How to clean faucets and plumbing from limescale? How to clean the mixer from limescale

Every housewife wants the taps in the kitchen and bathroom to shine. But tap water contains a lot of minerals, which causes white streaks and limescale on the outside and inside of faucets.

To prevent the appearance of soap stains and limescale, it is important not to forget to wipe the mixer dry with a soft cloth after each use. However, due to the hardness of the water, it is unlikely that they will be completely prevented. So let's take a look at a few effective methods how to clean the faucet and remove limescale.

Everything is simple here, buy special remedy for cleaning chrome products and follow the instructions. It is only important to follow a few simple rules:

Means that are intended for cleaning plumbing (sinks, toilets, etc.), rust removal, any bleaches are categorically not suitable for this purpose. They can disrupt the thin chrome layer covering your faucet and cause permanent dark spots which will then be difficult to remove.
You can't mix different chemicals. There is a high risk that their interaction will result in the release of dangerous harmful substances.
It is best to use liquid and foam different means, because powder with its abrasive particles, damages the surface, forming micro-scratches.
While using funds household chemicals remember to wear gloves to avoid chemical burns and allergies.

home remedies

Not many people know that limescale from a tap can be cleaned no less effectively and without the use of special household chemicals. And using homemade simple recipes.

Table 9% or Apple vinegar must be diluted 50/50 with water. With a soft cloth or sponge moistened with the resulting solution, carefully treat the surfaces damaged by plaque, rinse with water and wipe dry with a napkin.

For especially polluted places, it is recommended to apply an acetic compress. Heat the vinegar, soak a cloth in it, and wrap the faucet around it. Leave for an hour or an hour and a half, then rinse with water and wipe with a dry cloth. Also, removable parts, for example, a shower head in the bathroom, can be unscrewed and lowered into a solution of vinegar. Leave for 1-2 hours, depending on the degree of contamination, clean, then rinse thoroughly with water. Vinegar will do an excellent job with traces of even persistent, old plaque and will also help clean other surfaces damaged by plaque in the bathroom.

Citric acid and soda

give initial shine mortar will help your mixer citric acid, or the usual baking soda. We dip a damp sponge in soda or in a solution of citric acid and clean the surface of the tap and mixer. We complete the procedure by thoroughly rinsing the treated areas with water and wiping with a dry cloth. Hard-to-reach places can be cleaned with a regular toothpick.

Coca Cola

Removing limescale from a faucet can help, don't be surprised, even Coca-Cola. After all, the composition of the drink beloved by many, in addition to caffeine and sugar, includes acids that will help us cope with an old plaque. According to the principle of working with vinegar and citric acid, we use cola compresses and rub the surfaces of the mixer and taps with it. Many housewives should take note of this method, because this “magic drink” can not only remove dirt, but also clean your faucet inside, and even eliminate blockages. Coke is just as easy to handle bad smell without emitting any harmful fumes.

Keeping a bathroom clean is a lot of work, requiring precious time to be spent cleaning and polishing the details. faucet. Under the influence of dirt, dust and soapy water, faucets fade, become covered with stains and various deposits. Cleaning the faucets in the bathroom is quite problematic due to complex shape and features of the coating, so plumbing owners should familiarize themselves with simple and effective ways care and cleaning of faucets.

Most importantly, before you start disinfecting and cleaning, you need to determine the type of faucet cover. This is required for right choice means and more delicate cleaning of the surface of the mixer, based on its features:

during cleaning, do not forget about the aerator of the mixer, since it is there that scale and rust particles settle;
do not use abrasive products to clean the sanitary ware, because aggressive cleaning can severely damage the surface of the mixer;
when cleaning the surface with a sponge, you need to wash the faucet with a softer side to avoid scuffs and visible scratches;
To make taps and bathtubs shine and delight with mirror cleanliness, you can try applying a little delicate glass cleaner to the mixer before the final wipe with a dry cloth.

How to clean a chrome or nickel-plated faucet?

Chrome-plated and nickel-plated faucet surfaces require special approach for cleaning and disinfection. To wash the mixer, you can use the following products:

Dishwashing liquid

One glass of warm water should be mixed with a tablespoon of detergent. Next, soak the sponge with the solution and carefully clean the parts of the product. invert Special attention you need on the base, spout, valves and levers of the crane.

Baking soda

How to clean rust from a chrome faucet in the bathroom with ordinary soda? Using a soft, damp sponge or cloth, the baking soda is distributed over the contaminated surface and left for half an hour. Then it is washed off with cool water.

white vinegar

6% white vinegar is poured into a spray bottle and spread over the chrome and nickel surfaces of the product, dissolving mineral deposits. Do not touch the vinegar drops for 10 minutes. Wipe the mixer with a dry soft cloth.

