A CLEANING expert has revealed the simple hack to banish hard water stains from your bathroom and kitchen – and it only costs 15p.
Stubborn off-white marks on sinks and taps from limescale build-up can lead to permanent damage if not tackled quickly, becoming a nightmare for homeowners.
Luckily, there is a budget-friendly solution to getting your kitchen taps sparkling in a matter of minutes.
And it will make your home smell amazing too.
“The battle against hard water stains doesn’t have to be a losing one,” said James Elston of Boiler Central, known for his home maintenance and heating expertise.
Revealing his secret weapon, he added: “Using a cut lemon on taps is an excellent method for not only removing them but also infusing a delightful freshness to your kitchen.”
As homeowners remain on the hunt for money-saving tips, adding easy yet effective tricks like using lemon in your kitchen cleaning routine is a smart choice.
How it works
Breaking down the method, Mr Elston said: “Start by cutting a fresh lemon in half.
“Take one of the halves and rub the exposed flesh directly onto the surface.
“Ensure you cover the areas with hard water stains thoroughly.”
He continued: “Allow the natural acidity of the lemon to work its magic.
“The citric acid interacts with the minerals present in hard water stains, making them more manageable to wipe away.
“It’s a straightforward and chemical-free approach to restoring your taps’ shine.”
Optimising the lemon’s cleaning power
Mr Elston also provides some extra tips to make the hack work effectively for very tough marks.
He said: “For stubborn stains, you can leave the lemon juice on the affected area for a few minutes before wiping.
“This allows the citric acid to penetrate deeper, facilitating the removal of more persistent deposits.”
Science behind the sparkle
Delving into the science behind the hack, Mr Elston said: “Lemons are a natural source of citric acid, which acts as a mild cleaning agent.
“This acidity reacts with the minerals in hard water stains, breaking them down and making the cleaning process smoother.
“It’s a sustainable and eco-friendly method to keep your taps gleaming on a daily basis, preventing harmful mineral build up and contributing to the overall efficiency of your hot water system.”