Limescale melts away from taps in 5 minutes if you swap vinegar for 1 superior ingredient

If you have ever noticed any spots or discolouration on your tap, then you likely have a limescale problem, and these stains cannot simply be wiped away. Limescale is the buildup of minerals leftover from hard water, and when it dries, it can harden into a really stubborn stain that will cling to a tap and not come off with normal cleaning.

If left uncleaned, limescale can become a breeding ground for bacteria, making your tap unhygienic and your hands dirty even if you have just washed them. However, the cleaning experts at Diamond Home Support have shared that it can be really easyto get rid of tap limescale if you use the right item, as all you need is a lemon.

They said: "The acidic properties of lemons make them highly effective at breaking down limescale and restoring the shine to taps.

"By applying lemon directly to the affected areas and allowing it to work its magic, limescale can be removed without the need for harsh chemical cleaners."

It might sound utterly bizarre, but lemon juice contains a substance called citric acid, which is strong enough to dissolve the minerals in limescale and loosen the stain.

Limescale is not water-soluble, meaning you cannot just wipe it away as it bonds to a surface. You need an acidic substance to break it down.

The citric acid in lemons can quickly get rid of limescale in just a few minutes, but it is still a natural substance that will be gentle on your metal taps.

How to clean taps and remove limescale stains

To begin, put on a pair of gloves and then cut a lemon in half. It is important to use fresh lemons as it is more potent than the lemon juice you use for baking.

Squeeze one half of the lemon onto any stains on your tap. Then, rub the other lemon slice all over your tap to make sure you get into any nook or cranny.

Wait a few minutes to give the citric acid a little time to break down the limescale. Then, use an old toothbrush or a bristled brush to scrub any stains on the tap.

The limescale should quickly crumble away. Rinse the area with warm water, dry it and your taps should now look sparkling clean.

If there are any particularly stubborn limescale stains, you can place the lemon on the tap spout, secure it with a rubber band, and then leave it to give the citric acid more time.