Cleaning Huge Limescale Buildups

Anyone who has a water line in their home knows just how difficult of a problem limescale buildup can be. Often it seems like no matter what you do, this problem never really seems to go away. When you have a pool, hot tub, or other large source of water, the problem only seems to become magnified. Cleaning such huge limescale buildups is possible, if you are willing to spend a little time, effort, and possibly money to do so. Here are some of the most effective methods for removing those particularly large or troublesome deposits of limescale.

• Power washers. Power washers can often remove just about any kind of stain imaginable. However, to get the most out of power washers in such situations you should be sure to use the strongest washers that you can find, and be sure that you also use the kind that will heat up the water. Pressure alone may work for many kinds of stains, but when you combine the power of heat to the power that comes from pressurized water you can remove just about any kind of stain. If you really want to get the most out of this though, use a power washer in conjunction with some one of the other methods listed here.
• Commercial cleaners. There are many kinds of commercial cleaners that have been developed specifically to get rid of calcium or lime buildups. These chemicals usually work best when used on small deposits, but can also work on larger ones as well. If you are faced with a large buildup of limescale, then you should try using these cleaners in conjunction with a power washer.
• Muriatic acid. One way to get rid of large limescale buildups is to use muriatic acid. This acid can often be purchased at local pool stores and home improvement stores, and should be used with caution. Since this is an acid, you should be sure that you follow the directions of use on the package carefully and fully. This type of acid will etch stone and tile, and your skin will be of little consequence to it. After laying the acid down on the buildup, allow it to sit there for a while, before rinsing the acid away. Repeat as often as necessary to remove all the limescale.
• Replace the surface. The absolute best, though drastic and expensive, method for removing huge limescale buildups is to actually replace the surface that has the limescale. Since this method is usually extremely expensive, this should only be used as a final option.
• An ounce of prevention. Your best bet for cleaning huge limescale buildups is to never actually be faced with them to begin with. Do this by regularly cleaning the area around your water source. At a minimum, this cleaning should be done once a week, but usually as often as is needed.