Cleaning copper faucet and stainless steel faucet

A copper faucet begins to fade over time and become covered with a greenish-brown coating. The next step is to clean the copper faucet in the bathroom.

Cola or Pepsi

The spray bottle is filled with ordinary Cola or Pepsi. Soda is sprayed onto the mixer and soak for a few minutes. Rinse with clean water and gently wipe with a damp cloth. Thanks to the acid contained in carbonated drinks, they do an excellent job of cleaning copper parts of the product.

Vinegar and salt solution

To clean the copper product from green plaque, you will need to remove the mixer and boil it in water with the addition of vinegar and salt.

How to Clean a Brass or Bronze Faucet

Knowing how to clean brass faucets in the bathroom, you can quickly and easily return a dull product to its original appearance and noble matte shine. Most effective recipes brass faucet cleaning are shown below.

A mixture of vinegar, salt and flour

For its preparation, one tablespoon of 6% vinegar, salt and wheat flour is required. The cleaning mixture is spread over the surface with a damp sponge. Next, the parts of the tap are rinsed with cool water and wiped soft cloth dry.

tomato paste

it effective remedy will help restore the brass faucet shine and cleanliness. The faded areas are covered with tomato paste and aged for about half an hour. Then the cleaned mixer is rinsed and carefully wiped.

Linseed oil

An excellent prevention against dullness and darkening of brass is the periodic application of a thin layer of linseed oil to the water tap.

Lemon juice

With the help of citric acid and salt, you can restore the brass product to its former radiance. To do this, cut a small lemon in half, sprinkle with finely ground salt and wipe the surface of the sanitary ware with it.

Bronze faucets, just like brass ones, darken very quickly and take on a dull look. If the bronze mixer is too dirty, a specialized paste, such as Trilon-B, will be required to clean it. In other cases, homemade cleansers can be used.

chicory powder

To prepare a cleaning composition, 3 tablespoons of chicory are diluted warm water to a mushy state. The finished mixture is spread over the contaminated bronze surface. Washes off after a while.

A mixture of sodium and potassium

With severe pollution, a solution of potassium helps and sodium hydroxide. The composition is evenly applied and aged for about half an hour. Then it is thoroughly washed and dried.

Important! To avoid damage and scratches when cleaning brass or bronze faucet do not use metal brushes and too hard fabrics.

Cleaning hard-to-reach places on complex faucets

Another important problem in the operation of the mixer is the accumulation of dirt between the parts of the product. To clean such hard-to-reach places, a few simple tricks will come in handy:

take the old Toothbrush and with its help, baking soda is rubbed into the contaminated slots of the tap (to make it easier to remove the dirt, a drop of water or vinegar is added to the soda);
20–40 cm of dental floss are measured and cleaned with it hard-to-reach places and faucet joints. After that, do not forget to rinse the mixer with cool water and wipe dry.

Timely cleaning of the water tap from various pollution will allow in the future not to waste energy on removing old stains and dissolving mineral deposits. If you regularly follow the above recommendations, in the bathroom you can not only enjoy cleanliness and radiance, but also significantly extend the life of the sanitary ware.

Faucets, bathrooms and kitchens often get limescale deposits. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have special cleaning products on hand. Clean the faucet or faucet from limescale ordinary lemon and baby oil will help.

Ways to remove limescale from the surface of a faucet or faucet

Take a knife, cut lemon peel. We rub her faucet, faucet, sink. Gradually, lemon juice dissolves limescale. Now it remains to rinse the surface with water and wipe the tap with a dry cloth. The faucet shines, and the kitchen is in perfect order!

Lime stains on faucets, soap deposits on faucets are eternal problems. We continue to remove them without the use of household chemicals! We take baby oil, apply on a soft cloth (a few drops are enough) and wipe the mixer. Then polish the surface with a dry cloth. Baby oil easily removes all faucet limescale, soap streaks and greasy stains.

Descalers

For adherents of household chemicals on the market there is a huge selection of cleaning products for cleaning the tap or mixer from limescale.Tip: when buying a special powder, carefully read 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 directed exclusively at lime deposits. Therefore, look for in the composition of the product: anti-corrosion inhibitors.

Sulfuric, hydrochloric or nitric acid

Acids are heavy artillery for cleaning a faucet. They decompose not only plaque and rust, but also enamel and metal coating. Means with such acids can be used only in advanced cases and only with gloves on the hands.

