How to Remove Stubborn Limescale from Faucets and Fixtures

Limescale is the stubborn, chalky buildup left behind when hard water evaporates, and it is the primary enemy of a clean bathroom. If you live in an area with high mineral content in your water supply, you know how quickly it turns a gleaming chrome faucet into a dull, spotted mess that restricts flow and ruins aesthetics. The secret to success is patience rather than elbow grease. Acidic solutions dissolve calcium carbonate, meaning you don't need to scrape or scrub your fixtures with harsh abrasives that could permanently scratch the metal plating. When done well, your fixtures will look brand new, water flow will be restored to full pressure, and you won't have damaged the protective coating on your hardware.

Remove the aerator first. Unscrew the aerator from the tip of the faucet using your hands or a wrench protected by a cloth. Inspect the mesh screen for trapped debris and scale, then set the aerator aside for a deeper soak later.
Mix your vinegar bath. Fill a plastic sandwich bag with white vinegar until it is about half full. Make sure you use a bag large enough to fully submerge the end of the faucet spout.
Seal the vinegar seal. Slide the bag over the faucet spout, ensuring the mineral-crusted areas are completely underwater. Use a heavy-duty rubber band or zip tie to secure the bag tightly to the faucet neck so it stays in place.
Time dissolves the scale. Allow the vinegar to work its magic for at least two hours. For extreme cases or very old, calcified buildup, let the fixture soak overnight.
Brush away the buildup. Remove the bag and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away any softened scale remaining on the spout or the aerator screen. Rinse the fixture thoroughly with clean water to neutralize the acidity.
Restore the shine. Screw the aerator back onto the faucet by hand, ensuring you don't overtighten it. Finish by drying the entire fixture with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent new water spots from forming immediately.