Why is formed scale in the kettle: what is in scale, the reasons of its occurrence, why it is necessary to deal with scum in a teapot.

Perhaps it is no secret that one of the main enemies of the appliance heats the water - whether the water heater, washing machine or kettle, is scale. Due to the formation of a whitish plaque appliances often reduce heat intensity or completely stop working. On the nature of the appearance of scale, as well as on how and why it is necessary to fight, will be discussed in this article.

Causes of limescale in the kettle

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

Precipitating calcium salts and magnesium get us into 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, scale gradually increases in thickness and is becoming a serious threat for the device, and for lovers of tea and coffee. The fact that the surface coated with a layer of scale, which consists of large amounts of magnesium and calcium, there is a favorable environment for the development of bacteria and other microorganisms. Precipitate itself has good insulating properties, contributing to failure of the appliance.

The water hardness determined by a special pH-scale. If the pH value is 7 in the fluid, then it is neutral. If less than 7, the medium in it - sour, otherwise - is alkaline. Water with alkaline medium is rigid.

Calcium carbonate is one of the main "culprits" stiffness is moderately soluble in water element. However, with an increase in water temperature gradually crystallizes and precipitates. This process begins at a temperature of 40 ⁰C and is accelerated with its further increase. Gradually, by heating to the heating of hard water, a precipitate formed in the kettle.

Why do you have to deal with scum in a teapot

The consequences of scaling can be viewed in the context of harm to humans and household appliance.

In the first case, serious damage to calcium-magnesium solids cause can not. The only reason for the excitement are favorable conditions for the spread of bacteria in the resulting environment. But for this to wash the dishes before use quite regularly. With regard to the kettle, the bacteria in it are killed at the next boiling.

For the device the same effects of hard deposits on the heating element can have very unpleasant consequences. Primarily significantly deteriorating the heat transfer from the heat source to the side of the heated fluid. In the formation of the layer of only a few millimeters, the heating water can be spent by 30% more energy. This directly leads to an increase in the electricity bill, and tea - not the most low-power appliance.

But if the heat is not transmitted to the liquid, and electricity is wasted, where does energy come from? It concentrates on the heater, causing a high probability of overheating and failure.

How can I get rid of the scum

To avoid breakdowns, need time to get rid of the sludge production. To do this very well suitable acid. In the case of the kettle acid should be harmless to health, so that after the descaling device can be further used for other purposes - for food purposes. Consider the most popular options for cleaning up:

1. Acetic acid. Boil 1 liter water, pour it into 100 ml of acetic acid. Leave the solution in the kettle for 1 hour then pour off together with the dissolved salt precipitate. After this procedure is recommended 1-2 idle boiling for flushing solution residue.
2. Lemon acid. The cleaning solution can be prepared from citric acid. It's enough to just a couple of spoonfuls of money for the same amount. Further, the sequence of operations is similar. Boil, leave in the kettle, after peeling the scale drained and washed.
3. Carbonated drinks. More original way is via purification kettle soda containing acid. It is recommended to use a colorless drink (Sprite, Seven Up). To do this, you need to completely remove the gases from the liquid, pour it into a ½ liter volume in the device, bring to a boil, let cool and drain.

Prevention of scale deposits in the kettle

In addition to combat limescale already formed, it is also possible to apply preventive measures to prevent its occurrence. To do this, follow these simple rules:

• completely drain after boiling water - it is not necessary to leave the device until cool;
• use pure water for heating - to run the liquid from the water through filtration system, or use the drinking water, purchased in the store;
• as an alternative to the preceding claim, possible to use pre-settled water;
• before turning on the kettle, rinse;
• from time to time produce a prophylactic cleaning by the means described in the section above.

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