Generally speaking, you can remove limescale buildup easily enough using vinegar, but sometimes it’s not as simple as just wiping down a flat surface with a cloth and being finished. Here are some tips on how to effectively remove limescale from various surfaces and fixtures.
Showerheads
When showerheads become blocked with mineral deposits, the best thing to do is to soak the affected area in vinegar. That’s not exactly easy to do if you don’t know how to remove your showerhead, or simply don’t want to go to the trouble. Luckily, you don’t have to. Simply soak a cloth in vinegar, wrap the cloth around the showerhead tightly, and secure it with a rubber band. Leave the vinegar-soaked cloth on the showerhead for a couple of hours, then remove it and wipe off the vinegar –the limescale deposits should come right off too.
Washing Machines & Dishwashers
Add a cup of vinegar to your washing machine or dishwasher and run the machine as you would normally, but without any laundry or dishes. This allows the vinegar to get into all of the hard-to-reach areas of the dishwasher and/or washing machine and get rid of limescale buildup that may cause blockages and damage your machine.
Coffee Makers & Kettles
Coffee makers and kettles can get limescale buildup inside them, which leads to blockages, poor functioning, and bad tasting beverages. To remove mineral buildup from kettles, fill the kettle a quarter of the way up with vinegar and let it sit for an hour. After the hour is up, fill the kettle the rest of the way with water and put it on to boil. Once it boils, pour out the water/vinegar mixture and rinse out the kettle several times to get rid of any vinegar taste.
For coffee makers, the process is similar. Simply fill the water compartment of your coffee maker a quarter of the way with vinegar, let it sit for an hour, then fill it the rest of the way up with water and turn the machine on to heat the water. Allow the water/vinegar mixture to drip through the coffee maker and when it is done, pour out the mixture and rinse out the coffee maker a few times.
Need help with any plumbing issues? Get in touch today.