On Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:04:44 -0800 (PST), David
wrote:

Hello,

We live in a very hard water area and the kettle scales up very very
quickly, I have always used de scaler tablets or powder to de scale
the kettle however I was wondering if there was another way of doing
it as the price of de scaler is working out to be quite expensive.

I have Googled it and most people suggest vinegar, bicarbonate of soda
or lemon juice, somehow I don't have any faith in those things.

Vinegar works a treat - a 50/50 mix with water is usually sufficient,
just bung in enough to cover the element plus a bit more for luck,
then pop the kettle on. You might have to turn it off just before the
boil to prevent foaming.
You can vary the mix if you have a lot of scale to remove - even use
neat vinegar.

I've always used it in my kettles and dishwashers - never been tempted
to try anything harsher.

Regards.



--
Stephen Howard
Woodwind repairs & period restorations
http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk