How to Remove Lime From a Bathtub

Hard water from wells contains a high amount of minerals. If lime is one of the minerals in your water, it can build-up on your bathtub from showering and bathing. This can be an unsightly and difficult problem. Luckily, you can remove lime from a bathtub using various household items, and with only minimal effort, if you know what to do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Razor blade
• Sponge
• Microporous eraser product (Magic Eraser)
• Spray bottle
• Vinegar
• Oven cleaner
• Lime Away

1. Scrape the lime off of the bathtub using a razor blade. Continue scraping until no more can be removed. Use a damp sponge to wipe away any debris from the scraping.

2. Use a microporous eraser product, such as a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, to completely remove lime stains. The eraser has microscopic scrubbing follicles that break up the lime and gently remove it without damaging the bathtub.

3. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spray a heavy coat onto the lime stains. Allow it to sit for 30 to 45 minutes, and then wipe away using a damp sponge. Repeat until the stains have disappeared completely.

4. Apply a small amount of oven cleaner to the lime stains and allow it to sit for five to 10 minutes. Wipe clean using a damp sponge. Repeat as often as necessary.

5. Purchase Lime-Away and use following the manufacturer's directions. Lime Away has a unique chemical structure that breaks down the lime, allowing it to be easily wiped off of the bathtub.

Tips & Warnings

• Magic erasers can be purchased from most retail stores near the sponges and other cleaning materials. Lime Away can be purchased in home improvement and retail stores near the cleaning supplies, and in many hardware stores.
• Always wash your hands immediately after handling oven cleaner. If ingested or inhaled, it can cause serious illness.

References

• Book: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Saving the Environment; Greg Pahl; 2000