The cheapest and most convenient method of removing limescale from kitchenware, electronics (including washing machines), taps, and shower heads, is already in your kitchen and waiting to be used. It’s called vinegar.
Every kitchen and bathroom has limescale (calcium carbonate), which is formed by the rapid evaporation of water. There is a lot of it on the hot water tap, but little or none on the cold water one. The good news is that it can be removed easily and cheaply with the help of its greatest enemy: acid. Acetic acid, also known as vinegar, is the cheapest and most convenient.
⚪ What kind of vinegar to use
It is always best to use white vinegar (not red wine vinegar, which can stain) with a concentration of 9%.
🧽 Purpose and use
Coffee filter or espresso
Coffee filters and espresso machines are among the most limescale-prone household objects. Mix 50% vinegar and 50% water. Fill the coffee filter tank with this mixture. Use the machine normally to allow the solution to pass through.
As a general practice, leave the liquid to work overnight and repeat the procedure the next day. Discard the solution, rinse and repeat the method with clean water. In addition, you should discard the first cup of coffee you make after this process.
The kettle
You can use the same solution as above (50% water and 50% vinegar). Fill the kettle to the top. The liquid should be boiled several times in the kettle. Leave overnight and repeat the process. Rinse with cold water and throw the first water you boil after this operation.
Pots, pans, etc.
You can easily clean kitchen utensils from limestone by boiling them in a mixture of water and vinegar (equal parts). Let them cool overnight in water. Rinse and use.
Washing machine
Vinegar remains the cheapest solution. Pour 1 gallon of vinegar into the washing machine. Place a kitchen towel inside. Make sure you use a long wash cycle. To maintain your washing machine, add half a cup of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser compartment before each wash. Fabric softeners are unnecessary! Both your fabrics and your washing machine will be protected by vinegar.
Dishwasher
Cleaning the washing machine is similar to cleaning the dishwasher. Pour vinegar into the rinsing liquid dispenser compartment before the final rinse.
Faucets and shower heads
Water faucets (especially those with hot water) and shower heads are clogged with limescale. It is still preferred to use vinegar. Take a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar (more vinegar for stubborn stains), pour it into a spray bottle and apply it directly to the limestone.
To achieve effective results, soak a cloth in vinegar, wrap it around the affected area, put a plastic bag over it, and let it sit overnight. Rinse the next day.
Put the tap filters in the water-vinegar solution and let it act overnight, as well as the removable shower heads.
The shower cabin and windows
The same solution that was applied above can be used to clean the shower cabin and even the windows. Apply it, let it work, rinse it off, and wipe it. If necessary, repeat the process.
Toilet bowl
Vinegar removes limescale from the toilet bowl too. Disconnect the tank’s tap, empty the bowl, and remove any remaining water. Using a cloth, plug the drain (remember to unplug it at the end!) and fill the bowl with vinegar. Let it stand overnight. Rub the limestone with the cloth you used to clog the drain (using a glove). Rinse several times.
