How to Get Rid of Tap-Water Mineral Deposits

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (14 Ratings)

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Combine 1 part distilled vinegar and 1 part water.
Step2
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.
Step3
Fill your teakettle with the diluted vinegar and simmer for 10 minutes. Leave for 1 hour and then rinse well.
Step4
To remove the foggy, white film on drinking glasses, soak them for 10 to 15 minutes in the vinegar mixture.
Step5
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.
Step6
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.

Comments

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frizzak said

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on 5/7/2008 Get a vwp system. www.vwp-usa.com

frizzak said

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on 5/7/2008 Get a VWP system. www.vwp-usa.com

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I have a vacation cabin that has very hard well water. In order to keep mineral deposits from forming, I pour about 1/2 cup of white vinegar into the bowl when I leave the cabin. I have no problem with rings forming, although my neighbors complain that they have this problem.

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eHow Article:  How to Get Rid of Tap-Water Mineral Deposits

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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