7 effective ways to get rid of scale in a kettle

It is practically impossible to avoid the formation of scale on the walls of devices intended for boiling water. Therefore, even the owners of a water installation with a filtration system should know how to clean the kettle from scale. It is impossible to ignore limescale, because this is not just an aesthetic disadvantage of a dirty yellow or gray-white color, but also a serious blow to the functionality of the device. A dense layer of scale reduces the speed and quality of heat transfer. A stainless steel product may not react to this, but an electric device, in which the heating element is primarily affected, after some time will not withstand overloads and will break. When boiling water in an enameled kettle, this also goes unnoticed - the liquid heats up more slowly, which at times increases gas consumption.

Another important point - if you do not remove the scale in the teapot, then its particles, breaking off as a result of physical and chemical reactions, will constantly fall into the finished drink. The accumulation of such elements in the body will certainly not lead to anything good.

Descaling Rules

Descaling at home involves thorough cleaning using specialized products. It can be ready-made products, which are presented in a huge assortment in hardware stores or affordable household products that can be found in every kitchen.

Tip

Paradoxically, a professional tool in this case is not the best choice. Most often, it does not cope with the task, but noticeably affects the further quality of boiled water. This is due to the complex chemical composition of the tap fluid in modern cities, which leads to unpredictable results.

To get rid of scale in the kettle, you can use one of the seven most effective approaches:

• Soda Processing. A solution of soda allows you to remove even the most dense formations. Pour five tablespoons of the powder into the container, fill it with water, bring to a boil and let it boil for at least 20 minutes. A soda test is not recommended for an electric kettle.
• Citric acid cleansing. A universal approach that helps remove thin and medium plaque. Suitable for all types of dummies. Even an electric device with a glass or plastic case can be easily subjected to such a treatment. Pour a tablespoon of citric acid into the functional container, fill it with water and bring to a boil. Do not boil one solution for a long time, it is better to take a little more citric acid and repeat the approach. If the layer of lime is too thick, you can apply a little citric acid powder on a damp plastic sponge or brush and rub it gently.
• Vinegar application. With the help of apple or table vinegar, it is possible to soften a very dense coating that has been accumulating for months. This is a fairly aggressive technique and at home it can be used only in the most extreme cases. Fill a third of the capacity with vinegar, add water to fill. The solution must be boiled over low heat for at least half an hour. The smell of vinegar at the same time will fill the whole room, it is necessary to take care of ventilation.
• Peel elimination. If you put lemon, apple or potato peelings into a teapot, add water and boil it, and then leave it to cool, you can wash loose lime formations.
• Brine Based Product. When fighting scum at home, tomato or cucumber pickle helps well. It must be poured into a container and boiled for several minutes.True, getting rid of the specific smell of the product is then quite difficult. In some cases, even treatment with soda or citric acid does not help.

• Coca-Cola Processing. Carbonated drinks are unhealthy, but they have found their application in everyday life. "Sprite", "Fanta" or "Coca-Cola" can be washed not only plaque on the walls of the kettle, but also old rust on the plumbing. Before as clean the kettle from descaling in a similar way, it is necessary to release all the gas from the drink, or the bubbles will cover the entire kitchen. The product is simply poured into a kettle and brought to a boil. With Coca-Cola and Fanta, it’s better not to take risks when processing transparent instruments, here Sprite is more suitable.
• Intensive comprehensive approach. It provides for the consistent application of several chemical methods.

 
Despite the apparent aggressiveness of such products, their effect on the walls and elements of the kettle will be more gentle than mechanical processing. It is forbidden to scrub lime scale with a metal washcloth, regardless of the degree of strength of the material from which the device is made.

An effective and safe technique for removing old formations

To descale in the kettle, the layer of which is several millimeters and has been accumulating for months, you will have to resort to a complex method. First, the container is washed and cleaned with soda, after which a solution of soda is boiled in it. Drain the liquid, but do not rinse the kettle. Pour a solution of citric acid into it. You need to do it at the rate of a teaspoon of powder per liter of water. Ideally, the combination of two components should lead to the formation of bubbles, this indicates the correct course of chemical reactions. After treatment with soda and lemon, vinegar is applied.

At the end of the procedure, it is recommended to boil the kettle three times, each time changing the water to fresh. This will eliminate the taste of soda and vinegar, get rid of exfoliated lime. Such an aggressive way is categorically not suitable for electrical appliances!

No matter how useful such approaches bring, you can not abuse them. Chemicals gradually corrode not only scale, but also the walls of the device, which reduces its functionality and increases the risk of harmful compounds.