is there a traditional remedy for removing limescale around a tap on my handbasin? bleach wont move it and i dont want to have to buy any large size of descaler only to use it a few times.
You need something that is acidic to remove the calcium carbonate based deposit. Vinegar works, as does citric acid. Domestic descalers are generally based on phosphoric acid which is a deal stronger in acidic power (lower pH). Whatever you use wash it off well to prevent the acid gradually eating into the chrome plating.
Lemon juice. Drench a paper towel with it and leave on the affected spot overnight. It also works on the underside of the nozzle of the taps: cut two fingers off an old rubber glove, squirt lemon juice inside and attach to the taps. (But make sure the tap doesn't drip!)