Removing limescale from a kettle

My hair is much nicer in humid climates.

Thicker, more manageable and less fly-aways.

yes same...and my curls are nicer...less frizzy.

I've never had a problem getting the shampoo out regardless of the water hardness/softness. Maybe it's the type of shampoo you use

Well, I bought some essig schmessig as an experiment.

Now it's not a patch on the powdered entkalker, but it does still work... and is more expensive... and is muuuuch slower. But it works.

I actually found it quite nice for cleaning the sink in general. Dissolving off all the deposits. I wouldn't like to do it with the powdered stuff as it looks way too chemically.

So if you have time, use expensive essig schmessig stuff. If you want to get it done cheaper and quicker, use the powdered stuff.

Oh and I dont see how the essig route is more fun than the entkalker route. They both seem to have the same effects, just at different rates.

What's the best way to 'de-kalk' a shower? My showerhead seems to be blocked in several pores/holes and I think limescale has built up. Hard to sprinkle this kettle powder stuff on it.

I was trying hard to be sensible, but I'm going to go with the rather obvious (if you're drunk) suggestion of putting the shower head in your kettle while you're descaling that.

UA, if you can unscrew the shower head from its fittings you really can soak it in Essigessenz overnight. Just don't breathe under the shower for the next few weeks (BadDoggie would give you that piece of advice too!). And unscrew the hose from the tap and pour vinegar water through it.

sarabyrd beat me too it... soaking all the stuff in essigessnce really de-kalks everything. Just open a window wide.

Yep as mentioned previously, the Essig stuff works. It mentions diluting on the bottle but my husband wanting a chemistry experiment decided to use it full force. Did wonders on the kitchen sink, tap (unscrewed and soaked), and all the fittings. But it stinks, and gets stuck in your throat when you breathe it in. Blech.

Next up is the bathroom, will see what it can do in there (unfortunately no windows to open in there )

I don't wanna stink of vinegar for 2 weeks though!

Try "Milizid" kalk remover - put some in a bucket with warm water and soak shower head. If really bad put it on neat. Works wonders.

I'm surprised no-one has mentioned Citronensäure (citric acid) yet. I used to swear by Surig Essig Essenz, until I discovered this:

Heitmann Citronensäure (scroll down the page a bit)



This stuff is a good bit more powerful than Essigessenz for removing limescale, and smells faintly of nice fresh lemons, much more pleasant than vinegar. You could in theory even make lemonade with it if you watered it down enough. They have it at Müller Drogeriemarkt, don't know about other places. I've only used the liquid version in the bottle so far, haven't yet tried the powder version. But I love it! Please please everyone, go out and buy it, so the manufacturer stays in business!

Oh, and I second BadDoggie's advice about not inhaling the fumes if you use vinegar + heat. That can be nasty!