Limescale deposits: those little ghosts that turn metallic surfaces into milky works of art! Can I get rid of them myself, or do I need to call in the ghostbusters?

Instruments riddled with holes like Swiss cheese? Small, iridescent holes on the surface? A clear case of pitting corrosion! How can this happen, where does it come from, and what should I do?

Usually, soft water is recommended as a minimum for the cleaning of surgical instruments. But is soft water the same as softened water?