For daily processing, it is better to choose softer products - based on surfactants. When they get into the water, they are almost completely biodegradable, and also 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. caring about metal surfaces better trust liquid products. Apply the product on the surface, leave for 5-10 minutes, rinse with water. And enjoy the glitter!

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

How to avoid the formation of plaque?

In the care of any sink, shower or bathtub, it is best to try to avoid the formation of limescale than to go to great lengths to get rid of the pollution. To facilitate the care of household plumbing, it is recommended to observe the following rules for its operation:

after each use of the sink or bath, thoroughly rinse the bowl and faucet, and wipe them dry with a soft cloth;
carefully remove every drop of liquid on plumbing to avoid the formation of dry streaks;
every month, you should take the time to thoroughly disinfect the bathroom, which will prevent the formation and reproduction of mold and fungi, which can lead to health problems.

By following these simple rules, which take no more than a couple of minutes, you can long time not to think about the problems associated with clogging of faucets and the need for weekly cleaning of taps.

How to clean the faucet from limescale?

If there are still unpleasant contaminants on the tap, then you can get rid of them using several methods. The main difficulty here lies in the fact that these structures usually have a relief surface. To achieve the desired result, be patient and use one of the following cleaning methods.

Method #1 - Acetic Solution

A concentrated solution of vinegar and water, which is prepared in a ratio of 1: 1, will help to clean the faucet from limescale at home.

Clean the faucet surface as follows:

In a pre-prepared bowl, mix equal amounts of water and 9% table vinegar.
Soak a kitchen sponge in the prepared solution.
Treat the surface of your faucet carefully.
Rinse the structure with running water.
Wipe the faucet dry with a dry, clean, soft cloth.

Important! If the plaque is already old and large, it is better to unscrew the tap and place it in a container with such a solution overnight. This time will be sufficient for the effective splitting of salt deposits on the metal surface.

Method #2 - Hot Acetic Acid

To clean the faucet from limescale, you can use acetic acid in a different way:

Heat, but do not boil, the vinegar - the table solution should be warm, but not hot.
Soak a soft cloth in the resulting liquid.
Wrap cloth around your faucet.
Leave the plumbing in this state for half an hour or an hour.
Rinse the surface of the faucet thoroughly - warm water is best for this.
Wipe the faucet dry with a soft cloth.

Important! When working with vinegar, be sure to use personal protective equipment - rubber gloves and a respirator. These precautions are necessary to protect the skin of the hands from irritation when interacting with acid. It is also very important to protect the respiratory tract, because when evaporated, vinegar has a rather pungent odor, inhalation of which in large volumes can lead to irritation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa.

Method #3 - Citric Acid

A solution of water and citric acid has a sufficiently high cleaning effect. Cleaning using this tool is carried out as follows:

Method #4 - Baking Soda and Soap

Such simple means cleaning products, like laundry soap and baking soda, are sure to be at hand for every housewife. However, not everyone knows that with their help it is enough to simply remove limescale from the tap. For best results, follow these cleaning tips:

Dissolve a bar of laundry soap in hot water.
In the resulting thick solution, add a small amount of table soda.
Soak a kitchen sponge in the prepared cleaning agent and carefully treat the surface of the faucet.
After cleaning, wash off the remaining soap with running water;
The surface of the tap must be wiped dry with a soft cloth.

Important! In the hard-to-reach area of the faucet, you can clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush. A special microfiber cloth is perfect for cleaning embossed surfaces.

Use of household chemicals

You can also clean the faucet of limescale with the help of specially designed cleaning products that are sold in every household chemical store. However, when choosing and using chemical substances There are a few very important things to keep in mind:

You can use only those products that are intended for the treatment of chrome surfaces, in no case will rust cleaners, bleaches and detergents for toilets be suitable. This is due to the fact that the chrome coating is very active chemically and can react with acids, which will inevitably lead to the destruction of the faucet surface.
Prefer liquid detergents, as abrasives can cause fine scratches on the surface of the faucet, which will significantly reduce its aesthetic appeal.
Do not mix several chemical compositions and use only the specified cleaning agent.
In the process of using chemicals, be sure to use personal safety equipment, which will protect the mucous membrane from chemical burns, and the skin from irritation.

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

But on this we do not say goodbye, come again!

Double valve

In such a mixer, the force of the water flow is controlled by the so-called crane boxes. There are two of them: separately for cold and hot water. One of three types is usually used:

worm;
lamellar;
ball.

When we turn the valve, the locking mechanisms open the way for the corresponding flow. After passing through the faucet box, 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 handle-lever is turned, the plates are displaced relative to each other. This expands or closes the holes through which water passes.

