Prevent Limescale build-up
Limescale is the hard, off-white, chalky deposit found in kettles, irons or any other appliance that regularly heat water via a heating element.
What is Limescale?
The type of limescale deposited on small electrical appliances such as Kettles, Irons and Teasmades has the main component of calcium carbonate.
Limescale occurs when water has evaporated and the remaining sediment attaches itself to various internal components. Limescale isn’t just ‘off white’. It can be any shade of white, grey, brown or green depending on the nature of the terrain through which rain water drains.
It’s extremely hard to clean and seriously impairs the operation of your appliance.
Limescale Zones
Limescale build-up will seriously damage your product. If you live in the Red or Yellow areas, its very important to take steps to reduce limescale damage to your product.
Kettles, Coffee Makers, Teasmade:
- A ‘tainted’ taste to the water
- Poor heat transfer causes overheating.
- Mineral deposit build up and limescale flakes
- Poor performance and poor energy efficiency
- Clogging and eventual leaking
- Iron mineral deposits on stainless steel parts (looks like rust)
Remedy
Inspect the product regularly and de-scale using proprietary limescale tablets or solutions.
Descaling might be required every few weeks in really hard water areas to keep your machine functioning optimally. If in doubt as to whether your area has hard or soft water, check with local utility companies or use our handy zone map!
Espresso Machines
- Clogged milk steamer
- Mineral deposit build up and limescale flakes
- Colder temperatures of water
- Poor tasting coffee
- If left untreated, internal rusting
Remedy
When descaling your coffee machine, it is advised to use one of the following de-scaling agents: Citric Acid solution, White Vinegar solution or a commercial descaling product. Before you decide on an approach, it is always best to check your owner’s manual to see if there are any restrictions or recommendations for descaling your machine.
Whilst there is some difference between the compartments in semi-automatic and manual espresso machines, the general descaling process remains the same. This involves filling up your machine’s reservoir with your chosen cleaning solution (diluted with water) and running the machine in the exact same way you would usually make a coffee. After completing your descaling rinse, you should fill your reservoir up with only water and repeat the run process. This should be done multiple times until the water that comes out is completely clear and odourless.
Steam Irons and Steam Generators:
- Flakes from soleplate
- Poor steam output or in some cases none at all
- Brown/Dirty water on laundry
- Clogged filters
- Broken seals inside the iron
Remedy
By far the best remedy is to use filtered or bottled water if you live in a red or Dark Grey Area. Inspect the product regularly and de-scale using proprietary limescale tablets or solutions. If your iron has a filter, change it regularly.
It is important to remember that product filters typically have a limited time span ranging from anywhere from two to twelve months. Going through the de scaling cycle without replacing the filter is still likely to damage the product and result in an overall lesser quality of use. We suggest always replacing your product filters with Swan branded filters to reduce any risk of leaks or product damage.
DO NOT USE BOILED WATER
When should you replace your filter?
In hard water areas:
- Steam Generators: In hard water areas you should aim to replace your anti-scale filter every 2-3 months
- Water Jug Filters: Aim to replace your water jug filter every month
In soft water areas:
- Steam Generators: In soft water areas you should aim to replace your anti-scale filter every 6 months
- Water Jug Filters: Aim to replace your water jug filter every 3-4 months
*These time scales are an estimate, when unsure of how often to change your filters you should always address your product handbook or speak directly to the manufacturer for more accurate information.
Limescale Remover
This product quickly and easily descales kettles, irons, steam generator irons and teasmades.
We recommend using this product as part of a regular routine to keep you appliance in peak condition. This product was tested on Swan products but will work on any branded appliance.
