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The scale in the kettle worries every housewife. It not only spoils the appearance of the device, prevents the water from boiling faster, but also leads to breakage. Also, scale is extremely dangerous for the body, as it interferes with the normal functioning of the kidneys and excretory system.
Using filtered water, you temporarily put aside the problem, but someday scale will still form and you will have to remove it. Therefore, advice on how to do this without damaging the heating element will always come in handy.
Rules for use of the electric kettle
But first, let's talk about what will prevent it from forming quickly and extend the life of your kettle:
- do not boil the same water several times, it is harmful to your health;
- do not set the appliance to heat if it is less than half full;
- make sure that the cover is tightly closed;
- do not let various objects get inside the kettle;
- do not clean it with harsh abrasive products or metal sponges;
- Do not touch the heating surface, do not try to clean it mechanically;
- do not clean the electric kettle with soda, it will paint the walls;
- descale at least every two weeks.
If you did not know about the rules for using the kettle before, now remember them and observe them. Then it will serve you much longer than its useful life.
Methods for descaling the kettle
In household chemistry stores you can be offered special tools to help clean the inside of the device from deposits, but do not rush to purchase them. The composition of such powders contains a lot of chemistry, which is dangerous for health if it comes into contact with the skin and the body. Better try traditional methods that are also effective, but also safe.
Table vinegar
The most popular method is to use vinegar. Dilute it with water 1 to 10 and fill in the kettle until the middle. Let it boil and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then repeat the procedure two or three more times and rinse the kettle well. If there are particles of scale left on its walls or heating element, then fill in new water with vinegar and do the whole process again. But next time, do not bring it to such a state.
When the cleaning is finished, fill with plain water and boil the kettle. Pour, fill in a new one and substitute again to warm up. The water poured a third time can already be drunk without fear that vinegar remains in the kettle.
Lemon acid
Another cleaning method is the use of citric acid. Dissolve 20 gr. powder in a liter of warm water and pour into the device. Leave to work for 4 hours and then drain. After that, evaluate how clean your kettle is. If there are traces of scale left on it, then pour it again with diluted citric acid.
In the case when the scale layer is several millimeters, this method will not work. Will have to do differently. Pour the solution and heat it several times. After citric acid, it is enough to boil the kettle with clean water only once.
Cleaning with vinegar and citric acid
If you have never previously cleaned your kettle and a decent layer of scale has accumulated on it, then try the method described below. Pour vinegar solution with water into the appliance, boil it and leave it to cool. Then drain and fill with diluted citric acid. Bring to a boil again and wait until the water is cold. Alternate these tricks three times, and then, if all the scum has not been removed, carefully scrape it off with a sponge.
Instead of these solutions, you can use strained brine from cucumbers.It also contains vinegar and citric acid. Just fill it in a kettle and boil. Then rinse the inside of the appliance well and boil the water idle once.
Soda
You can clean the electric kettle with soda. To do this, boil water in it, and then add 3 teaspoons of soda to it and mix well. After half an hour, drain the solution and repeat the whole process. After cleaning, do not forget to boil the water without additives once and drain it. This will help get rid of soda residues on the walls.
Do not try to scale with undiluted soda powder, it has harsh abrasive properties and will scratch the surface of the heater. If boiling does not help, add in addition to it one tablespoon of acetic acid. When the soda begins to be extinguished, it will even dissolve the petrified scale.
Useless ways to clean the kettle from plaque
The invention of homemakers knows no bounds, and they go to new tricks to get rid of the hated raid quickly and without extra costs. Do not repeat their mistakes and do not waste your time on useless exercises, in this case it is better to get a decalcifier.
Coca-Cola or Sprite
To some, this method may seem effective, but do not console yourself with illusions. Citric acid, which is part of each of these drinks, helps to cope with the plaque. Only its pure powder is several times cheaper than sweet water and has no dyes or harmful preservatives.
Peeling and peeling
The fact is that the main substance that dissolves scale is again acid, but it is contained in a minimum amount that does not affect the result. In addition, if a foreign object gets on the heating surface, it will ruin it.
Take care of your kettle, clean it in a timely manner with the above methods, do not leave water overnight, use only filtered water, and then it will last a long time. Do not forget that clean kitchen appliances are the key to your health.
Video: how to descale the kettle in 3 minutes
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