Limescale is a common problem in our homes, especially when tap water is hard. It can build up on tile and other surfaces, leaving unsightly white marks that are difficult to remove. Fortunately, our grandmothers had already found effective solutions to overcome encrusted limestone. Here are some of those tried and tested tips.
White vinegar: the natural ally against limescale
White vinegar is undoubtedly one of the most effective natural products to remove limescale. Indeed, its acidity dissolves the mineral deposits responsible for stains. You can use it pure or diluted with water (50/50) depending on the condition of your tiles.
Direct application with a cloth or sponge
Simply dip a clean cloth or sponge in white vinegar and scrub the areas affected by limescale. Leave on for a few minutes, then rinse with clear water. Do not hesitate to repeat the operation if necessary.
In spray for a targeted action
Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it on the traces of limescale. Leave on for at least 15 minutes, then scrub with a damp sponge or cloth. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Lemon: a natural and pleasant solution
Lemon is also an excellent ally for overcoming limestone encrusted on the tiles. Its acidity helps dissolve mineral deposits, while its fresh scent leaves a pleasant smell in the room.
Rub with half a lemon
Cut a lemon in half and use one half to rub directly on the areas affected by limescale. Leave on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Diluted lemon juice
Mix the juice of a lemon with a liter of lukewarm water. Soak a clean cloth in this solution and wipe it over the scaled tiles. Leave on for about 15 minutes, then rinse with clear water.
Baking soda: to clean and whiten
Baking soda is another natural product that can help remove encrusted limescale. Its fine grain size facilitates the removal of depositswhile its alkaline properties help neutralize the acids contained in mineral deposits.
Bicarbonate paste and white vinegar
Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with a little white vinegar to make a paste. Apply this paste to the scaled areas and rub with a sponge or an old toothbrush. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
The precautions to take
Before using these grandmother’s tricks to remove encrusted limestone from your tiles, it is important to take certain precautions:
- Always perform a test on a small, inconspicuous area before treating the entire surface, to check that the product used does not discolor or damage the material.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water after each treatment to remove all product residue.
- Protect your hands with gloves when using acidic products like white vinegar or lemon, as they can be irritating to the skin.
In summary, there are several effective grandmother’s tricks for removing scale encrusted on the tiles, in particular through the use of natural products such as white vinegar, lemon and baking soda. Do not hesitate to test these solutions to give a facelift to your tiling and enjoy a cleaner and more pleasant interior.
