How to Remove Limescale and Hard Water Stains from Showers & Taps

by Janine, Jun 2025

Hard water stains and limescale buildup can leave your sparkling bathroom looking dull, no matter how often you clean it. If your taps have a chalky white coating or your shower screen looks permanently cloudy, you’re not alone — these issues are especially common in areas with hard water.

At Well Polished, we’ve helped thousands of households across the UK tackle stubborn limescale. In this post, we’ll share some of our top tips for removing it — and keeping it away.

What Is Limescale?

Limescale is a hard, chalky deposit made up of calcium and magnesium minerals that are left behind when hard water evaporates. It builds up most commonly in:

Kettles
Shower heads
Bathroom taps
Toilet bowls
Glass shower screens

Over time, it can look unsightly and even affect the performance of appliances and fittings.

How to Remove Limescale from Taps

What you’ll need:

White vinegar or lemon juice
A soft cloth or sponge
An old toothbrush
Baking soda (optional)

Method:

Soak a cloth in vinegar or lemon juice and wrap it around the affected tap.
Leave it to sit for 20–30 minutes.
Use the toothbrush to scrub away loosened limescale.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth to prevent new deposits.

Top Tip: For very stubborn limescale, create a paste with baking soda and vinegar and apply directly to problem areas before scrubbing.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Shower Screens

What you’ll need:

White vinegar (spray bottle recommended)
Microfibre cloth
Squeegee
Optional: A drop of washing-up liquid

Method:

Spray the entire shower screen with white vinegar.
Leave it to sit for 10 minutes.
Wipe down with a damp cloth or non-scratch sponge.
Rinse well and use a squeegee to remove excess water.

For extra cleaning power, add a few drops of washing-up liquid to the vinegar to help break down soap scum too.

How to Prevent Limescale Buildup

Wipe dry: After each shower, quickly wipe taps and screens dry with a microfibre cloth.
Use a water softener: If you live in a hard water area, a softener can reduce the problem long term.
Install a filter: Consider tap or shower filters to reduce mineral content.
Clean regularly: Regular maintenance helps prevent stubborn buildup from returning.

Or Let Us Handle It

If you’d rather not spend your weekend battling stubborn stains, we’re here to help.

At Well Polished, we match you with a reliable, self-employed cleaner in your area who can take care of the details — from sparkling taps to spotless showers.

Local cleaners
Flexible, regular appointments
All cleans include insurance cover for peace of mind

Ready to reclaim your bathroom sparkle?
Enter your postcode below!

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