Descaling faucets, shower heads, etc.
Descaling the faucet
The faucet is undoubtedly one of the most frequently used fixtures in the bathroom. Descaling is therefore important and should be done regularly. How often exactly depends on various factors, such as frequency of use. Water hardness also plays a role, as particularly hard water leads to increased limescale formation. In any case, you should descale the faucet as soon as white deposits are visible to the naked eye. Fortunately, cleaning can be done with little effort and a few household remedies.
Clean the faucet
Before removing limescale from the faucet, you should clean it thoroughly. As usual, water and a mild citric acid-based cleaner are sufficient for this. The faucet should then be dried.
Descaling the faucet aerator
The faucet aerator can usually be easily unscrewed, either with a suitable open-end wrench or the faucet aerator wrench supplied. It is best to close the sink drain beforehand to prevent anything from accidentally disappearing down the drain.
The faucet aerator can then be easily dismantled into its three parts – screen, screw sleeve, and sealing ring. Faucet aerators with integrated threads do not have a screw sleeve. To descale, simply pour water and a mild cleaning agent (citric acid-based) into a suitable container and place the faucet aerator and screw sleeve in the cleaning bath for a few minutes. Do not place the sealing ring in the bath, as limescale can be easily wiped off it and the plastic can become porous due to the descaler.
After soaking, rinse all parts with water. This has the advantage of also cleaning the faucet aerator and removing any other dirt. The faucet aerator can then be reassembled and attached to the faucet.
Descaling the shower head
Most shower heads nowadays are made at least partly of plastics such as silicone on the spray disc. In these areas, limescale can usually be simply rubbed off by hand. Do not use a brush for this, as it could damage the nozzles on modern shower heads. Limescale deposits on metal parts, on the other hand, can usually be rubbed off with a cloth.
Always spray cleaning agents onto the cleaning cloth, not directly onto the faucet. This will prevent cleaning agents from penetrating the faucet.
If the shower head is very dirty, remove it and place it in a container with water and a little mild, citric acid-based cleaning agent, as described above.
By the way: With Duravit's EasyClean feature, limescale and dirt deposits on the silicone nubs of the shower head or on the spray shaper of the faucet can be easily rubbed off with your finger. This makes it even easier and quicker to descale the faucet or shower head.
Descaling other faucets
What works for descaling the faucet or shower head can also be used on other faucets in the bathroom. If you have limescale on your bathtub or shower faucets, you can proceed in the same way as described above. Bidet faucets can also be descaled in this way.
Effectively removing limescale – avoiding damage: Here's how to do it right
Improper cleaning or aggressive cleaning agents can spoil your showering pleasure and cause long-term damage to your shower head. To ensure that your shower head works well and looks good for a long time, please note the following tips:
The right cleaning aid
Use a soft, clean cloth. You should definitely avoid using abrasive aids such as pot scrubbers, microfiber cloths, or abrasive sponges.
Steam cleaners are not suitable, as the high temperatures and pressure can damage the material of the shower head.
The right cleaning agent
Use a mild cleaner—ideally one based on citric acid.
Avoid cleaning agents with aggressive ingredients such as hydrochloric acid, formic acid, chlorine bleach, or acetic acid—they can cause considerable damage. Products containing phosphoric acid are also only suitable to a limited extent.
Never mix different cleaning agents together!
Spray cleaners should not be sprayed directly onto the shower head—the fine mist can penetrate inside and cause damage.
It is best to spray the cleaning agent onto a soft cloth and wipe the finishes carefully.
After cleaning, rinse the shower head thoroughly with clean water and flush it through.
Regular maintenance pays off
In addition to using the right cleaning method, regularity is also crucial. How often you should descale depends on the calcium content of your tap water. In regions with hard water, more frequent cleaning is recommended. The first signs of calcification are uneven or weakened water jets from the nozzles—at this point at the latest, descaling is necessary.
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