Descale Fixtures
Remove hard water buildup from faucets, showerhead, and handles with vinegar or CLR.
Time Required
30-60 minutes
Cost
$5-15
Difficulty
Easy
What You'll Need
- White vinegar (or CLR for tough buildup)
- Plastic bag and rubber band (for showerhead)
- Old toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
- Paper towels or rags
Showerhead Method
Fill a plastic bag with vinegar
Use enough to fully submerge the showerhead. Pure white vinegar works best.
Secure around showerhead
Wrap rubber band around the bag to hold it in place. Make sure head is submerged.
Let it soak
Leave for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Longer for heavy buildup. Overnight for severe cases.
Scrub and rinse
Remove bag, scrub with toothbrush, run hot water through to clear deposits.
Faucet Method
Soak paper towels in vinegar
Saturate paper towels or rags with undiluted white vinegar.
Wrap around faucet
Cover all areas with buildup. Focus on spout, handles, and base.
Wait 15-30 minutes
Let the vinegar work. Rewet towels if they dry out.
Scrub and polish
Use toothbrush on stubborn spots, then buff dry with microfiber cloth.
For Tough Buildup
Use CLR (Calcium, Lime, Rust remover): More powerful than vinegar for severe hard water deposits.
- • Follow product directions exactly
- • Wear gloves and ventilate area
- • Don't use on brass, copper, or natural stone
- • Rinse thoroughly after application
- • Test in inconspicuous area first
Pro Tips
- •Don't use vinegar on natural stone: It can etch marble, travertine, and granite.
- •Clean aerators: Unscrew faucet aerators and soak separately for best flow.
- •Prevent future buildup: Wipe fixtures dry after each use in high-mineral water areas.
- •Replace if too far gone: Sometimes a $30 new showerhead beats hours of scrubbing.