Cleaner's cheap hack gets rid of thick, crusty limescale on bathroom taps without scrubbing & leaves them sparkling

The Sun

29-04-2025

IF you've ever looked at your lime-scaled, dull taps and thought they were beyond saving, think again.
Cleaning fan Chelsi Pattinson Que has shared her simple, step-by-step method for restoring taps to their sparkling best - and it's been a hit on TikTok.
Posting to her TikTok page ' ccscleaningandlife,' Chelsi demonstrated exactly how she transformed her taps with a bit of TLC and some budget-friendly products.
She kicked off the video by recommending a two-step process: first, using a glass scraper to remove thick lime scale, followed by a generous application of lime scale remover.
Chelsi revealed her current go-to product is Tesco lime scale remover, priced at just £1.50.
Praising its effectiveness and mild scent, she said it's a great alternative to stronger-smelling options like Vikal, which she finds overwhelming.
After applying the remover, she works it in with a non-abrasive pad, rinsing thoroughly to reveal any spots that need extra attention.
But Chelsi doesn't stop there.
Spotting some mould behind a tile, she seized the opportunity to deep-clean the entire bath area.
Armed with bleach, cream cleaner, and plenty of elbow grease, she went over her work two or three times to ensure everything was spotless.
To finish, Chelsi buffed the taps with a dry microfibre cloth and added a final touch of Astonish window cleaner, available for £1 on Amazon, to achieve a crystal-clear shine.
While she admitted some pre-existing damage to the taps couldn't be reversed, she proudly showcased her results, saying: 'All lovely, shiny. Job done.'
The video quickly gained traction, racking up 44.2K views, 820 likes, and 32 comments within a day of being posted.
Fans of Chelsi's cleaning tips were quick to agree with her product recommendations, with one commenter saying: 'Yesss Tesco limescale remover is the s***.'
Another added: 'Tesco and Sainsbury's lime scale remover I'm sure are both great! M&S one is also great!'
Meanwhile, a third simply remarked: 'Looks so much better.'
4
More bathroom cleaning tips
Keeping a bathroom clean and fresh can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with a few practical tips and a regular cleaning schedule, it can be much more manageable.
1. Regular Maintenance
Daily Wipe-Down: A quick daily wipe-down of surfaces, such as the sink, countertops, and taps, can prevent the build-up of grime and soap scum. Keep a microfibre cloth handy for this purpose.
Ventilation: Ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent mould and mildew. Open windows or use an extractor fan during and after showers.
2. Tackling Limescale and Hard Water Stains
Vinegar Solution: Hard water can cause limescale build-up on taps and showerheads. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected areas for a few hours, then scrub with a brush.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another effective natural cleaner for limescale. Apply it directly to the affected areas, let it sit for a while, and then rinse off.
3. Cleaning the Toilet
Toilet Cleaner: Use a specialised toilet cleaner to scrub the bowl. Apply the cleaner under the rim and allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar: For a natural alternative, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the bowl, then add vinegar. The fizzing action helps to lift stains and disinfect.
4. Shower and Bath
Showerhead: Remove mineral deposits by soaking the showerhead in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can do this by filling a plastic bag with the solution and securing it around the showerhead with a rubber band.
Bathtub: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the bathtub. For stubborn stains, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the stains, and let it sit before scrubbing.
5. Tiles and Grout
Grout Cleaner: Grout can harbour mould and mildew. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water to scrub the grout lines. An old toothbrush can be particularly effective for this task.
Tile Cleaner: Regularly clean tiles with a mild detergent or a vinegar solution to keep them shiny and free of soap scum.
6. Mirrors and Glass
Glass Cleaner: Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Wipe with a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks.
Shower Doors: Prevent soap scum build-up on glass shower doors by using a squeegee to remove water after each use.
7. Floors
Sweep and Mop: Sweep the bathroom floor regularly to remove hair and dust. Mop with a mild detergent or a suitable floor cleaner to maintain cleanliness.
8. Trash and Laundry
Empty Bins: Empty bathroom bins regularly to prevent nasty smelling odours.
Laundry: Keep a small laundry basket in the bathroom for used towels and bathmats, and wash them regularly.
9. Finishing Touches
Air Fresheners: Utilise air fresheners or essential oil diffusers to maintain a pleasant fragrance in the bathroom.
Organisation: Ensure toiletries and cleaning supplies are neatly organised and stored to minimise clutter and facilitate easier cleaning.