Held Prisoner in Hampton Roads

2CH3COOH + CaCO3

-----> Ca(CH3COO)2 + H2O + CO2 *


The water in this part of Campania is very heavy in minerals, particularly calcium. When the lawn sprinklers at the base spray the cars, the water leaves white deposits that are very hard to remove. About the only thing that will work is a dilute solution of 25% white vinegar.

The trick is to dip a dish scrubber in the mixture, scour the windshield and wipe it quickly with paper towels.

The vinegar/water mixture takes the calcium right off. The only problem is that after cleaning the car, I smell like I just finished first in the 100 meter douche.

*For those who remember zip about chemistry:
acetic acid + calcium carbonate --> calcium acetatae + water + carbon dioxide.

(Don't feel bad. I had to look it up)