11 Diwali Cleaning Hacks That Don't Require a Week Off

10. Tap and Showerhead Mineral-Deposit Fix

Materials needed: white vinegar, plastic bag, rubber band or twist tie, an old toothbrush, soft cloth. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it around a showerhead or faucet so the fixture is submerged in vinegar. Let it soak for 15–30 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits, then scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse. For fixed fixtures, wrap a vinegar-soaked cloth and let it sit before wiping clean. Time estimate: 20–30 minutes including soak time. Pro tip: for chrome finishes, finish with a soft cloth buff to restore shine and avoid abrasive scrubbing that can scratch surfaces. Vinegar’s acidity helps break down limescale quickly and is a common, low-cost solution in home-cleaning guides (India Today documents vinegar as effective on mineral buildup).