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

ball

For installation in the bathroom, the 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 tap. Structurally, this device is close to the ceramic crane box. Adjustment is made by rotating a small lever.

This mechanism is extremely reliable and less prone to breakage, unlike another popular variety - a push-button shower switch.

How to disassemble the mixer into parts

Limescale does more than just stain chrome surfaces. It accumulates between the elements of the mixer and interferes with their normal operation. Therefore, to clean the internal areas, you have to remove the crane and disassemble it into parts.

In the bathroom

Bathrooms often have twin-valve faucets because they require more precise temperature control. To remove such a mixer, the first step is to shut off the supply to the pipes of both hot and cold water.

The further course of action is as follows:

disconnect mixer from water pipes by unscrewing the nuts holding it;
remove the red and blue plugs on the faucet handles and unscrew the screws under them;
unscrew both faucets from the mixer using an adjustable wrench;
disconnect the faucet spout with aerator.

If the device uses rubber or plastic gaskets, it is recommended to upgrade them.

The crane-boxes themselves with ceramic elements there is no point in repairing, it is easier to buy new ones to replace them. It will be inexpensive. We clean all the parts with a detergent from rust and lime and assemble the structure in the reverse order.

In the shower

A diverter shower faucet is similar in design to a faucet with only two valves. Having disconnected the mixer from the water supply network, the faucets for cold and hot water are unscrewed from it, then the shower / gander switch is removed. To do this, also remove the plug and, by unscrewing the screw, remove the lever. After cleaning the parts, they are reassembled into a single structure.

In this case, it is necessary to pay attention to the safety of the shower hose. It is easy to damage it with a metal tool, so it is better to disconnect the hose manually.

If this fails, the nuts must be wrapped with a cloth so as not to be scratched. The shower head is removed and placed in a solution of vinegar for several hours to clean the water holes. Especially heavily clogged holes are pierced with a toothpick.

In the kitchen

Many people prefer to install a single-lever faucet in the kitchen. In the process of cooking, it is convenient to regulate the water with one hand. To clean such a mixer, you need:

remove the plug located under the lever and unscrew the screw;
pull the lever handle up and remove it from the cartridge stem;
remove the cap that closes the mechanism from above and unscrew the clamping nut;
remove the cartridge from the faucet body.

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

In order to clean the mixer 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

On sale you can find a variety of compounds that will effectively help in the fight against pollution. The most famous of them is Silit.

Please note that ordinary bath and toilet gels, as well as bleaches, are not suitable for cleaning faucets from the inside.

The most popular home remedies are:

laundry soap;
lemon acid;
baking soda.

Do not mix different products, as you can accidentally get a caustic composition that will damage the metal. Before cleaning, put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from harmful effects.

How to clean a faucet

In the presence of light plaque, you can simply rinse the device with an appropriate agent. If 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 a steel wool.

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

If it is not possible to disassemble the mixer, then it can be soaked 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 their own. But you don't have to leave hardware in solution for too long.

Limescale removal

Lime deposits are formed due to the high content of calcium in the water. Hard water enters water supply network often enough. White spots and stains can be easily removed from the surface of the mixer with laundry soap or soda. In the presence of persistent contamination, they can be covered for a while with a cloth soaked in vinegar or a solution of citric acid, then rinse the part clean water. For the treatment of internal surfaces, it is better to use special tools.

Rust removal

If there is a significant amount of rust, it must first be cleaned 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 an auto cleaner for this purpose, or you can buy a special household anti-rust agent in the store.

How to clean the aerator filter

The cause of a weak uneven jet from the tap may be a clogged aerator filter. It is often clogged with small debris contained in the water. In addition, the fine mesh is also susceptible to salt deposits and rust. The aerator is carefully unscrewed and immersed in a solution of vinegar. Then it is rinsed and set 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 package is hung on a crane, immersing the part of the device to be cleaned into it.

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

Preventive actions

Even with increased water hardness, contamination of the mixer will not be a problem if the plumbing equipment is properly maintained. For example, you can apply the following methods:

install water softener filters;
install coarse and fine mechanical filters;
Use suitable cleaning agents;
remove lime deposits while they are fresh;
coat external surfaces with a special shampoo that forms a film that protects against dirt.

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

Using the methods described, any skilled owner will be able to clean the mixer. For this you need a screwdriver wrench and a special agent for removing rust and lime deposits. The main thing is not to forget to close the shut-off valves for hot and cold water before starting work. All these efforts will not go in vain. A smooth, powerful jet from the tap will help you quickly and easily complete all household chores.