Descaling Your Hot Water Pot: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you have a hot water pot, you've probably noticed some weird white spots on it. These are merely mineral deposits from your water, likely calcium and magnesium, and they can affect your dispenser's functioning and even damage the heating element. Luckily, there are several easy solutions to decalcify your hot water pot! You can use a commercially-made descaler or decalcification product, or a natural solution such as vinegar, citric acid, or lemons. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to decalcify your hot water pot using a natural solution:

Use vinegar or lemon juice to descale

Vinegar and lemon juice are both effective ways to descale your hot water pot. They are mild acids that can break down limescale, which is caused by a buildup of calcium and magnesium deposits from hard water.

To descale your hot water pot using vinegar, start by filling the pot with equal parts water and white vinegar until it is about half full. Boil the mixture and then let it sit for at least a few hours or overnight. In the morning, the limescale should come away easily. Rinse the pot thoroughly to remove any lingering vinegar odours, and boil fresh water after the treatment. Repeat this process if there is any scale left.

You can also use lemon juice in place of vinegar. Simply squeeze the juice of a few lemons into a mixture of tap water and follow the same steps as above.

It is important to note that you should not boil the vinegar or lemon juice mixture, as this will fill your kitchen with a strong odour. Additionally, be sure to rinse the pot several times after descaling to ensure all traces of the acid are removed. This process should be done every three to eight weeks to prevent limescale buildup and keep your hot water pot clean and functioning properly.

Use a universal descaler

To decalcify your hot water pot, you can use a universal descaler. This is an effective way to remove limescale from your kettle or hot water pot. The active ingredient in most universal descalers is amidosulfonic acid, an acid that is environmentally friendly and won't damage your kettle or pot.

• Start with an empty hot water pot. Make sure it is unplugged and completely cooled down before cleaning.
• Pour 150ml of the universal descaler liquid into the pot. You can use a product like Durgol Descaler Universal, which is designed for universal use and can be used for up to 7 descaling rounds.
• Fill the pot with fresh water up to the level where the lime buildup stops.
• Let the solution soak for up to 30 minutes. The acid in the descaler will work to break down the limescale and mineral deposits.
• After soaking, pour out the contents of the pot.
• Rinse the pot thoroughly with fresh water. You can fill the pot with water and boil it to ensure that any residue is flushed out.
• If there is still some limescale buildup, you may need to repeat the process or use a mild abrasive to scrub away any remaining deposits.
• Dry the interior of the pot thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Finally, wipe down the exterior of the pot with a clean, damp cloth, and then dry it with a soft cloth.

By following these steps and using a universal descaler, you can effectively remove limescale and mineral deposits from your hot water pot, ensuring it is clean and safe to use.

How to descale a hot water dispenser

A hot water dispenser is a convenient appliance to have in your kitchen, but it requires regular cleaning and descaling for better performance. Over time, hard water can cause limescale buildup, which affects the functioning of your dispenser and may even damage the heating element. Luckily, descaling a hot water dispenser is a simple process that can be done using common household products. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to descale your hot water dispenser:

Step 1: Prepare the Dispenser

Before you begin descaling, it is important to unplug the dispenser from the power source. Remove any water from the dispenser, either by draining it through the spigots or by removing the cap at the rear. If your dispenser has a reservoir, you may also need to remove it for easy cleaning.

Step 2: Create a Descaling Solution

Limescale is caused by mineral deposits, mainly calcium and magnesium, in your water. To remove these deposits, you will need an acidic solution. Common household items that can be used for descaling include vinegar, citric acid, and lemons.

For vinegar or lemon juice, create a solution with a 1:1 ratio of the acidic substance to water. Fill the dispenser with this solution until all the affected areas are covered. For citric acid, use 25 grams of citric acid mixed with 500ml of water.

Step 3: Descale the Dispenser

Once your descaling solution is prepared, it's time to begin the descaling process. If your dispenser has a descaling button, press it to start the process. If not, simply plug in the dispenser and let the solution boil.

After boiling the solution, allow it to sit in the dispenser overnight. The acid in the solution will work to break down the limescale buildup.

Step 4: Rinse and Inspect the Dispenser

After allowing the solution to sit overnight, empty the dispenser and check the interior for any leftover mineral deposits. If there is still limescale remaining, you can repeat the descaling process or use a gentle cleaning tool, such as a soft cloth, sponge, or bottle brush, to scrub away the remaining deposits.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Dispenser

Once the limescale has been removed, thoroughly rinse the dispenser to remove any residue. Fill the dispenser with clean water and boil it. Discard the water and repeat this process once or twice to ensure that all traces of the descaling solution are gone.

Finally, dry the interior of the dispenser with a soft, lint-free cloth. You can also wipe down the exterior of the dispenser with a clean, damp cloth and dry it with a soft towel.

The frequency of descaling will depend on how often you use your hot water dispenser and the hardness of your water. It is generally recommended to descale your dispenser every three months or so. However, if you notice a significant buildup of limescale before then, you may need to descale more frequently.

Removing calcium deposits from cookware

If you've noticed white spots on your pots and pans, it's likely due to calcium buildup or other mineral deposits. Luckily, removing calcium deposits from your cookware is a fairly simple process. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to help you remove those pesky spots and keep your cookware looking like new!

Vinegar and Water Method:

• Start by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in the affected pot or pan. White vinegar is preferred as it has a milder odour.
• Place the pot or pan on the stove and slowly heat the mixture until it reaches a gentle boil.
• Let the mixture simmer for approximately 15 minutes, then remove it from the heat and allow it to cool down.
• Once the mixture is at room temperature, pour out most of it and wipe away the spots with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh abrasives, as these can scratch the surface.
• If any spots remain, repeat the process or use baking soda and a rag or bottle brush to gently scrub them away.
• Finally, wash the pot or pan as you normally would before using it for cooking again.

Tang Method:

• Alternatively, you can use Tang fruit drink mix as a cleaning agent. Its high ascorbic acid content can effectively remove calcium deposits.
• Add a small amount of Tang powder to your dishwasher or directly into the affected pot or pan.
• Run the dishwasher cycle or boil some water in the pot or pan to allow the Tang to work its magic.
• After the cycle is complete or the water has boiled, remove any remaining residue with a soft cloth or sponge.

Other Tips:

• To prevent scratches on stainless steel, avoid using harsh abrasives.
• Always clean your cookware as soon as possible after cooking to prevent food residue from drying and becoming more difficult to remove.
• If you have hard water, consider using a water filter to reduce the amount of calcium and other minerals that can cause buildup.
• Repeat the above processes as needed, and remember to descale your cookware every three months or so to maintain optimal results.

How often you should descale

Descaling your hot water pot is an important step in maintaining your appliance. The frequency of descaling depends on several factors, including water hardness and usage.

If you live in an area with hard water, such as London and the surrounding southeast regions, limescale can quickly build up. Hard water contains a high amount of minerals, typically calcium and magnesium, which cling to the elements inside your hot water pot, affecting performance and causing damage over time. Therefore, it is recommended to descale your appliance every three months.

However, if you live in an area with soft water, which has a low mineral content, you may not need to descale as frequently. Soft water can help reduce limescale build-up, extending the time between descaling sessions. In this case, descaling once a year should be sufficient.

Additionally, the frequency of descaling also depends on how often you use your hot water pot. If it is used daily, such as in an office setting, it is recommended to descale more regularly, ideally once a month.

By regularly descaling your hot water pot, you can prevent the build-up of limescale, improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your appliance.

Frequently asked questions