Spotless Faucets: 5 Ways to Remove Calcium Build-up from Your Faucets

If there’s one thing that every plumber from Vancouver, Richmond, New Westminster and elsewhere on the Lower Mainland gets asked about on a regular basis, it’s how to remove that persistent, cloudy residue from sinks and faucets. Anyone living with hard water knows that it contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, that leave unsightly stains on all the faucets. Keep reading for five tips on how to remove calcium build-up and enjoy clean sinks and faucets.

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

Using an all-purpose cleaner may help you maintain spotless showerheads and faucets for a while, but it usually isn’t strong enough to tackle tough buildup on its own. Use your all-purpose cleaner to keep sinks and faucets clean in between the methods described below.

2. Lemon Juice
The naturally occurring acids in lemon juice are strong enough to cut through a few layers of mineral deposits. Try cleaning your faucets with a fresh lemon. You may well find yourself amazed at the results.

3. Vinegar
Like lemon juice, vinegar is a powerful acid that can dissolve mineral deposits that have built up over time. You can put vinegar in a spray bottle and use it like you would an all-purpose cleaner, or simply soak a cleaning cloth in vinegar, wrap around your faucet, and allow it to penetrate for several hours before wiping clean.

4. An Overnight Soak
When regular cleaning isn’t doing the trick, try soaking your faucets or showerheads overnight. Simply cover your faucet with a large Ziploc bag that contains enough vinegar or lemon juice to submerge the faucet completely, then secure with rubber bands and leave overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and wipe clean.

5. Commercial Mineral Cleaner
A commercial mineral cleaner like CLR is another great option for tough, stuck-on stains. You can use the plastic bag method outlined above, or remove the shower head and faucet aerators to soak in the solution for a few hours, and then wipe the outside of the faucet clean.

If hard water is a problem in your home, a water softener can offer you the long-term solution you seek. Whether you’re in North Vancouver or the surrounding area, one of the friendly and professional plumbers at Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating can help you make your plumbing sparkling inside and out. From Langley, to Burnaby, to Tsawwassen and back again, we’re your neighbourhood plumber. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to request a quote.