When your kitchen or bathroom faucets look cloudy, scummy, or stained, the main reason is probably the tap water.
Tap water has dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium through the plumbing.
As the water runs through the faucet, it evaporates, leaving behind these minerals that buildup on and around the faucets.
The mineral will eventually accumulate and become scary deposits. Removing the calcium deposits is not hard and can be done in a few minutes.
You only need the right cleaning product and special techniques to complete the job.
Table of Contents
6 Steps on Removing Calcium Deposits from Faucet:
Things required
- Toothbrush
- Paper towel
- Lemon juice
- All-purpose cleaner
- White distilled vinegar
- Rubber band
- Plastic bag
- Rags
Step 1: Perform Routine cleanings
Start by washing the entire faucet using an all-purpose cleaner or lemon juice. Take a mild detergent to avoid any damage to the faucet.
Pour one to two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid into the small basin. Add two or three cups of warm water and then mix the ingredients with the all-purpose cleaner to form some suds.
Take a washrag and soak it in a soap mixture. Scrub the faucet by gently moving the rag in a circular motion across the surface of the faucet. Wash the handle, neck, and the base of the faucet thoroughly.
With a toothbrush, scrub the grimy areas. Make sure you cover the bristles of the toothbrush with baking soda.
You can create the baking soda paste by adding drops of water. With a gentle back-and-forth motion, move in until the surface of the faucet is free of grime.
Cut of a 12-inch piece of floss to use it in cleaning small cracks. Put the string between the spaces or cracks in the surface of your faucet. Make sure you move in an up and down motion.
Use a wet cloth and cold water to rinse the surface of the faucet. Move the cloth over the surface to remove the grime, gunk, and soap mixture from the floss cleaning. Rinse it until the surface is clean.
Use the microfiber cloth to dry the surface by making gentle back-and-forth strokes on the entire surface. Do it until it is completely dry.
Step 2: Put on your gloves
Put on your gloves when removing the calcium deposits. The gloves will protect your skin from getting damaged by chemicals and irritants.
Ensure the gloves are free of dirt before cleaning the faucet to remove the calcium buildup.
Also, remember to use those gloves that cover all or most parts of your forearm. This will also prevent the cleaner from reaching your skin in case it splashes. If you are using vinegar, then no need to use gloves.
Step 3: Take calcium remover and dilute it in water
Take a bowl of water and mix it with one part of calcium remover. You are advised to use a container that is bound for the recycling bin.
Take one to two tablespoons of ingredients for effective results. If the calcium buildup is not big, you can use undiluted white vinegar to remove it.
This process takes time, but it is harmless to faucet finishes and bare skin. You are also advised not to use vinegar or calcium remover on those faucets made of iron or nickel. It is because these removers damage the finish of the faucet along with the gunk you are cleaning.
Step 4: Put the mixture into the plastic baggie and attach it to the faucet
Find a regular sized sandwich bag and pour the mixture in. No need to worry if the baggie does not have a zip seal.
Make sure you pour in carefully if you are concerned about spilling it. You can use items like a funnel to pour them through to the baggie.
Hold the baggie and attach it to the faucet. When holding it, ensure you hold it at a slight angle so that your mixture can build up in one of the corners.
Slide the open end to the faucet and ensure you do it carefully. Submerge the tap in this mixture and then fasten the baggie securely to the faucet using a rubber band. Allow it to soak for some hours.
Step 5: Remove the buildup
Undo the rubber band and take off the baggie carefully and slowly, and then dispose of it. Check the label on the cleaners to see the disposal instructions and then dispose of it as indicated.
After removing the baggie, scrub off the buildup with an old toothbrush. Make sure you scrub it gentle in a back-and-forth motion.
Continue scrubbing it until it is completely removed. Dry the faucet using a microfiber, moving it in a circular motion. Continue until it is completely dry.
Step 6: Remove calcium buildup from the faucet plating
With a dry clean cloth, dry the faucet by moving the cloth over the entire surface, especially on the faucet base.
Ensure that every drop of water is completely absorbed. You can use undiluted white vinegar in removing the calcium deposits from the plating.
Cover the affected areas with a drape and press down on the cloth to ensure it is completely in contact with the surface. Allow it for at least one hour. Scrub the faucet again with a sponge, and you will definitely see the deposits coming off.
Conclusion
Dealing with calcium deposits on the faucets can be a challenge. The calcium minerals are created by minerals left by evaporated water in the faucet. The deposits gradually collect on the faucet and clog the faucet aerators.
To keep your faucet clean and free from calcium deposits, it’s a good idea to follow the provided guide.
