Clean Living Chronicles

Limescale content in our tap water is ‘linked to the geological nature of the soil’ (Cleaning Wizard, 2018) and statistics from water supplier, Sutton and East Surrey Water state that ‘85% [of water] comes from underground’ in the region. This means our water is exposed to the rock and minerals that make it high in limescale, or ‘hard’. So, we are here to enlighten you on the effects it has and the tricks to removing it. ‘Hard’ water is largely filtered through limescale and chalk deposits which means there is a high level of calcium and magnesium mineral ions. There are currently 4 water suppliers who provide water to Surrey: South East Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water PLC, Thames Water and Affinity Water. Affinity Water is the main water supplier to the Woking area and state on their website that their ‘supply area has, in general, ‘hard’ or ‘very hard’ water’ (Affinity Water, 2018). As a result, you may find that it is difficult to produce a lather from soap when you wash your hands or shower, but also that limescale is deposited on: tapware, silverware, electrical appliances such as coffee machines and kettles and glassware. Let’s be honest is a real pain, so here are some tricks and tips to removing it! It’s worth knowing that limescale can’t be removed instantly, it takes time and there are two main ways of tackling it yourself. Firstly, you can use products that aren’t chemical based or secondly, chemical cleaning products. Of course if neither of these suit you and you’d rather someone else do it that’s where our services at Lemon Fresh Cleans come in. The first choice of limescale removal for most people are natural products such as vinegar and lemon juice. Natural acids such as these can be left to soak from an hour - overnight then scrubbed off, usually on areas where limescale gathers such as kitchen and bathroom surfaces and taps. The only downside of this eco-friendly approach is it is time consuming and if not done properly the scrubbing can lead to damage of surfaces and metallic objects such as taps. The second choice lies in cleaning products such as Viakal, which are affordable and accessible online and in most supermarkets. Again, there is a risk of damage to taps and surfaces. So if you’re unsure, don’t want to take the risk or just don’t have the time then contact us and enquire about our services and how we can keep your home or business limescale free. References Affinity Water. (2018). Check your water hardness. Available: https://www.affinitywater.co.uk/check-hardness.aspx . Last accessed 28th March 2018. Cleaning Wizard. (2018). What are the effects of limescale on your life?. Available: https://www.supersavvyme.co.uk/home/cleaning-wizard/what-are-the-effects-of-limescale-on-your-life . Last accessed 28th March 2018. SES Water. (2018). Our Water resources. Available: http://www.waterplc.com/pages/community/our-water-resources/ . Last accessed 28th March 2018.