Yuck! Lime scale. We all hate that filmy residue that builds up on fixtures and appliances. Lime scale can leave a home looking and feeling less than clean, even when the home is well kept. If your tub has rings or stains that will not go away no matter how much you clean, they are probably the result of lime scale.
Lime scale deposits are caused by hard water, or water that has a strong concentration of minerals. Besides making our homes feel unclean, lime scale build-up can also cause damage to items like pipes, icemakers, water heaters, washers, sinks, toilets, and faucets. It can cause faucets to leak, heating components to break down, and other working parts to deteriorate.
You can help protect against lime scale by using distilled water, by adding hard water tablets to certain appliances, by rinsing appliances regularly with vinegar, or by using an ion exchange or reverse osmosis water filter. Other types of water filtering products do not do enough to remove the magnesium and calcium that cause lime scale. A water softener may be necessary to protect pipes, appliances, and fixtures, especially if water is extra hard and lime scale is severe.
If lime scale has already begun to build up, you had better roll up your sleeves. There is no magic cure for treating lime scale, and the only good way to get rid of it is to scrub it away. Coat the affected area with vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes to break down the deposits. On the other hand, you can use lime scale remover, but it is a good idea to wear gloves and make sure the area you are working in is sufficiently ventilated. Scrub away as much of the residue as you can, and rinse completely with distilled or filtered water.