Gransnet forums

House and home

Taps - what do you do?

(31 Posts)
StephLP Mon 25-Apr-22 08:58:58

No problems with cleaning round the 'normal' taps in our bathroom and kitchen (use a toothbrush!) but those pesky taps in the downstairs toilet are on a corner sink and very close to the wall. I've tried everything to get behind them. Recently bought a selection of wire brushes but they are useless bend very easily and don't scrub hard enough! Resorted yesterday to a cocktail stick - but yes, it kept breaking. Do I need to grow a curly finger nail or is there a better solution please?

Joseanne Tue 26-Apr-22 16:48:39

Thanks. I've always wanted to meet Deborah Meaden in person!

Elegran Tue 26-Apr-22 16:39:27

I'd have to share the dosh with Baggs, she suggested the onion bags. You can be chief demonstrator. I hope you have your glamorous outfit ready!

Joseanne Tue 26-Apr-22 16:38:42

Sorry, I think maybe it was Baggs who made the suggestion.

Joseanne Tue 26-Apr-22 16:24:03

Crikey Elegran. Get your invention on Dragons' Den now! And invite me along as your demonstrator. I've just tried the onion bag method with a spray of Viakal for that cheeky under rim of my vanity sink where it joins the cupboard. It gets very dirty and gunky and I can't get a toothbrush under it. Hey presto, it came up sparkling!
Tip ..... when tying the onion bags together make sure you snip off the metal fasteners at the ends of the joins so as not the scratch the surface.

Audi10 Mon 25-Apr-22 22:03:32

Scrunchy shower balls I’d use with viakal

Elegran Mon 25-Apr-22 20:51:53

Yes, probably. Good to find a use for them. Report back if it works.

Baggs Mon 25-Apr-22 19:55:12

Would a net onion bag or two work the same way do you think, elegran?

Elegran Mon 25-Apr-22 19:24:13

Abrasive but not scratchy!

StephLP Mon 25-Apr-22 17:13:25

Elegran

I use one of those net puffballs that are intended (I think) for scrubbing yourself in the shower. Get it wet and then squeeze it behind the tap and pull it from side to side. If necessary, use a squirt of Cif or some of Juliet's vinegar and bicarb. If the puffball is a bit elderly and has started to fall apart, so much the better - the strips of net are more effective once they are a bit loose. It is amazing how much dirt you can remove. It can be used to scrub the wash-basin and around the plughole too, and has a handy loop to hang it on a tap to drip-dry.

What a brilliant suggestion Elegran. Thank you!

Joseanne Mon 25-Apr-22 16:20:32

Those puff ball things sound ideal for the shower base when a build up of conditioner makes it sticky. And I could do it with my foot without having to bend. Job for tomorrow. Thanks.

Elegran Mon 25-Apr-22 15:01:03

There was a spell a few years ago when every Christmas I received at least two sets of soap/shampoo/conditioner/puffball. They got put away at the back of the airing cupboard and forgotten about. I was so pleased when I discovered this use for them!.

lixy Mon 25-Apr-22 14:55:19

Elegran A use for those puff things at last! smile

Elegran Mon 25-Apr-22 14:50:28

I use one of those net puffballs that are intended (I think) for scrubbing yourself in the shower. Get it wet and then squeeze it behind the tap and pull it from side to side. If necessary, use a squirt of Cif or some of Juliet's vinegar and bicarb. If the puffball is a bit elderly and has started to fall apart, so much the better - the strips of net are more effective once they are a bit loose. It is amazing how much dirt you can remove. It can be used to scrub the wash-basin and around the plughole too, and has a handy loop to hang it on a tap to drip-dry.

TillyTrotter Mon 25-Apr-22 14:26:00

Could you try a plastic stick from a manicure set (to push cuticles back with)?

grandtanteJE65 Mon 25-Apr-22 14:11:02

I use a plastic toothpick - they last longer than the wooden one.

fairfraise Mon 25-Apr-22 14:04:30

An old mascara brush or even an old interdental brush is good for getting behind tight fitting taps.

Sago Mon 25-Apr-22 10:13:41

My steamer power washes it all away.

Redhead56 Mon 25-Apr-22 10:03:01

Bleach and pipe cleaner

Witzend Mon 25-Apr-22 09:57:23

Viakal. Spray on, leave for a while, and if it’s awkward to get to, use something like a pipe cleaner. (Available in pound shops around here, in the crafts section.)

henetha Mon 25-Apr-22 09:53:55

Ah, it's a really small space. Then I think what Juliet says sounds like a good idea.

StephLP Mon 25-Apr-22 09:49:13

lixy

I do the same as Juliet27
Please not a curly finger nail!!

smile

StephLP Mon 25-Apr-22 09:48:34

henetha

I keep an old toothbrush for this.

I can't fit a toothbrush behind the taps henetha - do use one on the bathroom taps though.

StephLP Mon 25-Apr-22 09:47:37

Juliet27

How about a vinegar and bicarbonate mixture left on it for 10 mins or so then put a j cloth behind the tap and rub back and forth…if that makes sense?!

Thank you Juliet27. Shall definitely try this!

lixy Mon 25-Apr-22 09:42:47

I do the same as Juliet27
Please not a curly finger nail!!

J52 Mon 25-Apr-22 09:41:01

A copper pence ( do we call them pennies?) rubbed gently across calcium build up removes it.
It’s all in the science!