How do you get the limescale off the shower screen and prevent it? How to Soften Hard Water Guide

Limescale is a mineral deposit on our shower screens and taps. It is formed from the chemical reaction of dissolved calcium and magnesium in hard water with naturally occurring carbonates such as limestone or chalk, often combined with organic material such as soap scum.

• Natural Remedies and Cleaners to Get Rid of Limescale
• How to Remove Limescale from Showers
• How to Prevent Limescale and Make Hard Water Soft

Natural Remedies and Chemical Cleaners You Can Use to Get Rid of Limescale

If you want to get rid of limescale, it's easier than you think. Many household cleaners contain a high acidic content, which quickly dissolves limescale. The following remedies can assist you in getting rid of limescale.

• White Vinegar. Plain white vinegar (acetic acid) is the most commonly used product to clean limescale. It is a simple and readily available remedy that can clean many surfaces, including shower screens, taps, and tiles. You should mix vinegar and water equally and rinse the shower screen. Even though this method of cleaning shower screens and fixtures requires relative scrubbing effort, it can effectively remove limescale and stain marks.

• Baking Soda (Bicarb). Bicarb of soda (or bicarbonate of soda) reacts with the lime deposits and hence is an effective way to remove limescale on shower screens and taps. Make a paste using baking soda with water and apply it to the surface. Make sure you wet the area of the net well so that it is absorbed by it. Baking soda is a natural abrasive, which makes it suitable for scrubbing limescale off the shower screens and taps. You can also use a brush to allow better contact between the limescale and the chemical. You should apply this product with care, as it may damage natural stone in your shower if used with too much force.

Chemical Shower Cleaners

If home remedies such as vinegar and bicarb are not effective enough for you, then you should try chemical cleaners like this extra strong limescale remover foam spray. They are usually acidic and dissolve limescale effectively. 

Care should be taken when using these chemical cleaners, as they can be very harsh on the skin, making it wise to wear gloves and glasses. You can use the spray version of the chemical cleansers, but mixing up some vinegar and water is advisable before applying it to your shower screen or taps. Also, always rinse the product off cleanly after use.

How to Remove Limescale from Showers and Taps

Apply a home-based remedy such as vinegar onto a cloth. Make sure it is just damp – not soaking wet. Wrap the fabric around the shower head or tap, and secure it with a rubber band. Make sure all parts of the faucet are covered. 

Leave it for around one hour. Intermittently squeeze the cloth to release more of the remedy onto the tap. The limescale will soften and dissolve, making it easier to wipe off. 

If there is still a significant amount of limescale left after one hour, then cut a lemon in half and screw it onto the tap spout until it stays in place. Check the progress after about one hour, then scrape off the remaining limescale with a brush. Rinse the tap thoroughly with clean water.

Interesting on the theme:

Brands of showers and manufacturers differ from country to country. You may be interested to read an overview of the USA market where we have compared the Best shower systems in 2022 from the trusted manufacturers Moen, American Standart, Grohe, and Delta. 

If you are in the UK market, here are the leading German brands Grohe and Hansgrohe, and the British brand MiraShowers are prevalent. Read Best thermostatic shower in the UK. In the United Kingdom are also widespread Electric Showers for Low Pressure. 

How to Remove Limescale from Shower Screens

Most shower screens are made of glass, but some are plastic. Regardless of material, cleaning them using home-based remedies is possible.

• Pour a small amount of remedy solution onto a soft cloth and apply it liberally to the screen, making sure it soaks into all parts of the screen. 
• Make sure you scrub the sections where water collects, as this is where the limescale tends to be most visible. You may want to use a stiff brush to apply the solution, but be gentle and don't force it into your screen. 
• Leave the answer to soak in for a while, and then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until you are satisfied that you have removed all traces of limescale. 
• Rinse the screen thoroughly with water.

How to Prevent Limescale? How to make hard water soft 

Limescale is entirely harmless and can be cleaned off. But you may prefer a sparkly-looking shower rather than a scummy one. For this reason, you may want to prevent limescale and always have a clean, transparent shower screen, taps, and bathroom.

Hard water softeners

If you have hard water and suffer from dry, itchy skin, you will benefit from the efficient water softener. It turns hard water into a softened one that is pleasant and healthy for your skin and hair and makes fibers softer.

It protects appliances and the plumbing system, decreasing dishwashing and laundering costs. Here you will find the Best Trusted Water Softeners in the UK Compared. 

• In Canada, cabinet water softeners are not as popular as in Europe, so the 5-Stage Filtration System with Ultimate Water Softener is the best choice if you live in Canada.
• Whirlpool is the best trusted manufacturer of hard water softeners in the US. This hybrid water softener/filter has a superior hardness removal rating and also helps reduce reddish-brown stains on drains and water-using appliances.

Anti-limescale hard water filter

A limescale filter is a device that prevents limescale from building up in your hot water heaters and boilers. Your water company or local plumber can install the 3M Whole House Scale Inhibition Inline Water Filter. It uses a mechanical filter to remove the lime scale deposits. 

Whole-house filters are a lot more expensive than an inline water filter but will also provide you with the benefits of keeping your pipes clear, unrestricted water flow and a better taste. In addition to preventing limescale, whole house water filters also take care of chlorine.

The fastest and cheapest way to reduce hardness is to use a shower filter for your showerhead. It removes chlorine, odors. And makes the water slightly softer altering pH. 

How Can I Guess Is My Water Hard or Soft? Indicators of hard water

The hardness of water is measured by the concentration of dissolved minerals in the water. The higher the level of minerals, the harder the water. The most common minerals in hard water are calcium and magnesium. Visible indicators of hard water in your area are:

• Caustic Spots. Caustic spots or rings are brown or white marks left behind on porcelain baths, sinks, or toilet surfaces. Instead of water spots and soap scum, you get dried calcium deposits from white or brown splotches.
• Accumulated white crusting. You will notice a thick, white residue or crusting on cooking utensils and pans. This is a sign of high levels of calcium in the water.

Soap that won't lather. It is common for the minerals in hard water to clog up soap leaving it unable to produce a good lather.