You know the white or chalky deposits that build up and dull your bathroom fixtures? The cloudy film on your shower screen? If you’ve seen this before in your bathroom, you’re dealing with calcium buildup. Don’t worry — it’s not permanent! With proper cleaning, you can get your bathroom looking fresh again.
Hard water causes calcium buildup — also known as limescale — through high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. After a shower, when the water evaporates, these minerals are left behind as a white chalky buildup. This buildup can become hard to remove if left too long.
It won’t harm your health, but it can make your bathroom look dirty and might clog up your tapware over time.
If calcium deposits start taking over your bathroom, it’s time for a deep clean. Here are some ways you can clean calcium buildup in your bathroom:
Remove your showerhead and soak it in white vinegar for at least an hour. For taps and mixer tap wall-mounted fixtures, soak a cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the affected area.
Let them sit then use a toothbrush or sponge to wipe away the excess before rinsing with warm water.
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and fill a spray bottle.
Spray the solution onto the affected glass areas and let sit for 15–30 minutes.
Use a cloth or sponge to scrub at the calcium buildup, and then rinse with warm water.
To make your limescale-prone areas look as good as new, cut a lemon in half and apply it directly to the affected area. The lemon's citric acid will help break down calcium deposits, leaving the surface shining and the air freshened.
More stubborn limescale needs a different approach. If you have deep-set calcium buildup, here are some ways to remove it.
Remove your showerhead and aerators and soak them overnight in vinegar. Then, use a pin or needle to clear out any remaining buildup from the nozzles. Rinse with warm water before reapplying.
For thicker layers of calcium, use a plastic scraper to lift the residue. After removing the thicker build-up, apply the baking soda/vinegar mixture to lift the excess. Rinse the areas with warm water.
Unfortunately, if you live in an area with hard water, you’ll probably always deal with calcium deposits. You can avoid this by installing a water softener
Keeping calcium buildup at bay is all about regular maintenance, and staying on top of the issue before it gets worse.
Whether tackling deposits on your shower screen or removing years' worth of limescale build-up, a little effort goes a long way.
