Lactic acid: a natural way of removing limescale

Lactic acid: a natural way of removing limescale

Thursday, 24 November, 2022

One of the most common challenges faced when cleaning bathrooms is to effectively remove limescale.

Indeed, once it gets into any area that has been in contact with water it proves highly difficult to remove and is very resistant to elimination.

However, do you know what limescale is and where it comes from? Or indeed, more importantly, do you know how to effectively remove it?

If you are keen to find out, please read on because this article will answer every one of these questions.

Figure 1: A bathroom showing successful limescale removal

What is limescale?

Let’s start from the beginning: limescale that we find in bathrooms is calcium carbonate (CaCO3) mainly, with a smaller proportion of magnesium carbonate, which comes from water or, to be precise, its hardness.

Water contains natural calcium and magnesium salt ions. These ions are known as water hardness, and their value depends on the area they come from.

When using tap water in our homes, these salts accumulate and as water evaporates from surfaces their remains are left behind. This is known as limescale.

Limescale can build up in any spot that is in contact with non-deionised water, such as a tap, a screen, a tile, a toilet bowl, etc

The problem is not merely one of appearance. Owing to their high porosity, these deposits contribute to the build up of all kinds of dirt. Consequently, it is essential to remove them as early as possible, because as time goes by limescale becomes a nuisance that is almost impossible to get rid of.

Lactic acid: much more than a limescale removal product

There are several products that can eradicate limescale. Due to the many benefits they offer, some of the most popular ones available are lactic-acid-based products.

Lactic acid is a weak organic acid that plays a vital role in many biological processes. It is obtained through lactic fermentation of sugar or starch, or through chemical synthesis.

Nevertheless, in detergents lactic acid is more widely known due to its anti-limescale action.

This is not all. It also performs biocide action and has the ability to regulate pH. If we also point out the fact that it has a natural, biodegradable and non-toxic origin for both humans and the environment, we have an optimal product in every respect.

Figure 2: Range of anti-limescale products

Comindex’s anti-limescale proposal

At Comindex we are offering you the GALACID product from our represented company Galactic.

It is an 80% lactic acid product, ideal for the formulation of anti-limescale products, ranging from detergents for descaling machines to cleaning products for the home.

It can also be used in descaling products for coffee machines since it does not affect the aroma or the taste of coffee, in addition to offering limescale deposit removal properties.

Moreover, unlike citric acid – another acknowledged descaler – lactic acid does not corrode metal parts, it is less abrasive and it does not lead to cracking owing to tension in plastic materials.

The definitive step to combating limescale: lactic acid

As you can see, not only is lactic acid highly effective, it also offers a host of benefits compared to other descalers.

Are you ready to remove limescale naturally and effectively?

Take advantage of all the benefits afforded by lactic acid and incorporate it into your anti-limescale formulations.

Do you have any queries in relation to this topic? Contact our technical sales advisors who will be only too willing to address it. We are here to help!

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