do not use it in its pure (abrasive) form. Place the powder in a bowl and add some water to create a soft paste. Carefully clean the rusty areas and rinse.