A TikTok user has shared a simple method to remove limescale from a shower head using a 10-minute soak in white vinegar and water, leaving it looking 'better than new'.
The Hack
Lucy Kalice, who describes herself as a wannabe domestic goddess, posted a video to her 117,000 followers showing how she cleaned her shower head. She said: "I haven't cleaned this shower head since we moved back in here 5 months ago and it's got to the point where the water is coming out of that shower head in all different directions, which is always a clear sign it needs a clean."
Another sign to clean the shower head is dust at the top. Lucy used a mixture of white vinegar and water, letting it sit for about 10 minutes while she cleaned. She said: "So the only thing that I used to clean the shower head was a mixture of white vinegar and water. I let it sit for about 10 minutes while I cleaned this, white vinegar is really good for cleaning limescale which this shower head had lots of."
Why White Vinegar Works
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which breaks down and dissolves alkaline calcium carbonate mineral deposits safely. It is a cheap method that is gentle on most metal fixtures. To use it, fill a sturdy plastic bag with the liquid and submerge the shower head, securing the bag tightly to the shower arm. Leave it to sit for 10 minutes, then remove and wipe away the residue.
For descaling other surfaces, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray and soak the area for 30 to 60 minutes, scrub with an old toothbrush, and rinse. For a kettle, fill it with half white vinegar and half water, let it sit for one hour, then boil. Allow to cool, pour out the solution, and rinse thoroughly. Citric acid also works well for kettles.
