Acid

Substances containing acids, such as some metal-cleaning products, white vinegar, and lemon juice, are good choices for removing mineral deposits. Wear latex or rubber gloves to protect your skin while working with any acid.

However, acids such as vinegar aren't good choices for some everyday cleaning tasks. Oily soils and greases encountered in the household are themselves acidic, so alkaline cleaners which neutralize the acids are a better choice.

Acidic solutions such as lemon juice or vinegar also have mild germ-killing properties.