If you’ve noticed that your drinking glasses have been coming out of the dishwasher with white residue on them, it’s likely because your tap water is high in minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals, often referred to as limescale, can build up on surfaces over time, leaving behind a chalky film. If you’re bothered by the sight of limescale on your glasses, there are a few simple ways to filter it out of your tap water. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Limescale?
Tap water contains many minerals and compounds (some of which are insoluble), such as calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and calcium phosphate. As mentioned earlier, these minerals and compounds are commonly known as limescale. When a drinking glass is filled with unfiltered tap water, limescale tags along and settles in the glass. Once the water in the glass has been used, the limescale sticks around, resulting in the glass having a white residue or film.
Is Limescale Harmful to My Health?
It is understandable to be concerned after discovering limescale in your home’s tap water. There are several possible reasons limescale is in your water and determining the exact cause can be difficult. Without those answers, there’s no way to be sure your home’s water is safe or not. Fortunately, in most cases, limescale poses few health risks.
However, we still recommend that you have your home’s water supply tested and consult with a medical professional to ensure your health and safety are not at risk. There are resources, including home water tests and professional plumbers, available to help identify the substances that make up the limescale in your home’s tap water and provide guidance on how to safely address the issue. Taking control of these unknowns can help put your mind at ease.
How Can I Clean Limescale Off My Dishes?
To get rid of limescale on your drinking glasses and other dishes, there are a variety of cleaning solutions you can use, including:
- Store Bought Cleaner – Try using a store-bought cleaner specifically designed to remove mineral deposits from glass surfaces. This solution may contain acids that can effectively remove the buildup and leave behind a sparkling clean finish.
- Vinegar – You can make your own solution by combining equal parts vinegar and water in a container. Submerge the affected dishware in the solution and let them soak overnight for best results. After the dishes have soaked overnight, rinse them with warm water until the limescale stains are gone.
- Baking Soda or Lemon Juice – You can use baking soda or lemon juice along with a lint free cloth to rub limescale off your dishes. This method may take some elbow grease, but it's sure to give your dishware a thorough clean.
How Can I Filter Limescale Out of My Home’s Tap Water?
Filtering limescale out of your house’s tap water is the best way to prevent it from leaving a white residue on your drinking glasses and other dishes. In some cases, a filter that you can attach to your sink’s faucet will do, or a filtered water bottle or jug. Many modern refrigerators provide homeowners with filtered water. However, the best way to ensure that all the water in your house is free of limescale is to install a whole home water filter.
There are many benefits to installing a home water filter, such as:
- It can protect the health of you and your loved ones by removing harmful contaminants from your home’s tap water.
- Whole home water filters also improve the taste and odor of your tap water.
- Investing in a home water system can save you money because it eliminates the need to buy bottled water.
Bottom line, installing a home water filter ensures you know exactly what’s in your drinking water and gives you peace of mind.
At Meyer’s, our licensed and insured plumbers can diagnose any issues that your home’s plumbing system is experiencing and repair the problem quickly and effectively. For more information about Meyer’s, including how we’ve helped customers overcome plumbing problems in the past, read our customers’ reviews.
If you need help with a home plumbing issue, call us at (219) 240-0610 or reach out to us online today. We’re available 24/7 for emergency plumbing service. We offer financing options and coupons.
