A method of removing mineral scales from a substrate with minimized corrosion of the substrate includes the steps of providing an acid solution providing a corrosion inhibitor solution, applying the acid solution to the substrate to remove mineral scales therefrom, and applying the corrosion inhibitor solution to the substrate to minimize corrosion thereof. The acid solution includes a mineral acid, an organic acid, or a combination thereof. The corrosion inhibitor solution includes an alpha-beta unsaturated aldehyde, a hydrophobic amine, and an oxime. The corrosion inhibitor solution optionally includes formic acid, a surfactant, and a solvent.