Have you noticed your coffee maker, kettle, or showerhead accumulating limescale or mineral deposits over time? If so, it’s probably time to descale them to improve their performance and prolong their lifespan. Descaling is the process of removing these build-ups that can affect the taste of your beverages or the flow of water.
When it comes to descaling, you have two options: using a store-bought descaling solution or making your own DIY recipe. But which one is better?
DIY Descaling Solutions
Making your own descaling solution at home can be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than buying a commercial product. You may also have some of the ingredients already in your kitchen.
One common tried and tested recipe for descaling involves mixing equal parts of water and white vinegar. You can pour this solution into your coffee maker, kettle, or showerhead and let it sit for a while before rinsing it thoroughly with water. Cleaning a kettle with a solution of lemon juice and water is also a safe and natural option for decaling. Not only will it get rid of chalky deposits, but it also smells fantastic.
Another option is citric acid, which is a natural compound found in citrus fruits. It’s safe, natural, and an ideal eco-friendly descaler. It does have a lower pH level than vinegar, so whilst it will take a little longer to work, the smell will not be as harsh. Dissolve a tablespoon of citric acid in a cup of hot water and use it to descale your appliances or fixtures.
While DIY descaling solutions can be effective, they might not work as well as commercial products for some types of build-ups or materials. They also usually take a lot more time to work, meaning you’ll have to leave the solution in your appliance for anywhere between half an hour to overnight.
The odour of vinegar or citric acid can be strong and unpleasant, and you need to be careful not to damage your appliances or surfaces with acid. By descaling your kettle or coffee machine naturally, you’ll need to boil your water multiple times to get rid of the taste.
Store-Bought Descaling Solutions
Descaling solutions are safe and effective methods of descaling your machine. Store-bought descaling solutions are specifically formulated to tackle various types of mineral deposits and limescale, and they often come in convenient single-use packets or bottles. These are specifically formulated for descaling your appliances and will keep your machine running smoothly.
Descaler products can be more effective than DIY solutions and often have added benefits such as deodorising or sanitising. Not only that but using specific descalers can sometimes take only minutes to get the job done, meaning you can get back to using your appliances sooner.
However, commercial descalers can be more expensive than making your own solution. Always follow the instructions carefully and avoid using them on surfaces that can be damaged by acids or bases.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between DIY and store-bought descaling solutions depends on your preferences, needs, and budget. If you have time, want to save money, and prefer natural ingredients, you can try making your own solution. If you want a quick and reliable solution that targets specific build-ups, a commercial product might be a better option.
Take note however that some manufacturers may not honour a warranty claim if you do not use their recommended method of descaling.
Whichever option you choose, remember to descale your appliances or fixtures regularly to prevent build-up and maintain their performance. Check the manufacturer's recommendations or consult a professional if you're not sure how to descale a particular item. Happy cleaning!
