Mineral scale refers to the hard, crusty deposits of lime, calcium and other minerals common in areas with hard water; that is, water with high levels of dissolved minerals. It is associated with heating appliances such as teakettles, coffee makers and humidifiers. It’s also found in sinks, bathtubs and showers where water has evaporated, leaving the minerals behind.

 

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Mineral deposits may combine with soap and detergents to form scum in showers and tubs.

Acid will dissolve and loosen scale. Plain, white vinegar will work, but you’ll need some patience since the acid it contains is not very strong. Soak white cloths or paper towels in vinegar, apply to the deposits and wait at least 30 minutes. The acid will soften scale so that you can scrub away the deposits. When finished scrubbing, flush with water and dry thoroughly.

Caution: Don’t scrub acrylic or fiberglass sinks, tubs, and shower enclosures or chrome plumbing fixtures with anything more abrasive than an old toothbrush or a white nylon pad. Consider using a non-abrasive scouring product such as Scrub Free or Bon Ami to avoid scratching and dulling these fiberglass or acrylics. Chrome can be removed completely by abrasive cleaning methods.

Tip: Dry bathroom fixtures after each use. Doing so will greatly reduce the frequency of scale removal. A squeegee works great on shower walls.

If the build-up is too heavy for vinegar to do the job, you may need to resort to stronger acids found in commercial de-scaling products. Before applying a de-scaler, read and understand all label instructions, particularly those advising users to wear long sleeves, protective gloves and goggles. The strong acids founds in some of these products may be harmful to skin. Hydrochloric acid is very effective in removing lime and rust from porcelain fixtures, but can burn exposed skin or eyes. Use hydrochloric acid only in a well-ventilated area.

Use only non-toxic white vinegar to de-scale the insides of appliances such as humidifiers or coffee makers. Fill appliances with vinegar and operate them; heat will aid in de-scaling interior water chambers. In case of heavy scale buildup, fill and turn on the appliance as above for a couple of minutes, and then turn it off. Allow the vinegar to work for a couple of hours (or overnight), and then turn the appliance back on to complete the cycle. When finished, flush the appliance with plenty of clean water.