Limescale around base of taps

Gaia2014

Hi,

I was wondering if anybody knows how to remove limescale from around the base of taps.
The taps in my bathroom sink have a ring around them, which I think is limescale, but could be something else. I don't particularly want to use any harsh chemicals around the taps because it's the sink I use the water from them to brush my teeth :eek:

Looks unsightly

Any ideas gratefully received :beer:

[Deleted User]

Hi,

try an old toothbrush and fairy liquid first, see if that helps.

Edit: that's for around the taps, not your teeth.

Edit 2: try a drop vinegar with old toothbrush.

Gaia2014

Thanks I'll give that ok. I think the seal may not be tight enough and water is leaking through...
and I live in a hard water area.

juniper-j

I use lemon juice to get rid of limescale inside kettles etc, try cutting a thick slice of a fresh lemon and cutting through to the middle of it before wedging it around the base of your tap. leave it overnight and it should hopefully show a result.

heath480

White vinegar is amazing at removing limescale.

Ms_Chocaholic

I (very carefully) use a pair of nail scissors to scrape it off.

casper_g

Use something acidic like white vinegar. If it's a tough stain soak some kitchen roll in the vinegar and leave it on the limescale for a while, say overnight.

Mind you, I'd just use Viakal. It's really the business. As long as you rinse well it won't do you any harm. Even if there was some left on the sink, it won't get into the water you get from the top of the tap, will it?

EssexExile

I use Viakal in the kettle so it can't that harmf....

jrtfan

I'd suggest vinegar as well. What I do is get a load of cotton wool and soak it well with the vinegar, then wrap it around the bases of the taps and leave overnight.

It works wonders if you have a leaky/drippy tap in a hard water area too, cotton wool with vinegar, wrap a small plastic sandwich bag or some clingfilm around the lot and secure with an elastic band.

Gaia2014

Thank you everyone. I will try the toothbrush and fairy liquid first, then the lemon juice or white vinegar. I have some Viakel, but usually use that in the shower basin.

DTDfanBoy

Wrap a paper towel soaked in vinegar around the base of each tap and let the acid do the hard work