If you’ve got hard water, you’re probably knowledgeable about calcium carbonate, also called lime scale. This greenish-white buildup can clog your showerhead and leave spots on the shower door. Attempting to scrub lime-scale buildup off a metallic shower may be an exercise in frustration, because the mineral deposits are very hard. While you can purchase commercial products intended for removing lime-scale deposits, milder acidic cleansers may perform the job without the toxicity.
Vinegar or Juice
Mix 1/2 cup lemon or lime juice, or white vinegar using 1/2 cup warm tap water in a spray bottle.
Spray the lime-scale stains generously using the solution. Allow it to sit for at least one hour, spraying every 15 minutes to maintain the deposits moist.
Scrub the shower using a scrub brush or scrubbing sponge, spraying as required. If needed, scrub tight spots and fixtures using a toothbrush.
Rinse the bathtub with water and dry it using a squeegee or towel.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Spray tough lime-scale stains using full-strength white vinegar.
Permit the vinegar to sit for at least half an hour, then respraying each 15 minutes if required to keep the surface moist.
Sprinkle baking soda over the stain.
Scrub the area with a scrub brush or damp scrubbing sponge, sprinkling on additional baking soda as required.
Rinse the bathtub with water and dry it using a squeegee or towel.