Getting rid of limescale without resorting to the Viakal - what do I need

[befuzzled]

I have used Viakal to remove old build up in house recently moved in to - taps, shower screens, tiles etc.

Would rather use something a bit less chemically now for maintenance - what is the magic combination I need again - is it baking soda and lemon juice or something?

Vinegar

Yep white vinegar is great for removing limescale.

Best thing is to soak cotton wool or kitchen paper in white vinegar. Stick/drape this over the limescale and then cover with cling film to prevent it from evaporating.

Leave it for as long as you can, then wipe and rinse.

Pooh just neat white vinegar? Fan have got some of that will try it thanks

Make sure your taps aren't plated as you'll take the finish off. not bitter

how can you tell?

Ecover Limescale Remover is seriously good. I don't rate many of the Ecover products but just spray their limescale remover on the area, leave for a good while and it just dissolves it, you hardly have to scrub it at all.

Getting rid of limescale without resorting to the Viakal - what do I need

A water softener.

I think it's just a case of knowing. I think the only real way of knowing is if you installed your taps yourself.

Chrome plate is very hard and shiny and withstands wear better than brass, enamel or gold. However some acid cleaners strip off chrome plating in time. Hydrochloric acid is used by platers to strip it.

You sometimes see all the chrome eaten away in public loos by powerful acid cleaners. The spray-on supermarket bathroom cleaners, polished off after a short time, will usually keep it cleanish, and they remove soap deposits as well.

MrsJamin's right about the Ecover; wouldn't use anything else.