Question about steaming christmas pud and vinegar!

[RememberToPlaywiththeKids]

Someone suggested that I throw a lug of vinegar in to the pan I use to steam the christmas pud.

1. Do i need to if I use softened water?
2. What kind of vinegar?
3. Does it affect the christmas pud flavour / smell?!

i suggested this on another thread
i use malt vinegar in the water
it doesn't affect the pud at all it's purely to save your saucepan from getting damaged during the lengthy steaming process

Use lemon juice if you don't want the smell of vinegar through the kitchen - works just the same.

oh yes lemon does smell nicer!

is it to counteract the limescale in the water? is that what causes the damage?