You’ve probably seen it—that crusty white stuff around your faucet, on the showerhead, or maybe even on the sink handles. It’s stubborn, unsightly, and no matter how many times you clean it, it keeps coming back.
So what is that white residue, and why won’t it go away?
Let’s break down what’s happening, how to remove it without harsh chemicals, and how to stop it from taking over your fixtures in the future.
What Is the White Buildup on Faucets?
That chalky, white crust is mineral buildup—more specifically, limescale, which is made up of calcium and magnesium from hard water.
Here in the Iowa City area, we have hard water. That means when water evaporates on your faucet or splashes and dries, it leaves behind mineral deposits. Over time, those deposits harden and form the buildup you’re seeing.
It’s not harmful to your health, but it can:
- Make your faucets look dirty (even if you just cleaned them)
- Reduce water flow
- Cause long-term wear on your fixtures and plumbing
Why Does the Buildup Keep Coming Back?
In short: because your water hasn’t changed.
Unless you have a water softener, the minerals in your water are still there. That means even if you clean it off today, it’ll start building up again within days or weeks.
The good news? You can clean it naturally, and with a few simple changes, slow down how fast it returns.
How to Remove White Buildup Naturally
You don’t need fancy cleaners or strong chemicals. In fact, the best tools might already be in your kitchen.
1. White Vinegar (Simple and Effective)
White vinegar is mildly acidic—just enough to dissolve mineral deposits without damaging your faucet.
How to use it:
- Soak a cloth or paper towel in white vinegar
- Wrap it around the affected area (faucet base, showerhead, aerator, etc.)
- Let it sit for 30–60 minutes
- Scrub gently with a soft cloth or old toothbrush
- Rinse thoroughly with water and dry
For smaller parts like aerators, unscrew them and soak in a bowl of vinegar for an hour before scrubbing.
2. Baking Soda + Vinegar Paste
For tougher buildup:
- Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part vinegar to make a fizzy paste
- Apply to the crusty areas
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes
- Scrub and rinse clean
This combo is safe, effective, and non-toxic.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice works just like vinegar thanks to its citric acid. Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on the buildup. Let it sit, then wipe clean.
How to Prevent Faucet Buildup
You can’t completely eliminate mineral buildup without softening the water, but you can slow it down with a few simple habits:
- Wipe down your faucet after each use to prevent minerals from drying on the surface
- Install a water softener to treat hard water at the source
- Clean fixtures regularly to stop buildup before it hardens
- Use a faucet filter or aerator screen to catch some minerals before they settle
These steps not only keep your faucets cleaner but also extend the life of your plumbing.
When to Call a Plumber
If mineral buildup is:
- Damaging your fixtures
- Causing low water pressure
- Affecting appliances like your dishwasher or water heater
…it might be time to bring in a professional.
At Ackerman Plumbing, we’ve seen it all. Hard water doesn’t just make things look dirty—it can clog pipes, reduce water heater efficiency, and shorten the life of your plumbing system.
We can help you:
- Check for hard water damage
- Install or service water softeners
- Replace damaged fixtures
- Find long-term solutions that save you money and hassle
Need Help With Hard Water in the Iowa City Area?
Hard water is common around here—but you don’t have to keep scrubbing faucets every week. Whether you want to talk about water softeners, replace old fixtures, or just get honest advice from a local plumber, Ackerman Plumbing has your back.
We proudly serve:
Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, and surrounding areas with plumbing services you can trust.
Schedule Service or Ask About Water Softeners Today
Your home doesn’t have to put up with white buildup. Let’s improve your water, protect your plumbing, and make your faucets sparkle again.
Call Ackerman Plumbing or schedule service online today.