Quck answer
To clean lime scale off of aluminum, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the lime scale and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the area with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse the aluminum with clean water and dry it thoroughly. Another option is to create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the lime scale, scrub gently, and rinse with water. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help prevent lime scale buildup on aluminum surfaces.
Lime scale, which is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, can make aluminum and other bathroom surfaces appear dirty. Hard water is the main cause of lime scale, and it can accumulate quickly. Depending on the minerals present, lime scale can have a chalky white, grey, pink, red, or brown color.
Cleaning Aluminum Sinks
For regular cleaning, use warm water, dish soap, and a sponge to clean your aluminum sink. Since aluminum is a soft metal, avoid using abrasive pads or brushes, as they can cause scratches and damage.
To tackle stubborn stains and achieve a deeper clean, start by cleaning the sink with dish soap and rinsing it thoroughly. Another effective method, suggested by Bob Vila, is to cut a lemon in half and dip one half in table salt. Use the lemon to scrub the sink’s surface until the aluminum becomes shinier. Rinse the sink with water and a cloth, then dry it with a clean towel or rag. This natural method will restore the brightness of your aluminum sink.
Cleaning Faucets with Household Products
If your faucet is covered in lime scale, you can use vinegar alone for a deep clean. According to How To Clean Stuff, saturate a paper towel or cloth rag with vinegar and wrap it around the faucet, securing it with a rubber band or hair clip. Leave it on the faucet for an hour to allow the vinegar to work its magic. Then, wipe the faucet clean with a soft cloth. The lime scale will easily wipe off, leaving your faucet shiny and free of deposits.
To remove caked-on lime scale, create a paste using baking soda and water. Mix three parts baking soda with one part water until you achieve a paste-like consistency. Apply the paste to the faucet and let it sit for about an hour. Afterward, wipe it clean and watch as the lime scale effortlessly slides off.
Removing Calcium Buildup from Pots and Pans
To eliminate hard water stains from pots and pans, you can use a few common household products. Start by washing the pots and pans with mild dish soap and warm water to remove grease and food stains. Fill the pot with water, leaving a few inches empty for boiling. According to Bob Vila, for every quart of water, mix in two tablespoons of lemon juice, cream of tartar, or white vinegar. These acidic substances help break down calcium and hard water stains.
Boil the water and allow it to simmer for approximately 15 minutes. As the water simmers, you will notice that the inside of the pot becomes noticeably cleaner and shinier. Once the water has cooled, pour it out and gently scrub the inside of the pot with a non-scratch scrub sponge or pad. Avoid using abrasive materials, as they can cause scratching and damage. Rinse the pot with water and dry it with a clean rag.
If there is calcium buildup on the outside of the pots, you can use a non-abrasive metal polish. Make sure to read the label to ensure compatibility with your pots and pans. Alternatively, you can use the lemon and salt method mentioned earlier for cleaning aluminum sinks. However, avoid using these methods on cast iron pots and pans, as they involve acids that can cause damage.
There are also commercial cleaners available for cleaning aluminum. One example is CLR, which stands for calcium, lime, and rust remover. While it is effective for cleaning many surfaces, it is not recommended for use on aluminum. Instead, it is advisable to use a nonabrasive metal polish.
