Tiling is a pleasant and widespread covering for its practicality and easy maintenance. On the other hand, when it comes into contact with water, especially in the bathroom or kitchen, traces of limestone can form on the surface and leave unsightly whitish stains. If these are not always easy to completely eliminate with conventional products, there are simple solutions to remove limescale from tiles effectively. Here are our tips.
Solution n°1: White vinegar
White vinegar is a natural and effective product against limescale while respecting the tiles. Ecological and safe, simply spray it on your tiles using a spray bottle or apply it directly with a sponge.
Scrub the surface with a clean sponge and rinse with clean water to remove the product and its odor. Finish by wiping with a clean cloth.
When the limestone is well encrusted, boil the white vinegar beforehand or replace it with household vinegar that you will dilute in a little water. Rub, rinse then dry.
If the strong, sour smell of white vinegar bothers you, feel free to add a few drops of essential oil to the spray bottle. Peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender are pleasant essences that will leave your house smelling good.
Solution #2: Baking soda
This other natural product is gentle, since it can be used in the kitchen, but nevertheless formidable against limescale. Baking soda can be used alone by applying it to a damp sponge and rubbing the traces of limestone.
However, for its dissolving action to be more effective, dilute it with a little household vinegar, working gently, until a paste is formed. Spread this paste on the tiling using a sponge, then leave to act. Take the opportunity to clean your joints to restore their original whiteness at the same time.
After letting the product act, rub with your sponge then rinse with clear water. Repeat the operation if stubborn marks persist. Finish by wiping with a clean cloth.
Solution n°3: Soda crystals
Soda crystals look like baking soda, but their active power against limestone is much more powerful. It is particularly recommended for removing scale deposits outdoors, on the most solid and resistant surfaces.
Dilute two scoops of soda in a liter of hot water and apply the mixture with a mop on your tiles. The traces of limestone should disappear easily.
Then rinse with clean water and a clean mop. Leave to dry on the floor or use a clean cloth to wipe down the wall surfaces.
Solution #4: Lemon
Known for its descaling power, lemon is a very effective anti-lime food. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub the pulp on the tiles and joints. The traces of limestone will disappear on their own, effortlessly, and the joints will whiten. Just rinse and dry with a clean, dry cloth.
Solution #5: Citric Acid
Very effective, citric acid is a natural product that comes from beets or corn. It is an excellent ecological anti-limescale and a powerful descaler. Easy to use, just dilute one to four tablespoons in a liter of hot water. Equip yourself with gloves to protect your hands and a scraping sponge or a brush. Clean your tiled surfaces to remove traces of limescale. Rinse with clear water then let dry.
Solution n°6: The clay stone
Clay stone is a natural cleaner for removing limescale from surfaces such as tiles, but also earthenware. To use, wet a clean sponge and rub it over the surface of the clay stone. With the paste removed, clean your tiles in circular motions. Then simply rinse well with clean water and dry with a clean, dry cloth or let air dry. It should be noted that the clay stone has the advantage of reducing the reappearance of limestone by forming an invisible protective film on the surfaces.
Solution n°7: Meudon white or Spanish white
Blanc de Meudon or Blanc d’Espagne are clayey pastes that resemble clay stone. Simply mix in a container 1/3 Meudon white or Spanish white, 1/3 household vinegar and 1/3 water. Form a paste and apply it on the limestone that scales your tiles. You can rub with a clean sponge or with a microfiber cloth on more fragile tiles. Rinse with clear water, then dry.
Solution #8: Dishwasher Rinse Aid
We rarely think about it, yet the function of dishwasher rinse aid is to remove traces of limescale and scale deposits from glasses. It can therefore completely dissolve the limestone on your tiles. Apply product to the surface to be cleaned, then rub with a sponge or brush. Do not hesitate to reapply the product and leave to act for several hours, or even overnight for very dirty tiles. Finish by rinsing with clean water and drying, or drying alone with a clean microfiber cloth.