How to Get Rid of Tap-Water Mineral Deposits

If the water coming out of your tap contains too much calcium or magnesium, you'll find white deposits, known as lime scales, on your kitchen appliances and fixtures. A common kitchen ingredient is just as effective as a special cleanser--without the harsh chemicals.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Distilled Vinegar
• Old Toothbrush
• Paper Towel

1. Combine 1 part distilled vinegar and 1 part water.

2. Run a pot of the mixture through your coffeemaker to flush out lime deposits, pouring and heating it as if you were making coffee. Follow with plain water.

3. Fill your teakettle with the diluted vinegar and simmer for 10 minutes. Leave for 1 hour and then rinse well.

4. To remove the foggy, white film on drinking glasses, soak them for 10 to 15 minutes in the vinegar mixture.

5. To clean faucets, soak a paper towel with undiluted vinegar. Wrap the faucet well and leave it for 1 hour, moistening the towel with more vinegar if needed. Remove the towel and wipe the faucet clean. Scrub hard deposits with an old toothbrush.

6. If you have laminate or wood surfaces in your kitchen, you can clean them with the vinegar-water solution. Be careful--marble, slate and granite can be damaged by stray drops of an acidic solution.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a rinsing agent in your dishwasher to extend its life and prevent lime buildup.