Keeping shower screens free of limescale
Summed up concisely in the dictionary, lime is “a hard white substance consisting chiefly of calcium carbonate, deposited by water on the inside of pipes, boilers, etc.” Calcium carbonate occurs naturally in solids such as chalk, limestone and mollusc shells but you can see how it creates a big problem when it is deposited in pipes and around surfaces. We all know it is a common problem everywhere, but where does it come from and can it be avoided? Well, the simple answer is this; hard water causes lime scale and without intervention, or depending on your zip code, it is almost inevitable. Even if you are lucky enough to be located within a soft water area, you will notice buildup over time.Why does limescale build up so quickly on shower screens ?
- When hard water is heated or allowed to evaporate on a surface, such as a shower screen, any dissolved minerals in the water solidify leaving a white, chalky scale. This becomes a recurring problem for people who clean shower screens and then rinse them with water from the shower head and allow them to air dry.
- Showers are used every day and keeping them free of limescale and grime is of paramount importance, especially in an industry like the hospitality or leisure sector. It sounds silly to say it, but most people who use public or shared facilities want to live under the illusion that they are the first to use it. Limescale build-up on the glass really highlights the questionable cleanliness of the shower itself and can lead to complaints or negative comments.
How to remove limescale from shower screens
- When it comes to shower screens there is good news. Removing limescale from a large, flat surface is fairly easy and can be done fairly quickly and with little effort, depending on the solution you use. The most important thing to remember, however, is that most limescale removers come with a big list of DON’Ts and very few DOs. Limescale (calcium carbonate) is quickly and easily dissolved by acid – the problem is that so are most other things like sealants, plastics and stones. They are also highly toxic and can cause serious burns if contact is made with human skin.
- Other alternative methods also include using vinegar or citrus fruits which are also reasonably effective but can be expensive or require multiple applications over time. Also, the strong, pungent smell of vinegar is not particularly appealing when you first shower and is not the most effective way to clean a shower.
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