How to Remove Limescale from Taps

Best Practices to Prevent Limescale on Taps

If you’re in a hard water area, your taps are likely picking up limescale even when they look clean. The buildup often starts in places you can’t see—inside the tap or under the handle. Waiting too long makes it worse. Knowing how to get limescale off taps can save you a lot of time.

Installing a Water Softener

A water softener makes things much easier in the long term. It takes out the minerals—mainly calcium and magnesium—that make the water hard in the first place. That means fewer chalky marks, better flow from your taps, and less scrubbing. You’ll still clean, but not as often and not as hard.

Regular Cleaning Tips for Taps

Wiping your taps regularly keeps the build-up from getting out of hand. A soft cloth and a bit of vinegar or lemon juice will usually do. If you let it sit too long, it gets harder to remove. Quick clean-ups every few days are the best way to descale taps

Why Does Limescale Build Up on Taps?

Hard water brings invisible minerals that stick on top of each other after the water dries. Over time, they leave behind thick white marks.

What Causes Limescale Buildup?

Limescale starts forming when hard water dries out. It leaves bits of calcium and magnesium behind. These minerals don’t just disappear—they settle on surfaces, especially metal ones, and hang around.

The Impact of Hard Water on Taps

Hard water doesn’t just look bad—it also clogs up your tap’s insides. It can block the flow and make your tap harder to turn. In the long run, it wears down the inside parts and shortens the life of the appliance.

Why Choose Harvey Water Softeners for Limescale Prevention?

There are many ways to clean limescale from taps once it appears. But stopping it from showing up in the first place is even better. That’s where Harvey Water Softeners come in. Our systems help protect your home from the inside out.

Long-Term Limescale Reduction

Harvey Water Softeners know how to get rid of limescale on taps. We remove the minerals, preventing limescale on faucets. Once the water is softened, it flows clean without leaving behind chalky stains. You’ll see the difference in your shower screens and kitchen sink in just a few weeks. No more daily scrubbing. Just cleaner surfaces and easier upkeep, all thanks to water that’s kinder to your home.

Protect Your Appliances with Soft Water

When you use soft water, you don’t just help your taps—you protect everything connected to your water. Your kettle, dishwasher, washing machine, and even your boiler stay cleaner inside. With Harvey’s system, your home runs smoother, and everything looks new.

How Often Should You Clean Limescale from Taps?

Keeping taps clean isn’t just about looks. It’s also about how well they function. Cleaning schedules can change based on your water and how much you use it. But there are some signs to watch for and ways to know when it’s time to act.

Frequency Based on Water Hardness

• • In very hard water areas, cleaning limescale from taps is needed every week.

• • In moderate areas, every two weeks is usually enough.

• • In softer water regions, you might get away with cleaning once a month.

This isn’t a strict rule—just a rough idea. Your water use and habits also matter. If you see white marks sooner, clean them sooner.

Signs Your Taps Need Descaling

You don’t need a water tester to know something’s off. Your taps will give you clues:

• • White crust or flakes: These are the most obvious signs. They show up around the base or where water comes out.

• • Weird water flow: If the stream is broken or uneven, limescale buildup on taps may be blocking the holes inside the tap filter, unscrew it and get rid of flakes inside.

• • Cloudy or dull surface: If your tap loses its shine and feels rough, it’s probably due to deposits sitting on top.

When you notice these signs, don’t wait. The longer you leave it, the harder it is to remove and the more damage it can cause.

FAQ

What causes limescale?
Limescale is caused by hard water- water that contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. When this hard water dries on taps, showerheads or kettles, the minerals deposit and build up over time as limescale.

What dissolves limescale / what removes limescale from taps?
Mild acids work well to dissolve limescale. For example, white vinegar or lemon juice — both acidic — can break down calcium and magnesium deposits, effectively removing limescale from taps, shower-heads or faucets.

What gets rid of stubborn or heavy limescale build-up?
For tougher, older build-up you can use a stronger natural acid such as powdered citric acid, or let a vinegar (or lemon juice) soak applied for longer (e.g. several hours or overnight) to dissolve the deposits.

How do you remove limescale from taps safely without damaging fittings?
Use a gentle acid solution (like a 50:50 mix of white vinegar and water) or lemon juice, soak a cloth or bag around the tap, then scrub gently with a soft cloth or brush. Avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive materials on plated or delicate finishes. Rinse thoroughly and dry to prevent future build-up.

Why is using a water softener helpful to prevent limescale?
Because limescale is caused by hard water minerals, using a water softener helps remove those minerals from the water supply before they reach your taps or appliances, reducing or preventing future limescale formation.