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Original poster

Limescale remover - some must know!!!

20 replies

LadyP · 31/05/2003 11:09

Our enamel bath is nearly 100 years old and we do not want to replace it.

However, it has that greeny-bluey limescale tinge which seems to get worse when we use bath cleaner.

So I was hoping that someone out there would know of any product (or home made concoction) which would bring it back to looking as good as new.

Thanks

OP posts:
Enid · 31/05/2003 11:13

You shouldnt use regular bath cleaner on enamel baths. The best thing to clean them with is washing up liquid.

You could try a gel called Kilrock K, we used it to good effect on our taps. But I think you may have to have the bath professionally recoated to get it looking as good as new.

zebra · 31/05/2003 13:12

I think vinegar & Cocacola are both good at removing limescale; I don't know how kind they are to enamel, though.

Furball · 31/05/2003 14:23

I use a product called 'Lime lite Power Gel' which is like a gel you squirt on and leave for a few minutes. I think it's brilliant, you can get it in Tesco.

SoupDragon · 31/05/2003 14:26

I don't think you can use LimeLite (or any other limescale remover actually) on enamel baths.

Original poster
LadyP · 31/05/2003 18:06

Thanks for all the replies.

So, it would seem that as the bath is enamel, I will have to put up with the limescale, unless I want to spend a lot of money to have it removed professionally.

Thanks for the tips as I did not know you couldn't use most if not all bathroom cleaning products on enamel.

OP posts:
robinw · 31/05/2003 19:25

message withdrawn

throckenholt · 31/05/2003 19:48

I have an enamel bath and very hard water, and get lots of limescale. I use normal vinegar to clean it off, often with a toothbrush. It can take a while, even a couple of goes, if there is lots of limescale, but perseverence usually works. Haven't ever seen any damage to the enamel, and I have been using it for years.

Julie

GillW · 31/05/2003 20:00

This might do it, or it claims here here that you can "Remove limescale on enamel baths by rubbing a fresh-cut lemon and salt over the affected area"

Furball · 31/05/2003 21:42

Soupdragon - Thank you you could've saved the day there.

I do apologise. We live in a new house with a lovely plastic bath so didn't think. Sorry!

badjelly · 02/06/2003 09:17

On one of those make over programmes they just repainted the inside- finished results looked quite good. There's a special product that you can get which is a separate primer and paint - sorry don't know what it's called but a good DIY shop should know.

SoupDragon · 02/06/2003 11:11

The resurfacing kit I remember was called "Tubby". I think there was more to the name than that, but that's the bit that's stuck in my mind!

suzyj · 02/06/2003 11:57

And if you have crusty limescale on your metal taps, use a corner of a plastic bag or some cling film bunched up, filled with loo papaer or tissues soaked in vinegar, held over the end of the tap with an elastic band. Leave them on for as long as you need to, checking it every so often. It sounds old fashioned but really does work (can't claim credit for this one as I saw it on TV!)

Lois · 11/06/2003 13:38

Yeah, I tried that. It took the chrome off my taps so watch out!

bubbly · 11/06/2003 13:42

You could try citric acid (from a chemist) apparently that works quite well. I have never tried it myself but my eco sister uses it for everthing from saucepans to bath to kettle etc.

Boe · 12/06/2003 14:02

Have you tried false teeth cleaning tablets - steradent or whatever they are called - know this is good for water marks and limescale on glass decanters and stuff, get really funny looks when myself and partner buy them in Sainsbury's though!!

Boe · 12/06/2003 14:04

Sorry yes citric acid may work (sorry just read previous posting) used to used it on steam steraliser for limescale deposits.

Thinking about it though - may not be limescale may be (being 100 years old) that the enamel is wearing thin??? Can you not find somewhere that does the resurfacing and give them a ring for advice - sound sexy and cute and they will probably tell you what you need to know!

Original poster
LadyP · 12/06/2003 19:01

Thanks for all the additional advice.

Shall discuss with DH and see what he thinks is the best course of action.

Thanks again

OP posts:
codswallop · 22/09/2003 19:24

what happened here in the end - how much is re enameling - MIl need to know

wiltshire · 22/09/2003 21:55

You can have it dipped. I think. Will have to ask DH when 'too good to be true is over'. His speciallity is marble/enamel/stone.

wiltshire · 22/09/2003 22:32

Right, asked DH he suggested that you look in the yellow pages as they will come and do it in situ. His recommendation is that you send it off as it will give a harder/stronger finish. Sorry I couldn't be more specific. I think it's worth saving/doing up as those really old ones are gorgeous.

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