The short answer
Soak in white vinegar or citric acid solution rather than scrubbing. Kettle: half water, half vinegar, boil, stand one hour, rinse twice. Taps: vinegar-soaked cloth bagged around the fitting for two hours.
Limescale is calcium carbonate. Acid dissolves it; abrasives just scratch the chrome around it.
Step by step
- Kettle: fill halfway with equal parts water and white vinegar, boil, leave one hour, rinse twice and boil once with clean water.
- Taps: soak a cloth in vinegar, wrap it around the fitting, bag it and leave two hours.
- Shower head: unscrew and submerge in citric acid solution overnight.
- Glass screens: citric acid spray, ten minutes, squeegee.
- Never use abrasive pads on chrome — the scratches hold future scale.
- Prevent: squeegee the shower daily and consider an inline filter in hard-water areas.
What it costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| White vinegar | $2–$4 |
| Citric acid powder | $6–$12 |
| Shower filter | $25–$60 |
| Whole-house softener | $500–$1,500 installed |
Common questions
Is descaling safe for kettles?
Yes, but rinse twice and discard the first boil.
Vinegar or citric acid?
Citric acid smells better and works slightly faster. Vinegar is cheaper.
Does scale cost money?
Yes — scale on heating elements measurably increases energy use.