Keeping your home clean can be a daunting task, especially when those stubborn stains appear that seem impossible to remove. One of the places where the passage of time and the accumulation of dirt are most noticeable is on taps. These accessories are used frequently in bathrooms and kitchens and, due to their constant contact with water, tend to accumulate limescale and rust, which dull their shine and make the room look neglected. Keeping taps clean helps to keep them in good condition for longer.
These minerals and residues that appear on these metal elements, over time leave marks that are difficult to remove with a simple cloth or common cleaner. These imperfections not only diminish the beauty of the taps, but in the long term can cause corrosion or damage the metal coating. Therefore, it is important to know effective and easy techniques to keep them clean and shiny. These items need careful cleaning that does not scratch or affect their finish, and at the same time is quick so that it does not become a chore.
A homemade, inexpensive and surprisingly effective trick for removing rust and limescale stains is to use aluminium foil, which we always have on hand for cooking or storing food. Simply cut off a piece, roll it into a ball and rub it gently over the affected area. The combination of the friction of the foil against the dry surface removes the residue without damaging the metal or leaving scratches. It is important that both the taps and this kitchen product are dry for the technique to work properly and not scratch the metal.
In a matter of minutes, you will notice how the taps regain their original shine and look like new. This method is ideal for keeping bathrooms and kitchens sparkling without spending money on special products or spending hours cleaning.
Aluminium foil has several interesting uses, one of which is cleaning taps.
More home tips
Keeping your taps clean and shiny is no longer an impossible task. Apart from aluminium foil, there are several inexpensive home techniques you can incorporate into your cleaning routine to keep your taps spotless without harsh products.
- White vinegar: mix equal parts vinegar and water, spray the mixture on the taps and clean with a cloth or soft brush. This method descales and removes stains in a few minutes.
- The vinegar bag trick: fill a freezer bag with pure vinegar, hang it over the tap and secure it with tape or a rubber band. Leave it to work for several hours, and the most stubborn limescale will dissolve without scrubbing.
- Lemon: Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on the tap. The citric acid removes limescale and rust and leaves a fresh scent. If you want more power, add baking soda to the lemon and leave it to work, then rinse and dry.
Lemon is foolproof when it comes to cleaning.
- Baking soda and toothpaste paste: mix baking soda with toothpaste to form a cream. Apply it to the tap or its parts, leave it to work for about 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.
- Olive oil: once clean and dry, apply a few drops of olive oil with a soft cloth to polish and protect the metal. It leaves it shiny and helps prevent new stains.