How To Remove Calcium Limescale

Hard water can leave behind calcium and limescale buildup, making your taps, shower, and toilet look dull, stained, and unhygienic. Over time, these deposits can even affect water flow and damage your plumbing fixtures.

The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive treatments, there are plenty of effective ways to remove calcium and limescale buildup using simple household solutions.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to remove calcium buildup, how to remove limescale from showers and toilets, and how to tackle built-up limescale from taps.

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What Causes Calcium and Limescale Buildup?

Limescale is caused by hard water, which contains high levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium. As water evaporates, it leaves behind these mineral deposits, forming the chalky white or yellowish buildup you see on taps, showers, toilets, and kettles.

While limescale itself isn’t harmful, it can make surfaces look unsightly, reduce water pressure by clogging pipes and showerheads, and cause damage to plumbing fixtures over time.
If you’re dealing with stubborn limescale deposits, follow these tried-and-tested methods to remove calcium buildup effectively.

How to Remove Calcium Buildup from Your Shower

If your showerhead is spraying water unevenly or your shower screen is covered in cloudy spots, calcium buildup is likely the culprit. Here’s how to remove it.

Method 1: Vinegar Soak for Showerheads

1. Remove the showerhead (if possible) and place it in a bowl of white vinegar.
2. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for heavy buildup).
3. Scrub the nozzles with an old toothbrush to dislodge any remaining limescale.
4. Rinse with warm water and reinstall.

If you can’t remove the showerhead, fill a plastic bag with vinegar, tie it around the showerhead, and leave it to soak.

Method 2: Baking Soda Paste for Shower Screens

1. Mix baking soda and water to form a paste.
2. Apply it to the shower glass using a sponge.
3. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse with water.

To prevent limescale, wipe down your shower screen with a squeegee after each use.

How to Remove Limescale from Your Toilet

Limescale stains in the toilet bowl can be tough to remove, especially if they’ve been left for a long time. Follow these steps to restore your toilet to its original shine.

Method 1: Vinegar and Baking Soda

1. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the toilet bowl and let it sit for an hour.
2. Add half a cup of baking soda and scrub the stains with a toilet brush.
3. Flush the toilet to rinse away the loosened limescale.

If the stains persist, try scrubbing with a pumice stone (just make sure the bowl is wet to avoid scratches).

Method 2: Lemon Juice and Borax

1. Sprinkle Borax powder directly on limescale stains.
2. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the Borax to create a fizzing reaction.
3. Scrub the bowl and flush to rinse.

The acid in lemon juice helps dissolve stubborn limescale deposits.

How to Remove Built-Up Limescale from Taps

Hard water leaves white streaks and deposits around taps, making them look dull and grimy. Follow these steps to remove built-up limescale from taps.

Method 1: Vinegar Wrap

1. Soak a cloth or paper towel in white vinegar.
2. Wrap it around the tap and leave it for 30–60 minutes.
3. Remove the cloth and scrub with a sponge or toothbrush.
4. Rinse with warm water and dry with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.

For aerators (the small mesh inside the tap), remove and soak them in vinegar overnight.

Method 2: Lemon and Salt Scrub

1. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt on the cut side.
2. Use the lemon as a scrubber, rubbing it over the limescale deposits.
3. Rinse and polish the tap with a dry cloth.

Lemon juice is a natural acid that dissolves calcium buildup.

How to Prevent Limescale and Calcium Buildup

While cleaning limescale is important, prevention is even better. Here are some easy ways to reduce buildup in your home.

• Install a water softener or whole home filtration system to reduce calcium and magnesium in your water, preventing hard water stains.
• Use a squeegee on shower screens to wipe away excess water and prevent deposits.
• Clean taps and showerheads regularly with a quick vinegar soak once a month to keep limescale at bay.
• Flush toilets frequently to prevent limescale buildup in toilets that aren’t used often.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If calcium and limescale buildup have severely affected your plumbing, you might need expert help. Heavy deposits can clog pipes, reduce water flow, and damage fixtures beyond DIY repair.

Need help with clogged pipes? Or want to stop limescale altogether with a whole home filtration system? Swan’s Professional Plumbing offers expert plumbing maintenance services. Contact us today for professional assistance.