Not vinegar — cleaning experts share 3 lesser-known hacks for removing limescale

I've been battling limescale for years. Not only is this buildup an eyesore, but it can also make your appliances less efficient, or even break them altogether. As part of my limescale-busting mission, I've tried everything from vinegar to lemon juice to tackle the white stains that mark my shower screen.

But according to cleaning experts from HG, there could be more solutions to hard water that are sitting in your kitchen cupboards right now. "For homeowners, hard water can be costly in both time and expense," says HG, "leading to dry skin, difficult-to-style hair, and a constant battle in keeping kitchens and bathrooms clean."

But if you're at your wits' end trying to remove limescale staining, you should consider trying these unusual hacks to blast through stubborn stains. According to the pros, they can work instantly, and they cost next-to-nothing.

Why limescale is a problem

Limescale is the white buildup that arises in areas of "hard water". According to HG, "Hard water can cause limescale build-up in kettles, boilers, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. It also clogs pipes, reducing water pressure and can even cause leaks. "

And not only can limescale become unsightly, it can also drive up the costs of using your appliances. "Even a thin 1mm layer of limescale on heating elements can drive up energy consumption by 7-10%", says HG.

If you don't work to break down that buildup, you could be left with more than an increased energy bill. If your kettle, dishwasher, even your coffee maker experiences enough buildup, it'll stop working and force you to make a costly replacement.

Household items that break down limescale

Aside from your appliances, you can also see buildup around your bathtub or shower. That's where I tend to test all the latest limescale removal hacks, because it's the area of the home where the stains are most visible.

One of the most well-known hacks to remove limescale is white vinegar, but according to HG, other household products are lurking in your cupboards which could do the trick.

1. Cola

According to HG, "cola’s acidity makes it surprisingly effective at removing limescale in toilet pans." If your toilet shows a buildup of limescale, it's especially hard to keep clean on account of the naturally white color of most toilets.

You can "pour a generous amount of cola into the toilet and leave it overnight. Flush the next day and watch as limescale stains disappear."

2. Buttermilk

I'm used to using buttermilk to tenderize chicken wings, but according to experts, if you "soak a towel in buttermilk and lay it over areas with limescale buildup," it can work to break down those stubborn stains.

"After leaving it to work overnight, you should find the limescale wipes away with ease."

3. Fabric Softener

Not only does it smell great, but fabric softener can be used in a heap of home cleaning solutions. HG recommends mixing a capful into half a bucket of warm water and using it to wipe tiles affected by limescale.

"Let it sit to absorb before rinsing thoroughly with hot water" for the best results.

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