Why does scale form in the kettle?

It is probably no secret that one of the main enemies of an electric appliance that heats water - whether it be a water heater, washing machine or kettle, is scale. Due to the formation of a whitish coating, devices often reduce the intensity of heating or completely stop working. The nature of the appearance of scale, as well as why and how to deal with it, will be discussed in this article.

Causes of scale in the kettle

From water pipes in our apartments, as well as from wells in suburban areas, water flows containing impurities dissolved in it. The more these impurities, the more precipitate is formed when it is heated. The amount of scale formed, including in the kettle, is due to the degree of hardness of the water, for which calcium and magnesium compounds in the liquid are responsible.

When precipitated, calcium and magnesium salts fall into our cups with hot drinks. In such quantities, they can not greatly harm the body. Settling for a long time on the heating element of an electric kettle, the scale gradually grows in thickness and becomes already a serious threat to both the appliance and tea and coffee lovers. The fact is that on the surface covered with a layer of scale, which consists of a large amount of magnesium and calcium, there is a favorable environment for the development of bacteria and other microorganisms. The sediment itself has good heat-insulating properties that contribute to the failure of the electrical appliance.

Water hardness is determined by a special pH scale. If the pH value in the liquid is 7, then it is neutral. If less than 7, then the medium in it is acidic, otherwise alkaline.Water with an alkaline medium is called hard.

Calcium carbonate, one of the main “culprits” of hardness, is a moderately soluble element in water. However, as the water temperature rises, it gradually crystallizes and precipitates. This process starts at 40⁰C and accelerates with its further increase. So gradually, from heating to heating hard water, a precipitate forms in the kettle.

The consequences of scale formation can be considered in the context of harm to humans and household appliances.

In the first case, calcium-magnesium solids cannot cause serious harm. The only reason for excitement is favorable conditions for the spread of bacteria in the resulting medium. But for this, it is enough to regularly wash the dishes before use. As for the kettle, the bacteria in it die during the next boil.

For the device, the consequences of solid deposits on the heating element can have very unpleasant consequences. First of all, the heat transfer from the heat source to the side of the heated fluid is significantly deteriorated. With the formation of a layer of only a few millimeters, 30% more energy can be spent on heating the water. This directly leads to an increase in the electricity bill, and the kettle is far from the most low-power appliance.

But if heat is not transferred to the liquid, and electricity is wasted, where does the energy go? It concentrates on the heater, as a result of which there is a high probability of its overheating and failure.

In order to avoid breakdowns, it is necessary to get rid of the precipitate formed in a timely manner. Acid is very suitable for this. In the case of a kettle, the acid must be harmless to health, so that after descaling, the device can continue to be used for its intended purpose - for food purposes. Consider the most popular cleaning options:

1. Acetic acid. Boil 1 liter of water, pour 100 ml of acetic acid into it. Leave the solution in the teapot for 1 hour, then drain along with the dissolved salt precipitate. After this procedure, it is recommended to produce 1-2 single boils to flush the remainder of the solution.
2. Lemon acid. The cleaning solution can be prepared from citric acid. For this, just a couple of spoons of the product for the same amount is enough. Further, the sequence of actions is similar. Boil, leave in the teapot, after peeling off the scum, drain and rinse.
3. Carbonated drinks. A more original way is to clean the kettle with soda containing acid. Colorless drinks (sprite, seven up) are recommended. To do this, completely remove the gases from the liquid, pour it in a volume of ½ liter into the device, bring to a boil, allow to cool and drain.

Prevention of the appearance of scale in the kettle

In addition to combating the already formed scum, it is also possible to apply preventive measures that prevent its occurrence. To do this, observe the following simple rules:

• after boiling completely drain the water - no need to leave it in the device until it cools completely;
• use clean water for heating - drive the liquid out of the water supply through the filtering systems or use the drinking water purchased in the store;
• as an alternative to the previous paragraph, you can use pre-settled water;
• flush the kettle before turning it on;
• From time to time, carry out preventative cleaning using the products described in the section above.

Any technique requires careful operation and proper care. Then its service life will be long.