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How to remove limescale from tiles (8 crazy tips!)

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In some areas, limescale wreaks havoc on all surfaces in contact with hard water. Scale can in fact end up damaging our household appliances (and in particular the washing machine) or permanently dirtying our toilets, taps or sinks. However, nothing is more annoying than these white deposits accumulated on the tiles that cover the walls and floors of the bathroom or kitchen. It’s quite simple: once installed, these white residues no longer move and give a very neglected effect to the shower cubicle. So, take your household gloves, a scrubbing sponge or a soft-bristled brush as well as a toothbrush to clean the corners and joints and find out how to clean limescale on the tiles of the kitchen. shower in a jiffy!

You will see that with the right household products, this cleaning is very quick and effective. If in doubt, do not hesitate to test your product on an inconspicuous area to avoid irreparably damaging your tiles.

1) White vinegar against limescale on tiles

White vinegar should be avoided on porous surfaces such as marble or natural stone. However, in a tiled shower, nothing stops you from using the king of cleaning products to combat white spots. Its stain remover, antibacterial and descaling effect will provide a very effective result without damaging the shower. To do this, you can mix it with a little water in a spray bottle. For more difficult cleaning, however, consider use this pure anti-limescale or added a few drops of dishwashing liquid. It is even possible to heat your cleaning product. In all cases, the use remains the same: simply spray, leave to act, rub and wipe carefully.

2) Lemon to replace vinegar

For a very scaled surface, we can use to our advantage the acidity of the lemon which ultimately goes act exactly like vinegar, minus the smell ! To make the task easier, you can also cut this citrus fruit in half and use the flesh like a sponge to directly rub stubborn stains on tiles or joints. This will also, like vinegar, alloweliminate any mold which sometimes blacken the tiles when the humidity level is very high in the bathroom.

limestone shower tiles shower head
Credits: iStock

3) Clay stone against limestone on tiles

Clay stone is a very versatile ecological product that allows you to descale and remove tiles without damaging them. In addition, it will apply a protective film which will prevent dirt from returning too quickly to the tiles. Furthermore, it couldn’t be simpler to use. It is enough to take a little of this cream with a sponge (generally supplied with the product upon purchase) and use it all to rub the surface to be treated using small circular movements. Then rinse thoroughly and dry the tiles with a clean, dry cloth.

4) Bicarbonate for shiny, limescale-free tiles

If the tiles are lightly soiled, you can simply sprinkle this eco-friendly white powder onto a damp sponge and use it to scrub the wall or floor. Alternatively, it is also possible to form a paste with a little water and baking soda that you can use to scrub the areas to be cleaned. Don’t hesitate to add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to boost its effectiveness. Then, take this paste with a sponge or brush, apply, leave on, rinse and dry carefully. This will allow scrub tiles as well as whiten dirty joints.

5) Soda crystals to get rid of limescale on tiles

For more thorough cleaning and stubborn dirt, nothing beats soda crystals. Not to be confused with sodium bicarbonate, these crystals are in fact a notch above in terms of effectiveness and anti-limescale power. However, you must be sure that they pose no risk to the tiles before using them and wear gloves to protect your hands. Once equipped, all you have to do is dilute two tablespoons of crystals per liter of hot water. All you have to do is take the mixture with a brush or sponge and start rubbing vigorously. After cleaning, also make sure to rinse and dry the tiles well.

limestone shower tile drain
Credits: iStock

6) Citric acid to descale tiles covered in limescale

Don’t be afraid of his name! This acid is actually a very powerful ecological descaler and very multi-use. Less known than vinegar, it nevertheless replaces it hands down without merit. So it makes perfect sense to use it to remove limescale in a shower cubicle or to remove limescale from walls and floors. Her use is also very easy : pour a liter of hot water into a basin and add 1 to 4 tablespoons of citric acid (depending on the dirt to be removed). Then, use this mixture to soak a sponge or brush and carefully rub the areas to be treated. Remember to rinse and dry thoroughly afterwards!

7) Meudon white to find perfect tiling

Meudon white (or Spanish white) is ideal for cleaning scaled tiles. To do this, form a thick paste with a dose of white Meudon, one of water and another of white vinegar. Then, apply this paste to the tiles and rub well with a damp sponge or a soft cloth (microfiber cloth type, ideal for fragile tiles). All you have to do is rinse and dry.

8) Rinsing liquid to descale tiles

If you don’t mind using commercial chemicals, you can use anti-limescale gel or dishwasher rinse aid to clean. In fact, these two products will eliminate limescale effortlessly. To do this, simply apply them, leave to act and rinse with clean water before drying the tiles carefully. Note, however, that these solutions are obviously well less ecological and economical than others in addition to being more irritating.

clean limescale shower tiles
Credits: iStock

How to prevent limescale from appearing on tiles?

First of all, we emphasize the importance of a regular maintenance as well as a good drying after use. In fact, you are certainly already used to running the squeegee over the shower walls. So, remember to dry the tiles as you go to avoid scale problems and to clean them frequently to reduce the need for scrubbing. This will prevent the majority of unsightly white marks. Furthermore, you can consider installing a water softener to combat limescale. It is also the simplest and most effective solution to ensure the durability of the dishwasher or washing machine effortlessly.

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