How to Remove Lime With a Water Softener
Lime scale is a hard white mineral deposit caused by minerals in water chemically reacting with soap. This scale builds up around faucets and in sinks and bathtubs. It can also accumulate in cooking pans, coffeepots, dishwashers and washing machines. If you don't want to install a water softener appliance in your home, you still can remove and prevent lime scale buildup with powdered water softener. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Buy powdered water softener, available in a variety of brands including Calgon and Raindrops. The softener comes in boxes and is placed in stores with detergents and other laundry products.
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Remove lime scale from pots, pans and tea kettles. Add 2 tbsp. powdered water softener to a full tea kettle or pan of water. Boil the mixture for three minutes. Rinse the kettle or pan with tap water. Repeat if necessary.
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Remove lime from your coffeepot. Add 2 tbsp. water softener to a pitcher of water that corresponds to the size of your coffee maker. Fill the reservoir with this mixture. Run the coffee maker through one cycle and then repeat with tap water.
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Remove lime from sinks, the bathtub and from around faucets. Make a paste of water softener and hot water and apply it to areas where lime has built up. Leave it on for one hour and then wipe it away with a clean wet cloth or sponge. Rinse with tap water. You may need to repeat and do some scrubbing if the lime has been there for a long time.
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5
Mix water softener powder with dishwasher detergent in equal parts to prevent lime buildup in the dishwasher.
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Add water softener to the laundry as directed to prevent lime buildup in your washing machine and in the water pipes. You'll also begin removing any soap residue that may have accumulated in fabric and prevent this from happening in the future.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean lime away from surfaces regularly. The longer lime scale is there, the harder it is to remove.
