Limestone is a calcium carbonate deposit left when water evaporates from a surface. Over time, the accumulations of this mineral cause the formation of white crystals that block, for example, drains, filters and taps. Fortunately, regular cleaning with vinegar or a different acidic substance of chemical origin can eliminate limescale and allow the free flow of water.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove Limescale from Appliances
Step 1. Fill 1/4 fill of the kettle or coffee maker with white wine vinegar
Let it sit for an hour.
Step 2. Add tap water until the tank is completely full
For a perfect cleaning of the kettle, use the handle of a wooden spoon to break up the residual calcium carbonate before adding the water.
Step 3. Turn on your appliance to heat the water and allow it to flow through the device
Discard the water and completely empty the tanks.
Step 4. Repeat the process two more times using plain tap water to remove all traces of vinegar
Step 5. Use a similar method to remove limescale from the dishwasher and washing machine
Pour 250-500ml of white wine vinegar into the bottom of the basket. Let it sit for a couple of hours.
Step 6. Run a wash cycle with hot water without loading the appliance
Method 2 of 3: Remove the limescale from the toilet
Step 1. Reduce the water level slightly by adjusting it under the lid of the bowl
The detergent will be less diluted and consequently more effective on limescale deposits.
Step 2. Mix 500-750ml white wine vinegar and borax equal parts. Pour the solution directly into the toilet bowl
Let it sit for two hours.
Step 3. Scrub the toilet bowl vigorously with a toilet brush
Use a pumice stone to remove stubborn limescale. Run the water.
Step 4. For hard-to-remove deposits, purchase a bottle of CLR cleaner (calcium, limescale, rust)
Use it according to package directions to remove stubborn limescale or limescale mixed with rust.
Method 3 of 3: Remove limescale from shower and sinks
Step 1. Disassemble the shower head
Soak the individual parts in the vinegar. Then rinse them and reassemble them.
Step 2. Fill a bag with white wine vinegar
Wrap it around the parts of the shower head that cannot be disassembled and secure it with a rubber band. Leave it on for at least an hour. Remove the bag. Run hot water through the shower head.
Step 3. Dip some paper towels in the vinegar and wrap them around the limestone-covered metal parts of sinks, taps, etc
Leave them in place for at least two hours, soaking them several times in the vinegar as needed.
Rub the parts with hot water and a sponge
Step 4. Clean the plastic parts with a diluted vinegar solution
Use one part vinegar and three parts water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray it on the plastic areas and then rinse them off with warm water.