Materials (exact amounts)
- 500 ml white vinegar for the shower head
- 250 ml white vinegar and 250 ml warm water for the tap
- 1 plastic bag and 1 rubber band
- 1 old toothbrush and 1 wooden toothpick
- 1 microfibre cloth
Step by step
1.- Unscrew the shower head and soak it in a bowl with 500 ml of white vinegar for 1 hour. If it does not unscrew, fill a bag with 250 ml of vinegar and 250 ml of warm water and tie it on with the rubber band so the head is submerged.
2.- On the tap, wrap the limescale area in a cloth soaked in the vinegar and water mix and leave it 30 minutes.
3.- Scrub the edges and crevices with the toothbrush, and clear the holes with the wooden toothpick.
4.- Rinse with plenty of water, run the tap for a few seconds and dry with the microfibre cloth so marks do not return.
Why it works
White vinegar contains acetic acid, which reacts with calcium carbonate and dissolves it little by little. That is why it works better by soaking than by scrubbing hard.
Safety and precautions
Do not use vinegar on marble, polished granite or other natural stone, because the acid damages them. Do not leave it long on gold-plated taps or special finishes: test a small area first. Ventilate and do not mix it with bleach.
Common mistakes and how often to repeat
If the limescale is very thick, repeat the process or soak for 2 hours. To prevent it, dry the tap after use. Repeat every 2 to 4 weeks if your water is very hard.
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