The vinegar/water solution is still good for getting any "hard water deposits" (at my house, is like a talcum powder residue) off of them so they work faster and better <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> . But wash them first and rinse and boil them after. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">